Below is every ingredient in Paula S Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20 Treatment 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.
Acetyl glucosamine is an amino sugar that serves as a precursor to hyaluronic acid and can help support skin hydration and barrier function. It is also studied for its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production, often used alongside niacinamide.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a plant extract rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly included to calm irritation and support skin barrier function.
Licorice root extract is a botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its skin-brightening and soothing properties, largely attributed to compounds such as glabridin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, calm irritation, and provide antioxidant benefits.
Spiraea Ulmaria (meadowsweet) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in salicylates and tannins, used in skincare for its astringent, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is often included in formulations targeting oily or blemish-prone skin.
Camellia Japonica Leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the Japanese camellia plant and is used in skincare for its antioxidant and soothing properties due to polyphenols and flavonoids. It is typically included to help protect skin from oxidative stress and provide conditioning benefits.
Acetyl glucosamine is an amino sugar and component of skin's natural glycosaminoglycans that supports hyaluronic acid production, helps improve skin hydration, and can promote gentle exfoliation and improved barrier function. It is also studied for reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, particularly when combined with niacinamide.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Typically mild and resolves with continued use or reduced frequency. |
| Erythema (redness) | Rare | Generally seen in sensitive skin or with high concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization is uncommon; patch testing advised for reactive skin. |
| Contact irritation | Rare | Mild redness or stinging possible in sensitive individuals. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated; occasional transient irritation reported, often in higher concentrations or sensitive skin. |
| Itching or stinging on application | Rare | Usually mild and self-limiting. |
| Contact irritation (redness, stinging) | Uncommon | More likely on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Cross-reactivity in salicylate-sensitive individuals | Rare | Due to naturally occurring salicylate compounds. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on compromised or sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Rare | Can occur in some individuals despite its humectant properties. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated case reports. |
| Mild transient stickiness or tackiness on skin | Common | A cosmetic sensory effect, especially at higher concentrations; not a health concern. |
| Temporary increase in skin dryness in very low humidity | Uncommon | In dry environments glycerin may draw moisture from deeper skin layers if not paired with occlusives. |
| Mild irritation or stinging | Rare | Usually associated with high concentrations or compromised skin barrier. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Acetyl Glucosamine Key active Skin-conditioning / exfoliant precursor | Acetyl glucosamine is an amino sugar that serves as a precursor to hyaluronic acid and can help support skin hydration and barrier function. It is also studied for its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production, often used alongside niacinamide. |
| Purslane Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a plant extract rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly included to calm irritation and support skin barrier function. |
| Licorice Root Extract Key active Brightening / anti-inflammatory | Licorice root extract is a botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its skin-brightening and soothing properties, largely attributed to compounds such as glabridin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, calm irritation, and provide antioxidant benefits. |
| Spiraea Ulmaria Key active Astringent/soothing botanical | Spiraea Ulmaria (meadowsweet) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in salicylates and tannins, used in skincare for its astringent, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is often included in formulations targeting oily or blemish-prone skin. |
| Camellia Japonica Leaf Key active Antioxidant/skin conditioning | Camellia Japonica Leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the Japanese camellia plant and is used in skincare for its antioxidant and soothing properties due to polyphenols and flavonoids. It is typically included to help protect skin from oxidative stress and provide conditioning benefits. |
| Pentylene Glycol (Solvent/Texture Enhancer) Solvent/humectant/texture enhancer | Pentylene glycol is a multifunctional pentose-derived diol used in skincare as a solvent, humectant, and texture enhancer, also providing mild antimicrobial activity that supports product preservation. It improves spreadability and helps hydrate the skin without being a treatment active. |
| Butylene Glycol (Slip Agent/Hydration) Humectant/Solvent (Slip Agent) | Butylene glycol is a small diol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that improves texture, slip, and ingredient delivery. It helps attract and retain moisture while enhancing the spreadability and absorption of formulations. |
| Glycerin (Skin-Replenishing) Humectant / skin-replenishing | Glycerin is a humectant that draws water into the skin's outer layers and supports the natural moisture barrier, helping to hydrate and soften the skin. It is one of the most widely used and well-tolerated moisturizing ingredients in skincare formulations. |
| Acetyl Glucosamine (Skin-Replenishing) Key active Skin-replenishing / exfoliant | Acetyl glucosamine is an amino sugar and component of skin's natural glycosaminoglycans that supports hyaluronic acid production, helps improve skin hydration, and can promote gentle exfoliation and improved barrier function. It is also studied for reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, particularly when combined with niacinamide. |
| 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. |
| Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Extract (Antioxidant) Key active Antioxidant / astringent | Spiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in salicylates and flavonoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and soothing properties. It is often included in formulations targeting oily or blemish-prone skin and to help protect against oxidative stress. |
| Portulaca Oleracea (Purslane) Extract (Antioxidant) Key active Antioxidant / soothing agent | Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and polyphenols used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is valued for soothing irritated or sensitive skin and helping protect against oxidative stress. |
| Camellia Japonica Flower Extract (Antioxidant) Key active Antioxidant | Camellia Japonica Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that helps neutralize free radicals and provides soothing, conditioning benefits in skincare formulations. It is valued for its antioxidant and skin-protective properties. |
| Epigallocatechin Gallate (Green Tea-Derived Antioxidant) Key active Antioxidant | Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenolic catechin derived from green tea (Camellia sinensis) used in topical skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps neutralize free radicals and may reduce UV-induced oxidative stress and signs of photoaging. |
| Lecithin (Skin-Replenishing) Emollient / emulsifier / skin-replenishing | Lecithin is a phospholipid derived from sources such as soybeans and egg yolk, used in skincare as an emollient, emulsifier, and skin-replenishing agent that supports the skin's barrier and helps deliver other ingredients. It is generally considered safe and well tolerated in cosmetic formulations. |
| Pullulan (Texture Enhancer) Texture enhancer / film former | Pullulan is a polysaccharide derived from fermented starch (by Aureobasidium pullulans) used in skincare to form a thin, flexible film that provides a temporary tightening or smoothing effect and improves texture and viscosity. It also functions as a binder and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. |
| Panthenol (Hydration) Humectant / skin conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, helping to attract and retain moisture while supporting skin barrier function and soothing irritation. It is widely used in moisturizers, after-sun, and reparative formulations for its hydrating and emollient properties. |
| Silica (Absorbent) Oil-absorbing/mattifying agent | Silica is an inert mineral (silicon dioxide) used in skincare and cosmetics primarily to absorb excess oil and sebum, impart a smooth matte finish, and improve texture and spreadability of formulations. It also serves as a bulking agent and anti-caking aid in powders. |
| Xanthan Gum (Thickener) Thickener / stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, widely used in skincare to thicken, stabilize emulsions, and improve texture. It is considered a base formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment component. |
| Sclerotium Gum (Thickener) Thickener/Gelling agent | Sclerotium Gum is a naturally derived polysaccharide produced by fermentation of the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, used in cosmetic formulations as a thickener, stabilizer, and texture enhancer. It helps suspend ingredients and improve the sensory feel of creams, gels, and serums. |
| Propanediol (Hydration) Humectant / solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used as a humectant and solvent that draws moisture into the skin and enhances the delivery and solubility of other ingredients. It improves a formulation's texture and hydration without the tackiness associated with some other glycols. |
| Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent) Chelating agent | Sodium phytate is the sodium salt of phytic acid used in cosmetic formulations to bind metal ions (such as iron, calcium, and copper), improving product stability and preventing oxidation and discoloration. It functions as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.