Below is every ingredient in Klairs Gentle Black Facial 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.
Eclipta prostrata (false daisy, bhringraj) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids, coumestans (wedelolactone) and other phytochemicals, used in skincare and haircare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hair-growth-supportive properties. It is most studied traditionally and experimentally for promoting hair growth and soothing the skin.
Nigella sativa (black seed/black cumin) seed extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in thymoquinone and fatty acids, valued in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It is used to support skin barrier health and calm irritation.
Fructooligosaccharides are plant-derived prebiotic carbohydrates used in skincare to selectively nourish beneficial skin microbiota and support skin barrier health. They also provide mild humectant and soothing properties in topical formulations.
Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in squalene, peptides, and unsaturated fatty acids, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is reported to support skin hydration and barrier function.
Ulmus Davidiana (Japanese elm) root extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is valued for soothing and barrier-supporting effects in topical formulations.
Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide derived from sources such as oats, yeast, and mushrooms that functions as a humectant and skin-soothing ingredient. It supports hydration, helps reinforce the skin barrier, and has been studied for antioxidant and wound-healing properties.
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. |
| Mild transient skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | More likely with high concentrations or frequent use in those with already dry or compromised skin. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Rare | Generally considered low-irritation; mild stinging possible on contact with eyes during cleansing. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization to this amino acid surfactant is uncommon and infrequently documented. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation possible at high concentrations or with prolonged contact. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging or redness if product enters the eyes. |
| Dryness | Rare | Less drying than sulfates, but excessive use may disrupt skin barrier in sensitive individuals. |
| Mild transient skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on compromised skin barriers. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Rare | Occasional case reports; patch testing can confirm. |
| Eye irritation on accidental contact | Uncommon | Relevant mainly in leave-on or rinse-off products near the eye area. |
| Mild skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with high concentrations or prolonged contact, especially around the eyes. |
| Dryness or transient stinging | Rare | More likely in sensitive or compromised skin barrier. |
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. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a gentle amino acid-derived (glycine and coconut fatty acid) anionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to produce foam and remove dirt and oil. It is valued for its mildness and skin-friendly, near-neutral pH compared to harsher sulfate surfactants. |
| Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate Surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate is a mild, amino-acid-derived (glutamic acid) anionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos for its gentle foaming and cleansing properties. It is valued for being less irritating and less stripping than traditional sulfate surfactants. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate Thickener / stabilizer | Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate is a modified starch derived from natural sources (such as corn or potato) used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a thickening, emulsion-stabilizing, and texture-enhancing agent. It is generally considered safe and well tolerated in topical products. |
| Lauroyl Betaine Surfactant / foam booster | Lauroyl Betaine is an amphoteric surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to provide gentle cleansing, foam stabilization, and viscosity enhancement. It is generally considered milder than anionic surfactants and is often combined with them to reduce irritation potential. |
| Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant / soothing agent | Hydroxyacetophenone (acetophenone-based compound, often 4'-hydroxyacetophenone) is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that can also enhance the stability and efficacy of preservative systems. It is valued for its soothing properties and helps neutralize free radicals while reducing potential irritation from other formulation components. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Chloride Thickener / viscosity adjuster | Sodium chloride (table salt) is commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening and viscosity-control agent, particularly in surfactant-based cleansers, and also acts as a mild abrasive in scrubs. It is generally well tolerated and considered a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Decylene Glycol Emollient / humectant / preservative-booster | Decylene glycol is a glycol-based ingredient used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a skin-conditioning emollient and humectant, and it also provides antimicrobial activity that helps stabilize and preserve products. It is generally considered a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Dipropylene Glycol Solvent/humectant | Dipropylene glycol is a clear, low-viscosity glycol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity-reducing agent. It helps dissolve fragrances and other ingredients while contributing mild moisture-retention properties. |
| Laminaria Japonica Extract Antioxidant/humectant (marine botanical) | Laminaria Japonica Extract is derived from a brown seaweed (kombu) and is used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and antioxidant properties, owing to its content of polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins, and fucoidan. It is generally regarded as a conditioning and protective ingredient rather than a primary clinical active. |
| Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / hair & skin conditioning botanical | Eclipta prostrata (false daisy, bhringraj) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids, coumestans (wedelolactone) and other phytochemicals, used in skincare and haircare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hair-growth-supportive properties. It is most studied traditionally and experimentally for promoting hair growth and soothing the skin. |
| Nigella Sativa Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Nigella sativa (black seed/black cumin) seed extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in thymoquinone and fatty acids, valued in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It is used to support skin barrier health and calm irritation. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid derived from lecithin through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. It also helps stabilize formulations and form liposomes that can aid delivery of other ingredients. |
| Fructooligosaccharides Key active Prebiotic / humectant | Fructooligosaccharides are plant-derived prebiotic carbohydrates used in skincare to selectively nourish beneficial skin microbiota and support skin barrier health. They also provide mild humectant and soothing properties in topical formulations. |
| Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant/conditioning agent | Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in squalene, peptides, and unsaturated fatty acids, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is reported to support skin hydration and barrier function. |
| Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical extract | Ulmus Davidiana (Japanese elm) root extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is valued for soothing and barrier-supporting effects in topical formulations. |
| Beta-Glucan Key active Hydrating soothing agent | Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide derived from sources such as oats, yeast, and mushrooms that functions as a humectant and skin-soothing ingredient. It supports hydration, helps reinforce the skin barrier, and has been studied for antioxidant and wound-healing properties. |
| Ficus Carica Fruit Extract Skin conditioning/emollient | Ficus Carica (fig) fruit extract is a botanical ingredient used in skincare for its conditioning, humectant, and antioxidant properties, owing to its sugars, vitamins, and polyphenols. It is most often included as a supportive botanical rather than a primary clinical active. |
| Centella Asiatica Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant active | Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also valued for antioxidant and collagen-supporting properties in topical formulations. |
| Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract Antioxidant/skin-conditioning | Rubus Fruticosus (blackberry) Fruit Extract is a botanical extract rich in polyphenols, anthocyanins, and vitamin C used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is included to help protect skin from oxidative stress and provide mild soothing and hydrating benefits. |
| Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Humectant / moisturizer | Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid broken into smaller fragments, allowing better penetration into the skin to bind water and improve hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums to enhance skin moisture content and surface smoothness. |
| Tuber Melanosporum Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Tuber Melanosporum Extract is derived from the black truffle fungus and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, hydrating, and skin-conditioning properties. It contains polysaccharides, amino acids, and minerals thought to support skin barrier function and a brightening effect. |
| Tocopheryl Key active Antioxidant | Tocopheryl (a vitamin E derivative, commonly tocopheryl acetate) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to help protect skin lipids from oxidative damage and to stabilize formulations. It also provides mild emollient and skin-conditioning benefits. |
| Ceramide Np Skin-barrier replenishing lipid / emollient | Ceramide NP (formerly ceramide 3) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| Glycine Soja Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant/conditioning | Glycine Soja (soybean) Seed Extract is a soy-derived ingredient rich in isoflavones, proteins, and fatty acids used in skincare for antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning effects. It is also studied for brightening and anti-aging benefits attributed to its phytoestrogen and antioxidant content. |
| Aspartic Acid Amino acid / humectant | Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid used in skincare primarily as a hydrating and conditioning agent, often as part of amino acid complexes or natural moisturizing factor (NMF) blends. It supports skin barrier function and helps maintain hydration. |
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.