Below is every ingredient in The Derma Co 2 Kojic Acid Advanced Face Cream 30 G 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.
Octyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) is a widely used organic UVB filter that absorbs ultraviolet radiation to protect skin from sunburn and photodamage. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily-care products with SPF claims.
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%.
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine derivative used topically to reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma, and post-inflammatory dark spots by inhibiting the plasminogen-plasmin pathway and reducing melanin transfer to keratinocytes. It is also valued for helping calm redness and improve uneven skin tone.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin.
Alpha arbutin is a naturally derived hydroquinone derivative that inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin production. It is used to address hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
Kojic acid is a fungal-derived organic acid that inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin production and helping to fade hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark spots. It is commonly used in topical depigmenting formulations.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or redness, especially on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-testing as a contact allergen, though sensitization is infrequent. |
| Photoallergic/photocontact dermatitis | Rare | Reaction triggered by combined exposure to the ingredient and sunlight. |
| Potential endocrine activity | Very rare | Weak estrogenic effects observed in laboratory and animal studies; clinical relevance at typical use levels is uncertain. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Common | Transient burning or tingling, especially at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin. |
| Erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Temporary localized redness that typically resolves with continued use or reduced frequency. |
| Dryness or peeling | Uncommon | More likely when combined with other actives such as retinoids or acids. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Itching, rash, or swelling indicating sensitivity to the ingredient or formulation. |
| Paradoxical worsening of pigmentation | Rare | Occasionally reported; may relate to irritation triggering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Octyl Methoxycinnamate Key active UV filter (sunscreen) | Octyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) is a widely used organic UVB filter that absorbs ultraviolet radiation to protect skin from sunburn and photodamage. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily-care products with SPF claims. |
| 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. |
| 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%. |
| Tranexamic Acid Key active Brightening / pigment-correcting active | Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine derivative used topically to reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma, and post-inflammatory dark spots by inhibiting the plasminogen-plasmin pathway and reducing melanin transfer to keratinocytes. It is also valued for helping calm redness and improve uneven skin tone. |
| Glycolic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin. |
| Alpha Arbutin Key active Skin-brightening agent | Alpha arbutin is a naturally derived hydroquinone derivative that inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin production. It is used to address hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. |
| Kojic Acid Key active Skin-brightening agent (tyrosinase inhibitor) | Kojic acid is a fungal-derived organic acid that inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin production and helping to fade hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark spots. It is commonly used in topical depigmenting formulations. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| Isoamyl Laurate Emollient | Isoamyl Laurate is a plant-derived ester (from isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid) used as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that improves skin feel and product texture. It functions to soften and condition the skin and acts as a natural alternative to silicones. |
| Lactic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations. |
| Mandelic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from bitter almonds with a relatively large molecular size, allowing slower, gentler skin penetration. It is used to exfoliate, improve skin texture and tone, address hyperpigmentation, and manage acne. |
| Cetearyl Olivate Emulsifier / emollient | Cetearyl Olivate is an olive oil-derived emulsifier and emollient, typically used with Sorbitan Olivate, that helps blend oil and water phases while conditioning and softening the skin. It supports the skin barrier and gives formulations a light, non-greasy feel. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Glycerine Humectant | Glycerine (glycerol) is a humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. |
| Allantoin Key active Soothing/skin-conditioning agent | Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products. |
| N-Butyl Resorcinol Key active Skin-brightening agent / tyrosinase inhibitor | N-Butyl Resorcinol (4-n-butylresorcinol) is a resorcinol derivative used in topical formulations to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase and related enzymes involved in melanin synthesis. It is regarded as one of the more potent topical tyrosinase inhibitors and is used for melasma and uneven skin tone. |
| D-Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | D-Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin and acts as a humectant and emollient, helping retain moisture and support barrier repair. It is commonly included in skincare for its hydrating and soothing properties. |
| Hyaluronic Acid Key active Humectant / hydrating agent | Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Phenethyl Alcohol Preservative / fragrance | Phenethyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, and sometimes as a fragrance component with a mild rose-like scent. It is often combined with other preservatives to broaden antimicrobial coverage. |
| 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. |
| C15-23 Alkane Emollient/solvent | C15-23 Alkane is a blend of medium-to-long-chain saturated hydrocarbons, often plant-derived, used as a lightweight, non-greasy emollient and silicone alternative. It softens skin and improves spreadability and texture in formulations. |
| Decyl Glucoside Surfactant/Cleanser | Decyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose and fatty alcohols, commonly used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in shampoos, facial cleansers, and baby care products. It is valued for its biodegradability and low irritation potential compared to harsher surfactants. |
| C13-14 Alkane Emollient/skin-conditioning | C13-14 Alkane is a plant-derived, biodegradable nonpolar hydrocarbon used as a lightweight emollient and silicone alternative that imparts a soft, smooth skin feel and improves spreadability in formulations. It functions as a base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Vitamin E Acetate Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning agent | Vitamin E acetate (tocopheryl acetate) is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. |
| Triethanolamine pH adjuster / emulsifier | Triethanolamine is an organic compound used in cosmetic formulations primarily to adjust pH and to act as an emulsifying agent, helping to stabilize mixtures of oil and water. It is typically present in small concentrations as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol UV stabilizer/antioxidant | Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol is a benzotriazole-derived light stabilizer and antioxidant used in cosmetic formulations to protect product integrity by absorbing UV radiation and preventing oxidative degradation of other ingredients. It functions as a formulation-protecting additive rather than a skin treatment active. |
| Di Sodium Edta Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent added to skincare formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preservative efficacy, and preventing discoloration or rancidity. It is used in low concentrations as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Metabilsulhite Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium metabisulfite is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of products. It is a formulation stabilizer rather than a skin-treatment active. |
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.