Below is every ingredient in Pilgrim 5 Vitamin C Brightening Light Gel Sunscreen Spf60 Pa With Australian Kakad 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 active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E commonly used in skincare as an antioxidant and emollient. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable, water-soluble ethylated derivative of vitamin C that converts to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and pigmentation control. It is valued for greater stability than pure L-ascorbic acid while delivering similar brightening and anti-aging benefits.
Licorice root extract is a botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its skin-brightening and soothing properties, primarily attributed to compounds such as glabridin and liquiritin. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection.
Centella Asiatica (Cica) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing/barrier-supporting properties. It is commonly included in formulations aimed at calming sensitive, irritated, or compromised skin.
White tea extract is derived from minimally processed Camellia sinensis leaves and is rich in polyphenols such as catechins (notably EGCG) and methylxanthines. It is used in skincare primarily for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect against oxidative and UV-induced damage.
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 | Uncommon | Its volatility can contribute to a dry or tight feeling on the skin with frequent use. |
| Irritation | Rare | Mild irritation or stinging may occur, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization is uncommon as it is generally considered non-sensitizing. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Can cause transient stinging if it migrates into the eyes in eye-area products. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| Mild transient flushing or redness | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or in sensitive skin; usually subsides quickly. |
| Tingling, stinging, or burning sensation | Uncommon | Often associated with higher percentages or compromised barrier. |
| Contact irritation or itching | Rare | Generally dose-dependent and resolves with discontinuation. |
| Potential for comedogenicity | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals depending on formulation. |
| Concern over 1,4-dioxane trace impurities | Very rare | PEG-derived ingredients can carry trace ethoxylation byproducts; purified cosmetic-grade material minimizes this. |
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. |
| Isododecane Emollient/solvent | Isododecane is a lightweight, volatile branched-chain hydrocarbon used as a solvent and emollient in cosmetics. It spreads easily and evaporates quickly, improving texture and wear in products like long-lasting makeup, primers, and sunscreens. |
| 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. |
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| Glyceryl Stearate (And) Peg-100 Stearate Emulsifier | Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 Stearate is a widely used self-emulsifying blend that combines oil and water phases to create stable, smooth oil-in-water emulsions in lotions and creams. It also contributes to a soft skin feel and acts as a mild emollient and texture enhancer. |
| Dicaprylyl Carbonate Emollient / texture enhancer | Dicaprylyl Carbonate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut-based fatty alcohols and carbonic acid, used to improve skin feel and spreadability in cosmetic formulations. It also acts as a solvent and helps distribute pigments and other ingredients evenly. |
| Phenoxyethanol (And) Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative | A widely used preservative blend combining phenoxyethanol with ethylhexylglycerin, which also acts as a skin-conditioning agent and boosts antimicrobial efficacy. It protects formulations from bacterial, yeast, and mold contamination. |
| Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer Film-former / texture enhancer | Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer is a silicone-based crosspolymer used in cosmetic formulations to provide a smooth, soft-focus finish, improve spreadability, and form a breathable film on the skin. It is primarily a formulation and sensory-enhancing ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Film-forming/sensory-enhancing rheology modifier | Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic crosslinked acrylate polymer used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to provide a smooth, silky sensory feel, stabilize emulsions, and help form a light film on the skin. It is a formulation aid rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Tocopherol E Acetate Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning agent | Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E commonly used in skincare as an antioxidant and emollient. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. |
| 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening vitamin C derivative | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable, water-soluble ethylated derivative of vitamin C that converts to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and pigmentation control. It is valued for greater stability than pure L-ascorbic acid while delivering similar brightening and anti-aging benefits. |
| 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. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract Key active Brightening / anti-inflammatory antioxidant | Licorice root extract is a botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its skin-brightening and soothing properties, primarily attributed to compounds such as glabridin and liquiritin. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection. |
| Sodium Lactate Humectant / NMF component | Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid and a key component of skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), used to hydrate the skin and buffer formulation pH. It also has mild exfoliating and humectant properties that help maintain skin moisture and barrier function. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| Polyacrylate-13 (And) Polyisobutene (And) Polysorbate 20 Rheology modifier / emulsion stabilizer | A pre-neutralized liquid thickener blend used to stabilize emulsions and provide consistent viscosity in cosmetic formulations. It functions purely as a texturizing and stabilizing system rather than delivering a skin treatment benefit. |
| Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract Key active Soothing / antioxidant botanical extract | Centella Asiatica (Cica) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing/barrier-supporting properties. It is commonly included in formulations aimed at calming sensitive, irritated, or compromised skin. |
| Camellia Sinensis Leaf (White Tea) Extract Key active Antioxidant | White tea extract is derived from minimally processed Camellia sinensis leaves and is rich in polyphenols such as catechins (notably EGCG) and methylxanthines. It is used in skincare primarily for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect against oxidative and UV-induced damage. |
| Titanium Dioxide Key active UV filter / mineral sunscreen | Titanium dioxide is an inorganic mineral compound used primarily as a physical (mineral) sunscreen agent that reflects and scatters UV radiation, and also serves as a white pigment and opacifier in cosmetic formulations. It is broadly photostable and considered gentle, making it common in products for sensitive and pediatric skin. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin to improve hydration and surface plumpness. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than native hyaluronic acid. |
| Water (Aqua) Solvent / vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble ingredients and forms the continuous phase of emulsions. It hydrates the skin temporarily but does not act as a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Alcohol Solvent / penetration enhancer | Alcohol (typically ethanol or denatured alcohol) is used in skincare as a solvent, antimicrobial agent, and to improve product spreadability and rapid drying. It also enhances penetration of other ingredients and gives a lightweight feel to formulations. |
| Achyrocline Satureiodes Flower Extract Key active Antioxidant/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Achyrocline Satureiodes Flower Extract is derived from the South American 'marcela' plant and is rich in flavonoids (such as quercetin and luteolin) and phenolic compounds, valued in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It is used to help protect skin against oxidative stress and calm irritation. |
| Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Plantago Lanceolata (ribwort plantain) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and mild antimicrobial properties, attributed to compounds like aucubin, allantoin, and tannins. It is commonly included to calm irritated or sensitive skin. |
| Sodium Pca Humectant | Sodium PCA (sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It is widely used in cosmetics as a water-binding humectant to hydrate and soften the skin. |
| Fabiana Imbricata Leaf/Stem Extract Key active Antioxidant / botanical extract | Fabiana Imbricata (pichi) leaf/stem extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare primarily for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to its polyphenol and flavonoid content. It is typically included to help protect skin against oxidative stress and support overall skin tone. |
| Verbascum Thapsus Extract Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical | Verbascum Thapsus (mullein) extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its soothing, emollient, and antioxidant properties, attributed to flavonoids, saponins, and mucilage. It is typically included to help calm irritation and provide a softening effect on the skin. |
| Glutathione Key active Antioxidant / skin-brightening agent | Glutathione is a tripeptide antioxidant used in skincare for its melanin-modulating and antioxidant properties, often promoted to reduce hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. Topical efficacy data is limited and variable, with stronger systemic effects associated with oral or intravenous routes. |
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.