Below is every ingredient in Pixi Vitamin C Serum 30 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.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, and citric acid, used in skincare for its antioxidant, brightening, and mild astringent properties. It is often included for toning and as a natural fragrance or freshening agent.
Ferulic acid is a plant-derived phenolic antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps protect skin from UV-induced oxidative damage. It is frequently combined with vitamins C and E to enhance their stability and photoprotective effect.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity.
Caffeine is a topical active used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and ability to constrict blood vessels, which may temporarily reduce puffiness and the appearance of under-eye darkness. It is also studied for reducing localized fluid retention and protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress.
Microcitrus Australis (finger lime) fruit extract is derived from an Australian native citrus and is used in skincare as a source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acids (citric acid). It is valued for mild exfoliating, brightening, and skin-conditioning properties.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Common | Citrus extracts and oils can cause stinging or redness, especially in sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Fragrance components such as limonene and linalool are recognized contact allergens. |
| Phototoxicity | Uncommon | Furocoumarins (e.g., bergapten) in citrus oils may cause photosensitivity and pigmentation with sun exposure. |
| Contact urticaria | Rare | Immediate hives on contact reported in sensitized individuals. |
| Mild stinging or tingling on application | Common | More likely at higher concentrations or low pH, and on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Transient redness (erythema) | Uncommon | Usually temporary and resolves after acclimation or reducing frequency. |
| Dryness or skin irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with frequent use or in combination with other actives. |
| Yellow-orange skin staining from oxidized product | Rare | Caused by degraded (oxidized) formulations rather than the fresh active itself. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible at higher concentrations, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Enhanced irritation from co-formulated actives | Uncommon | By increasing penetration, it may intensify the effects or irritation potential of other ingredients. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Can occur with accidental contact in concentrated form. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| 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. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| grapefruit Antioxidant/fragrance | Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) extract or essential oil is used in skincare for its vitamin C, flavonoids, and aromatic properties, contributing antioxidant and fragrance functions. It is often included for purported brightening and toning effects. |
| Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening active | Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen. |
| Ethoxydiglycol Solvent / penetration enhancer | Ethoxydiglycol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether) is a glycol ether used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and viscosity reducer that helps dissolve active ingredients and improve their skin penetration. It is considered a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Water Hydrating/aromatic floral water | Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Water is the aqueous distillate obtained from grapefruit, used in cosmetics as a fragrant, mildly toning water-phase ingredient. It contributes light citrus scent and trace botanical compounds rather than acting as a primary treatment 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. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Soothing/humectant | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and emollient properties, often included to calm irritation and improve skin moisture. It functions primarily as a base/conditioning agent rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract Key active Antioxidant/astringent botanical extract | Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, and citric acid, used in skincare for its antioxidant, brightening, and mild astringent properties. It is often included for toning and as a natural fragrance or freshening agent. |
| Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin) Orange Fruit Extract Skin conditioner / fragrant botanical extract | Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin) Orange Fruit Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant compounds, light fragrance, and skin-conditioning properties. It contains natural flavonoids, vitamin C, and trace citrus oils that may contribute mild soothing and brightening effects. |
| Ferulic Acid Key active Antioxidant | Ferulic acid is a plant-derived phenolic antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps protect skin from UV-induced oxidative damage. It is frequently combined with vitamins C and E to enhance their stability and photoprotective effect. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| Caffeine Key active Antioxidant / vasoconstrictor | Caffeine is a topical active used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and ability to constrict blood vessels, which may temporarily reduce puffiness and the appearance of under-eye darkness. It is also studied for reducing localized fluid retention and protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress. |
| Microcitrus Australis Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant / brightening exfoliant | Microcitrus Australis (finger lime) fruit extract is derived from an Australian native citrus and is used in skincare as a source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acids (citric acid). It is valued for mild exfoliating, brightening, and skin-conditioning properties. |
| Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract Key active Exfoliant/antioxidant | Microcitrus Australasica (finger lime) fruit extract is derived from an Australian citrus and contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids, vitamin C, and other antioxidants. It is used in skincare for mild exfoliation, brightening, and antioxidant protection. |
