Below is every ingredient in Mcaffeine 1 Salicylic Acid 1 Succinic Acid Matcha Tea Acne Arrest Spot Corrector S 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.
Camellia Sinensis (Matcha Tea) Leaf Extract is a green tea-derived extract rich in polyphenols (notably EGCG) that provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in topical formulations. It is used to help neutralize free radicals, soothe the skin, and may support protection against environmental and UV-induced oxidative stress.
Bisabolol is a naturally derived (typically from chamomile) or synthetic terpene alcohol used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is also reported to enhance penetration of other ingredients and offers mild antimicrobial activity.
Tocotrienol is a member of the vitamin E family that acts as a lipid-soluble antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect skin lipids from oxidative damage. It is often used to support the skin barrier and complement photoprotection.
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. |
| Comedogenicity (acne/clogged pores) | Common | Considered a moderately to highly comedogenic ingredient; may worsen acne or cause breakouts in acne-prone individuals. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild irritation or stinging reported, particularly on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Occasional sensitization documented in patch-test studies, though it is generally regarded as a low allergen. |
| Folliculitis | Rare | Follicular irritation linked to its occlusive and pore-clogging tendency. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores) | Rare | Considered low to non-comedogenic, but possible in acne-prone skin depending on formulation. |
| Cross-reactivity with other fatty alcohols | Rare | Sensitized individuals may react to cetyl or stearyl alcohol separately. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Rare | Possible with high concentrations in leave-on products. |
| Redness or erythema | Uncommon | Typically mild and resolves after discontinuation. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, generally in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / pore congestion | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals depending on formulation. |
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. |
| Isopropyl Myristate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Isopropyl myristate is a synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid used as an emollient, thickening reducer, and penetration enhancer in cosmetic and topical formulations. It imparts a smooth, non-greasy feel and improves spreadability of products. |
| Isononyl Isononanoate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Isononyl Isononanoate is a synthetic ester emollient used in cosmetics to impart a light, silky, non-greasy skin feel and to aid the spreadability of formulations. It functions as a base/texture ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Cetostearyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetostearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols used to thicken formulations, stabilize emulsions, and soften the skin. It functions as a non-active base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Pentylene Glycol Humectant / solvent / preservative-booster | Pentylene glycol is a glycol used in cosmetics as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, helping reduce reliance on traditional preservatives. It improves skin hydration and aids the delivery and stability of other ingredients. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Se Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl Stearate SE is a self-emulsifying form of glyceryl stearate used to blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions, also providing a softening, conditioning effect on skin. It functions as a formulation base 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. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| Peg-100 Stearate Emulsifier/surfactant | PEG-100 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Succinic Acid Exfoliant / pH adjuster | Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid used in skincare for mild exfoliation, oil control, and antimicrobial effects, often targeting acne-prone skin. It also functions as a buffering agent to adjust formulation pH. |
| 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. |
| Camellia Sinensis (Matcha Tea) Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant | Camellia Sinensis (Matcha Tea) Leaf Extract is a green tea-derived extract rich in polyphenols (notably EGCG) that provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in topical formulations. It is used to help neutralize free radicals, soothe the skin, and may support protection against environmental and UV-induced oxidative stress. |
| Squalane Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Squalane is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon derived from squalene (sourced from plants like olives or sugarcane, or shark liver) used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic for most users, and serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Bisabolol Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory agent | Bisabolol is a naturally derived (typically from chamomile) or synthetic terpene alcohol used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is also reported to enhance penetration of other ingredients and offers mild antimicrobial activity. |
| Tocotrienol (Vitamin E) Key active Antioxidant | Tocotrienol is a member of the vitamin E family that acts as a lipid-soluble antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect skin lipids from oxidative damage. It is often used to support the skin barrier and complement photoprotection. |
| Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Antioxidant/stabilizer | Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is a hindered-phenol antioxidant (also known as the industrial stabilizer Irganox 1010) used in cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fats, and other ingredients. It functions primarily as a formulation stabilizer rather than a skin-active treatment. |
| Hydrogenated Polydecene Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Hydrogenated Polydecene is a synthetic hydrocarbon emollient derived from hydrogenated polydecene oligomers, used to provide a lightweight, non-greasy occlusive film that softens skin and improves spreadability in cosmetic formulations. It serves as a base or texture-enhancing ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| Polysorbate 80 Emulsifier / surfactant / solubilizer | Polysorbate 80 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to emulsify oil and water phases and solubilize fragrances and oils in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Sodium Citrate pH adjuster / chelating agent | Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent to stabilize formulation pH and as a chelator that binds metal ions to improve product stability. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Phenoxyethanol Preservative | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used broad-spectrum preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and serves as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an 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.