Below is every ingredient in Innisfree Volcanic Bha Pore Cleansing Foam 150G 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.
Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin.
Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used in skincare to help control excess sebum, support antimicrobial activity, and provide mild hydration. It is commonly included in products targeting oily and acne-prone skin.
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer is a polymer (polylactic-co-glycolic acid type) derived from alpha-hydroxy acid units, used in skincare for gentle exfoliation and as a film-forming or microsphere delivery agent. It can provide gradual release of acid monomers, offering milder exfoliating effects than free AHAs.
Madecassoside is a triterpenoid saponin derived from Centella asiatica, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-supporting properties. It is commonly used to calm irritation, support wound healing, and aid skin repair.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 dryness or tightness | Common | Soap-based surfactants derived from it can strip natural oils, especially with frequent use. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals or at higher concentrations. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Uncommon | Considered moderately comedogenic; may contribute to breakouts in acne-prone skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent but has been reported. |
| Comedogenicity (pore-clogging, potential acne aggravation) | Common | Rated highly comedogenic; may worsen acne in some individuals when used in leave-on products. |
| Skin irritation or dryness | Uncommon | Particularly in high-foaming cleanser formulations or on sensitive skin. |
| Dryness or tightness | Common | Can disrupt the skin barrier and strip natural oils with frequent use. |
| Chemical burns | Rare | Occurs primarily with concentrated raw material or improper formulation, not in finished consumer products. |
| Eye irritation or injury | Uncommon | Risk with accidental contact, particularly with cleansers near the eye area. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Typically transient and related to overuse or sensitive skin. |
| Respiratory irritation from powder inhalation | Rare | Relevant mainly to loose powder formulations during application, not topical use. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Myristic Acid Surfactant/cleansing agent | Myristic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, often reacted with alkalis to form soap-based surfactants. It contributes to foaming and texture in cleansers and other formulations. |
| Lauric Acid Cleansing/surfactant & emollient fatty acid | Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid commonly derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, used in skincare as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient. It also has documented antimicrobial activity, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes. |
| Potassium Hydroxide pH adjuster / saponifying agent | Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline compound used in cosmetics to adjust pH and to saponify fatty acids in the production of liquid soaps and cleansers. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, functioning as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment. |
| Kaolin Absorbent/clay cleanser | Kaolin is a naturally occurring soft white clay (hydrated aluminum silicate) used in skincare to absorb excess sebum, oil, and impurities. It is commonly found in face masks, cleansers, and powders as a mattifying and gentle exfoliating agent. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Lauryl Hydroxysultaine Surfactant/cleansing agent | Lauryl Hydroxysultaine is a zwitterionic (amphoteric) surfactant derived from coconut or synthetic lauryl sources, used as a secondary cleansing and foam-boosting agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It is valued for its mildness and ability to reduce the irritancy of stronger anionic surfactants. |
| Glycol Distearate Opacifier/pearlescent agent, emollient | Glycol Distearate is a diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid used primarily to impart a pearlescent or opaque appearance to cleansers and shampoos, while also providing mild emollient and thickening properties. It functions as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| Palmitic Acid Emollient / surfactant | Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as an emollient, emulsifier, and cleansing agent that helps soften skin and stabilize formulations. It is also a natural component of the skin's lipid barrier. |
| Lauryl Glucoside Surfactant/cleansing agent | Lauryl Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut/palm fatty alcohols and glucose, used as a mild cleansing and foaming agent in skin and hair care products. It is considered gentle and biodegradable, often replacing harsher anionic surfactants. |
| Polyquaternium-22 Film-forming conditioning agent | Polyquaternium-22 is a synthetic cationic polymer used in skincare and hair-care formulations as a film-former, conditioning agent, and antistatic agent. It helps improve spreadability, moisture retention, and the sensory feel of products without delivering a specific therapeutic action. |
| Fragrance / Parfum Fragrance/sensory additive | Fragrance (parfum) is a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to cosmetic and skincare products to impart scent or mask the base odor of other ingredients. It provides no therapeutic skin benefit and is included purely for sensory or marketing purposes. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| Silica Absorbent/texturizer | Silica is a mineral-derived ingredient (silicon dioxide) used in cosmetics to absorb oil and sebum, improve texture, and act as a bulking, anti-caking, or matting agent. It is generally inert and well tolerated on skin. |
| Onsen Sui Mineral-rich hot spring water (skin conditioning/soothing) | Onsen Sui is Japanese hot spring water containing dissolved minerals such as sulfur, sodium, calcium, and silica, used in skincare as a soothing and hydrating base ingredient. It is valued for purported skin-calming and conditioning properties, though clinical evidence is limited. |
| Zinc Pca Key active Sebum-regulating, antimicrobial | Zinc PCA is the zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid used in skincare to help control excess sebum, support antimicrobial activity, and provide mild hydration. It is commonly included in products targeting oily and acne-prone skin. |
| Volcanic Ash Absorbent / exfoliant | Volcanic ash is a finely milled mineral powder derived from volcanic deposits, used in skincare for its porous structure that absorbs excess oil and provides mild physical exfoliation. It is commonly found in cleansers, masks, and soaps aimed at oily or acne-prone 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. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer Key active Exfoliant / film-forming polymer | Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer is a polymer (polylactic-co-glycolic acid type) derived from alpha-hydroxy acid units, used in skincare for gentle exfoliation and as a film-forming or microsphere delivery agent. It can provide gradual release of acid monomers, offering milder exfoliating effects than free AHAs. |
| 2-Hexanediol Humectant/preservative-booster | 1,2-Hexanediol (commonly written 2-hexanediol) is a multifunctional diol used in skincare primarily as a humectant, solvent, and preservative-enhancing agent that improves the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations. It is generally well tolerated and considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Madecassoside Key active Soothing/repair active | Madecassoside is a triterpenoid saponin derived from Centella asiatica, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-supporting properties. It is commonly used to calm irritation, support wound healing, and aid skin repair. |
| Polyquaternium-10 Conditioning/film-former | Polyquaternium-10 is a cationic cellulose-derived polymer used in skincare and hair care to provide conditioning, smoothing, antistatic effects, and to form a thin film on skin and hair. It is a formulation/texture ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
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.