Below is every ingredient in Paula S Choice Boost 10 Niacinamide Booster 20 Ml 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.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin used in skincare to support the skin barrier, regulate sebum, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve signs of aging. It is well-tolerated across a wide range of concentrations (commonly 2-10%).
Acetyl glucosamine is an amino-sugar derivative used in skincare for hydration, support of the skin barrier, and to help even skin tone by influencing melanin production and as a precursor to hyaluronic acid synthesis. It is often combined with niacinamide to enhance effects on hyperpigmentation.
Ascorbyl glucoside is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is enzymatically converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and helping to brighten and even skin tone. It is commonly used as a gentler alternative to pure L-ascorbic acid.
Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant naturally present in skin that helps neutralize free radicals and support cellular energy production. In topical formulations it is used to reduce oxidative stress and signs of photoaging.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the major polyphenolic catechin derived from green tea, used in topical formulations for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps neutralize free radicals and may reduce UV-induced oxidative damage in the skin.
Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-glycation properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) associated with skin aging. It is typically incorporated into anti-aging and protective formulations.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient stinging or burning | Uncommon | Usually brief and resolves with continued use or lower concentration. |
| Redness or facial flushing | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or in sensitive skin. |
| Mild dryness or irritation | Uncommon | Often related to other formulation components or overuse. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Genuine sensitization to niacinamide is uncommon. |
| Mild irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Usually transient, more likely on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Redness or erythema | Rare | Typically mild and resolves after discontinuation. |
| Mild transient irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin |
| Dryness | Rare | Occasionally reported, often formulation-dependent |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on compromised or sensitive skin or at high concentrations. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated case reports. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically mild and self-limiting upon discontinuation. |
| Skin dryness/tightness in low-humidity conditions | Uncommon | Can draw moisture from skin if not sealed with an occlusive in very dry environments. |
| Temporary tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | More noticeable at higher concentrations; formulation-dependent rather than a true adverse reaction. |
| Skin dehydration in very dry/low-humidity environments | Rare | At high concentrations without occlusives, glycerin may draw moisture from deeper skin layers rather than the air. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Niacinamide (Vitamin B3 Key active Skin-conditioning active / antioxidant | Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin used in skincare to support the skin barrier, regulate sebum, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve signs of aging. It is well-tolerated across a wide range of concentrations (commonly 2-10%). |
| Acetyl Glucosamine (Skin Replenishing/Antioxidant) Key active Skin-replenishing / exfoliant precursor | Acetyl glucosamine is an amino-sugar derivative used in skincare for hydration, support of the skin barrier, and to help even skin tone by influencing melanin production and as a precursor to hyaluronic acid synthesis. It is often combined with niacinamide to enhance effects on hyperpigmentation. |
| Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C/Antioxidant) Key active Antioxidant / brightening agent | Ascorbyl glucoside is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is enzymatically converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and helping to brighten and even skin tone. It is commonly used as a gentler alternative to pure L-ascorbic acid. |
| Butylene Glycol (Hydration) Humectant/solvent | Butylene glycol is a small glycol used in skincare as a humectant that draws water into the skin and as a solvent that helps dissolve and distribute other ingredients. It also improves product texture and can act as a mild preservative booster. |
| Phospholipids (Skin Replenishing) Skin-replenishing / barrier-support | Phospholipids are lipid molecules naturally present in cell membranes that help reinforce the skin's barrier, retain moisture, and serve as emulsifiers and carriers in formulations. They support skin softness and resilience and can enhance delivery of other ingredients. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate (Hydration/Skin Replenishing) Humectant / skin-replenishing hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that binds and retains water to hydrate and plump the skin. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than hyaluronic acid, supporting the skin barrier and a smoother appearance. |
| Glycerin (Hydration/Skin Replenishing) Humectant | Glycerin is a hygroscopic humectant that draws and binds water into the skin's stratum corneum, supporting hydration and helping maintain the skin barrier. It is one of the most widely used and well-tolerated moisturizing agents in skincare formulations. |
| Ubiquinone (Antioxidant) Key active Antioxidant | Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant naturally present in skin that helps neutralize free radicals and support cellular energy production. In topical formulations it is used to reduce oxidative stress and signs of photoaging. |
| Epigallocatechin Gallate (Antioxidant) Key active Antioxidant | Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the major polyphenolic catechin derived from green tea, used in topical formulations for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps neutralize free radicals and may reduce UV-induced oxidative damage in the skin. |
| Panthenol (Skin Replenishing) Humectant / skin conditioner | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is a humectant and emollient that converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, helping to hydrate, soothe, and support the skin barrier. It is widely used in moisturizers and after-sun or post-procedure products for its skin-replenishing and calming properties. |
| Carnosine (Antioxidant) Key active Antioxidant / anti-glycation agent | Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-glycation properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) associated with skin aging. It is typically incorporated into anti-aging and protective formulations. |
| Genistein (Antioxidant) Key active Antioxidant / phytoestrogen | Genistein is a soy-derived isoflavone with antioxidant and phytoestrogenic activity, studied topically for reducing UV-induced oxidative damage and supporting collagen in photoaged or estrogen-deficient skin. It acts by scavenging free radicals and modulating estrogen-receptor pathways in skin cells. |
| Citric Acid (Ph Balancing) pH adjuster / chemical exfoliant | Citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from citrus fruits, most commonly used in low concentrations to adjust and stabilize a product's pH. At higher concentrations it functions as a mild exfoliant and antioxidant. |
| Sodium Citrate (Ph Balancing) pH adjuster / buffering agent | Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid, used in cosmetic formulations to buffer and stabilize pH and to act as a mild chelating agent. It helps maintain product stability and optimal acidity rather than providing a direct skin treatment effect. |
| Sodium Hydroxide (Ph Balancing) pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline agent used in very small amounts to neutralize and adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. At the low, balanced concentrations found in finished products it is considered safe and functions purely as a formulation aid rather than a skin-active. |
| Xanthan Gum (Texture-Enhancing) Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and texture-enhancing agent to control viscosity and prevent ingredient separation in emulsions and gels. It is considered safe and well-tolerated as a formulation ingredient. |
| Disodium Edta (Stabilizer) Chelating agent / stabilizer | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in skincare formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing discoloration, and enhancing the effectiveness of preservatives. It is a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservative) Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a glyceryl ether used in cosmetic formulations as a preservative enhancer and skin-conditioning agent, allowing reduced levels of traditional preservatives. It also provides mild humectant and deodorizing properties. |
| Phenoxyethanol (Preservative) Preservative (antimicrobial) | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used synthetic preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and functions as 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.