Below is every ingredient in Faces Canada Gentle Cleanser explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
Neem (Azadirachta indica) extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is used in skincare to address acne, irritation, and minor skin infections.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) seed extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polysaccharides (xyloglucan) and polyphenols, used in skincare as a humectant, film-forming hydrator, and antioxidant. It also provides mild alpha-hydroxy acid (tartaric acid) activity that can support gentle exfoliation and skin smoothing.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) extract contains triterpenoids such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid that support collagen synthesis, wound healing, and skin-barrier repair. It is also valued for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in calming sensitive or irritated skin.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water is essentially inert; reactions are attributable to other formula components, not the water itself. |
| Transient skin barrier disruption from excessive exposure | Rare | Prolonged or repeated wetting can contribute to mild barrier compromise, but this relates to usage patterns rather than the ingredient. |
| Mild irritation or stinging | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; isolated reactions reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Contact dermatitis/allergic reaction | Very rare | Allergic sensitization is uncommon and infrequently documented in patch-test literature. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores/breakouts) | Rare | Low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally report congestion. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; transient irritation possible in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; GMS has low sensitization potential. |
| Comedogenicity (pore-clogging) | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone skin in some formulations. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
| Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
| Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild localized irritation can occur in sensitive individuals. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Generally considered low risk, but may contribute to clogged pores in some acne-prone users. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Purified Water Solvent/vehicle | Purified water is a highly filtered, deionized water used as the primary solvent and base in most skincare formulations. It dissolves water-soluble ingredients and provides the medium in which other components are dispersed. |
| Capric Caprylic Triglyceride Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a lightweight emollient ester derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, used to soften skin, improve spreadability, and serve as a carrier for oil-soluble ingredients. It is a common, well-tolerated base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Glyceryl Mono Stearate Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl Monostearate (GMS) is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier, thickener, and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| Sweet Almond Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Sweet almond oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis) is a plant-derived emollient rich in oleic and linoleic acids used to soften skin, reduce moisture loss, and serve as a carrier oil. It is valued for its skin-conditioning and barrier-supporting properties in lotions, creams, and massage oils. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Benzyl Alcohol Preservative / solvent | Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used primarily as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and it also provides mild fragrance and viscosity-reducing properties. It is approved for use as a preservative at concentrations up to about 1% in leave-on and rinse-off products. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| Polysorbate 20 Emulsifier / solubilizer | Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, used in skincare to solubilize fragrances and essential oils and to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Jojoba Oil Emollient / moisturizer | Jojoba oil is a liquid wax ester derived from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis, valued for its compatibility with skin sebum. It functions primarily as an emollient and occlusive agent that softens skin and helps reduce transepidermal water loss. |
| Potassium Sorbate Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
| Sodium Benzoate Preservative | Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, particularly in acidic products. It is most effective at a pH below 5. |
| Neem Extract Key active Antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory botanical | Neem (Azadirachta indica) extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is used in skincare to address acne, irritation, and minor skin infections. |
| Tamarind Extract Key active Humectant / antioxidant | Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) seed extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polysaccharides (xyloglucan) and polyphenols, used in skincare as a humectant, film-forming hydrator, and antioxidant. It also provides mild alpha-hydroxy acid (tartaric acid) activity that can support gentle exfoliation and skin smoothing. |
| Gotu Kola Extract Key active Soothing antioxidant / wound-healing botanical | Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) extract contains triterpenoids such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid that support collagen synthesis, wound healing, and skin-barrier repair. It is also valued for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in calming sensitive or irritated skin. |
| Disodium Edta Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.