| Beta-Carotene Key active Antioxidant / provitamin A colorant | Beta-carotene is a carotenoid pigment and provitamin A antioxidant used in skincare to help neutralize free radicals and provide mild orange-yellow coloration. It can be converted to retinol in the body and is also valued for supporting skin defense against oxidative stress. |
| Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid (commonly derived from soybean or egg) used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and penetration enhancer. It helps stabilize oil-and-water formulations and supports the skin barrier by mimicking natural lipids. |
| Citrus Glauca Fruit Extract Key active Skin conditioning / antioxidant | Citrus Glauca (Australian desert lime) fruit extract is used in skincare as a botanical conditioning agent, valued for its content of vitamin C, organic acids, and polyphenolic antioxidants. It is typically included to provide brightening and protective antioxidant effects in topical formulations. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract is a botanical extract rich in carotenoids (beta-carotene), vitamins, and antioxidants used in skincare for its conditioning and antioxidant properties. It is commonly included to support skin tone and provide protective benefits against oxidative stress. |
| Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract Antioxidant / fragrance / skin conditioning | Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract is derived from the peel of sweet oranges and is used in skincare for its antioxidant content, natural fragrance, and skin-conditioning properties. It contains flavonoids, vitamin C, and limonene-rich essential oil components. |
| Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract is a botanical extract derived from grapefruit, used in skincare for its antioxidant vitamin C and flavonoid content, mild astringent properties, and as a natural fragrance component. It is generally included in formulations to support skin brightening and conditioning rather than as a primary clinical active. |
| Citrus Junos Peel Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical extract | Citrus Junos (yuzu) Peel Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, and aromatic compounds, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is typically added to formulations for its purported brightening and protective effects against oxidative stress. |
| Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract Soothing/fragrance agent | Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract is a botanical derived from peppermint leaves, used in skincare for its cooling sensation, mild antimicrobial properties, and aromatic qualities. It contains menthol and other volatile compounds that provide a refreshing feel but can also irritate sensitive skin. |
| Retinol Key active Vitamin A derivative / anti-aging active | Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that converts to retinoic acid in the skin, promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen synthesis. It is widely used to address fine lines, photoaging, and acne. |
| 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. |
| Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate Natural preservative | Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a fermentation-derived ingredient produced by culturing Leuconostoc bacteria on radish roots, yielding antimicrobial peptides used as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. It helps protect water-based cosmetic formulations from microbial growth while sometimes contributing mild conditioning properties. |
| Punica Granatum Extract Key active Antioxidant | Punica Granatum (pomegranate) Extract is a botanical ingredient rich in polyphenols, ellagic acid, and punicalagins used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is studied for protecting against oxidative stress and supporting skin barrier function. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin Solubilizer / stabilizer | Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin is a modified cyclic oligosaccharide used in skincare to encapsulate and solubilize poorly water-soluble actives, improve stability, and reduce irritation or odor of certain ingredients. It functions primarily 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. |
| Phospholipids Emollient / skin-conditioning agent and liposome-forming emulsifier | Phospholipids are amphiphilic lipids (commonly derived from soy or egg lecithin) used in skincare to form liposomes, stabilize emulsions, and reinforce the skin barrier. They also enhance penetration and delivery of other actives. |
| Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil Emollient / antioxidant | Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in linoleic acid, tocopherols, and phytosterols used in skincare to soften skin, reinforce the barrier, and provide mild antioxidant activity. It functions primarily as a base emollient rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight emollient derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, used to soften skin, improve spreadability, and act as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients. It is well-tolerated and serves primarily as a base ingredient rather than an active. |
| Sodium Acrylates Copolymer Thickener / film-forming stabilizer | Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic anionic polymer used to thicken, stabilize, and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations, often forming a smooth film on the skin. It functions primarily as a rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Benzoate Preservative | Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, particularly in acidic products. It is most effective at a pH below 5. |
| Potassium Sorbate Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
| Sodium Sorbate Preservative | Sodium sorbate is the sodium salt of sorbic acid, used in cosmetic and skincare formulations as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria. It is generally considered a low-irritation preservative and functions best in mildly acidic formulations. |
| Citric Acid pH adjuster / AHA exfoliant | Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from citrus fruits, used primarily to adjust and buffer formulation pH and as a chelating agent, and at higher concentrations as a mild chemical exfoliant. It can promote surface cell turnover and is sometimes included in antioxidant or brightening products. |
| 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.