Below is every ingredient in Plum 10 Niacinamide Face Serum With Rice Water 30Ml 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.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative used in skincare for antioxidant protection, brightening, and support of collagen synthesis. It converts to ascorbic acid in the skin and is valued for its greater stability compared to pure L-ascorbic acid.
Citrus Reticulata (Mandarin) Peel Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, and limonene used for its antioxidant and skin-brightening properties. It is typically included as a secondary active or aromatic additive rather than a primary treatment compound.
Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) fruit extract is an Australian native botanical exceptionally high in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and other antioxidants such as ellagic and gallic acids. In skincare it is used to combat free-radical damage, support collagen, and promote a brighter, more even skin tone.
Rosa Damascena (Rose) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, and is also used as a natural fragrance and toning agent in skincare. It contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and aromatic compounds that may help calm and hydrate the skin.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
| Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin. |
| Redness or erythema | Uncommon | Usually transient and concentration-dependent. |
| Dryness | Rare | Occasionally reported, often formulation-related. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Hypersensitivity reactions are infrequent. |
| 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 stinging or irritation | Rare | Generally very well tolerated; minor irritation reported mostly on compromised skin |
| Redness or tingling | Rare | Typically resolves quickly after discontinuation |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Uncommon | May contribute to breakouts in acne-prone individuals depending on formulation. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging, redness or dryness, more likely at higher concentrations or on compromised skin. |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Allergic or irritant dermatitis reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging or irritation on accidental ocular contact. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated actives | Uncommon | By increasing absorption it may intensify irritation from other ingredients. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative used in skincare for antioxidant protection, brightening, and support of collagen synthesis. It converts to ascorbic acid in the skin and is valued for its greater stability compared to pure L-ascorbic acid. |
| 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. |
| Betaine Humectant / osmolyte | Betaine is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (trimethylglycine) used in skincare as a humectant and osmoprotectant that attracts and retains moisture while helping stabilize skin barrier function. It also improves the texture and mildness of formulations. |
| Isodecyl Neopentanoate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Isodecyl Neopentanoate is a lightweight ester emollient used to soften skin and improve spreadability and texture in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a dry, silky feel and serves as a base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Ethoxy Diglycol Solvent/penetration enhancer | Ethoxy Diglycol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether) is a solvent and viscosity-reducing agent used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to dissolve active ingredients and improve their penetration into the skin. It is primarily a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Citrus Reticulata (Mandarin) Peel Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning botanical extract | Citrus Reticulata (Mandarin) Peel Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, and limonene used for its antioxidant and skin-brightening properties. It is typically included as a secondary active or aromatic additive rather than a primary treatment compound. |
| Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant / brightening | Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) fruit extract is an Australian native botanical exceptionally high in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and other antioxidants such as ellagic and gallic acids. In skincare it is used to combat free-radical damage, support collagen, and promote a brighter, more even skin tone. |
| Rosa Damascena (Rose) Extract Key active Soothing antioxidant botanical | Rosa Damascena (Rose) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, and is also used as a natural fragrance and toning agent in skincare. It contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and aromatic compounds that may help calm and hydrate the skin. |
| Benzyl Alcohol Preservative / solvent | Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used primarily as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and it also provides mild fragrance and viscosity-reducing properties. It is approved for use as a preservative at concentrations up to about 1% in leave-on and rinse-off products. |
| Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant / soothing agent | Hydroxyacetophenone (acetophenone-based compound, often 4'-hydroxyacetophenone) is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that can also enhance the stability and efficacy of preservative systems. It is valued for its soothing properties and helps neutralize free radicals while reducing potential irritation from other formulation components. |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Trilaureth-4 Phosphate Emulsifier/surfactant | Trilaureth-4 Phosphate is a phosphate ester surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide, used in cosmetic formulations as an emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer. It helps blend oil and water phases and improve product texture. |
| Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Emulsifier / thickener | Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a synthetic acrylate-based polymer used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps create smooth, gel-like textures and stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions. |
| 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. |
| body mists Fragrance/refreshing spray | Body mists are lightweight, water- or alcohol-based scented sprays applied to the skin to provide a subtle fragrance and a refreshing sensation. They generally contain low concentrations of fragrance oils compared to perfumes and are not intended to deliver dermatological treatment benefits. |
| shower gels Cleanser/surfactant base | Shower gels are liquid, water-based cleansing formulations containing surfactants designed to remove dirt, sweat, and excess oil from the skin during bathing. They typically function as a base/vehicle product rather than a treatment active, though some include added actives like moisturizers or antimicrobials. |
| respect N/A — not a skincare ingredient | "Respect" is not a recognized dermatological or cosmetic-chemistry ingredient; it is an abstract concept with no formulation function, INCI listing, or documented skin activity. No reference data exists for it as a topical agent. |
| sustainability Not an ingredient | "Sustainability" is not a skincare ingredient or chemical compound; it is a broad concept relating to environmentally and socially responsible sourcing, formulation, and packaging practices. As such, it has no defined dermatological function or biochemical activity on skin. |
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.