Below is every ingredient in Quench Botanics Mama Cica Pore Clearing Exfoliating Face Wash 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.
Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and astringent properties, attributed to flavonoids and polyphenols. It is generally included to support skin conditioning and protect against oxidative stress.
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a water-soluble salt derived from licorice root (glycyrrhizic acid) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to calm irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
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.
Panax Ginseng root extract is rich in ginsenosides and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-supporting properties, often marketed for improving skin tone and reducing signs of aging. Some evidence suggests it may promote collagen synthesis and protect against oxidative stress.
Skin-rejuvenating formulas are combination products that pair active ingredients (such as retinoids, antioxidants, peptides, hydroxy acids, and growth factors) to improve signs of aging like fine lines, uneven tone, and loss of firmness. Their effects and tolerability vary widely depending on the specific actives and concentrations used.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness or barrier disruption with excessive contact | Uncommon | Frequent or prolonged exposure to water, especially hot or hard water, can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to transepidermal water loss. |
| Irritation from impurities or hard water minerals | Rare | Reactions are attributed to contaminants, chlorine, or mineral content rather than water itself. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin. |
| Contact allergy / dermatitis | Rare | Allergic sensitization is infrequently reported. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Uncommon | May contribute to pore blockage in acne-prone individuals. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Common | Soap-based surfactants derived from it can strip natural oils, especially with frequent use. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals or at higher concentrations. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Uncommon | Considered moderately comedogenic; may contribute to breakouts in acne-prone skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent but has been reported. |
| Comedogenicity (pore-clogging, potential acne aggravation) | Common | Rated highly comedogenic; may worsen acne in some individuals when used in leave-on products. |
| Skin irritation or dryness | Uncommon | Particularly in high-foaming cleanser formulations or on sensitive skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water Solvent/vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in cosmetic formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves other ingredients and forms the bulk of emulsions and aqueous solutions. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. |
| 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. |
| Palmitic Acid Emollient / surfactant | Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as an emollient, emulsifier, and cleansing agent that helps soften skin and stabilize formulations. It is also a natural component of the skin's lipid barrier. |
| Myristic Acid Surfactant/cleansing agent | Myristic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, often reacted with alkalis to form soap-based surfactants. It contributes to foaming and texture in cleansers and other formulations. |
| Lauric Acid Cleansing/surfactant & emollient fatty acid | Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid commonly derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, used in skincare as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient. It also has documented antimicrobial activity, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Potassium Hydroxide pH adjuster / saponifying agent | Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline compound used in cosmetics to adjust pH and to saponify fatty acids in the production of liquid soaps and cleansers. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, functioning as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment. |
| Sorbitan Olivate Emulsifier | Sorbitan Olivate is an olive-derived ester of sorbitol and olive oil fatty acids used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient. It is often paired with Cetearyl Olivate (as Olivem 1000) to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and impart a soft skin feel. |
| Volcanic Ash Absorbent / exfoliant | Volcanic ash is a finely milled mineral powder derived from volcanic deposits, used in skincare for its porous structure that absorbs excess oil and provides mild physical exfoliation. It is commonly found in cleansers, masks, and soaps aimed at oily or acne-prone skin. |
| Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Emulsifier / surfactant | Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a non-ionic ester of polyglycerin and lauric acid used as a gentle emulsifier and mild surfactant in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps stabilize oil-in-water systems and can act as a solubilizer or cleansing agent. |
| Synthetic Beeswax Emollient / thickener | Synthetic beeswax is a lab-produced wax composed of esters, fatty acids, and hydrocarbons that mimics natural beeswax. It functions as an emollient, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer in creams, balms, and lipsticks. |
| Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate Thickener / stabilizer | Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate is a modified starch derived from natural sources (such as corn or potato) used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a thickening, emulsion-stabilizing, and texture-enhancing agent. It is generally considered safe and well tolerated in topical products. |
| Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a gentle, taurine-derived anionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to provide foaming and cleansing while being milder than sulfate-based surfactants. It is generally well tolerated and often chosen for sensitive-skin formulations. |
| Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate is an amino acid-derived (glycine-based) anionic surfactant produced from coconut fatty acids. It is valued as a gentle, mild cleansing and foaming agent that is less irritating and more skin-compatible than traditional sulfate surfactants. |
| Dipropylene Glycol Solvent/humectant | Dipropylene glycol is a clear, low-viscosity glycol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity-reducing agent. It helps dissolve fragrances and other ingredients while contributing mild moisture-retention properties. |
| 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. |
| Potassium Cocoate Surfactant/cleansing agent | Potassium cocoate is the potassium salt of coconut oil fatty acids, used as a soap-based surfactant and emulsifier in cleansers and liquid soaps. It produces foam and removes dirt and oil through its detergent action. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
| 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. |
| Disodium EDTA Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning botanical extract | Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and astringent properties, attributed to flavonoids and polyphenols. It is generally included to support skin conditioning and protect against oxidative stress. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Key active Anti-inflammatory/soothing agent | Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a water-soluble salt derived from licorice root (glycyrrhizic acid) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to calm irritation, redness, and sensitivity. |
| 2- Hexanediol Humectant/preservative-booster | 1,2-Hexanediol (commonly written 2-hexanediol) is a multifunctional diol used in skincare primarily as a humectant, solvent, and preservative-enhancing agent that improves the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations. It is generally well tolerated and considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng) Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / anti-aging botanical | Panax Ginseng root extract is rich in ginsenosides and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-supporting properties, often marketed for improving skin tone and reducing signs of aging. Some evidence suggests it may promote collagen synthesis and protect against oxidative stress. |
| most luscious Not a recognized skincare ingredient | "Most luscious" is not an established cosmetic or dermatological ingredient; it appears to be a marketing or descriptive phrase rather than a defined chemical compound. No standardized dermatological function or composition can be attributed to it. |
| skin-rejuvenating formulas Key active Multi-active rejuvenation blend | Skin-rejuvenating formulas are combination products that pair active ingredients (such as retinoids, antioxidants, peptides, hydroxy acids, and growth factors) to improve signs of aging like fine lines, uneven tone, and loss of firmness. Their effects and tolerability vary widely depending on the specific actives and concentrations used. |
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.