Below is every ingredient in The Derma Co 5 Cica Glow Daily Face Moisturizer 50G 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.
Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also valued for antioxidant and collagen-supporting properties in topical formulations.
Arbutin is a naturally derived hydroquinone glycoside used to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin synthesis. It is commonly used to fade dark spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone.
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.
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.
Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare as an antioxidant and conditioning agent. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Transient sensation typically on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization has been documented in patch-test and case reports. |
| Redness or itching | Uncommon | Localized and usually resolves with discontinuation. |
| Photosensitivity-related reaction | Very rare | Limited anecdotal reports; not well established in research. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Contact allergy/sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are low-allergenicity; documented allergic reactions are exceptional. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging if product enters the eyes. |
| 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 contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Typically transient and dose-dependent, more likely at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Allergic or irritant reactions reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Hydroquinone-related concerns from breakdown | Rare | Arbutin can hydrolyze to hydroquinone; theoretical risk of associated effects with high or prolonged exposure. |
| Paradoxical hyperpigmentation | Very rare | Reported anecdotally, similar to other depigmenting agents, usually with misuse. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Centella Asiatica Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant active | Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also valued for antioxidant and collagen-supporting properties in topical 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Arbutin Key active Skin-brightening agent | Arbutin is a naturally derived hydroquinone glycoside used to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin synthesis. It is commonly used to fade dark spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil Emollient / occlusive | Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in oleic acid and minor antioxidants, used to soften, condition, and reduce transepidermal water loss in skincare formulations. It serves primarily as an emollient and occlusive base ingredient rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend (cetyl and stearyl alcohol) used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent. It helps soften skin and keep oil and water phases blended in creams and lotions. |
| Dicetyl Phosphate Emulsifier / co-emulsifier | Dicetyl Phosphate is an anionic phosphate ester used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emulsifier and stabilizer, often paired with Ceteth-10 Phosphate to form oil-in-water emulsions. It helps maintain emulsion stability and texture rather than providing a direct skin treatment effect. |
| Ceteth-10 Phosphate Emulsifier / surfactant | Ceteth-10 Phosphate is a phosphate ester of ethoxylated cetyl alcohol used primarily as an oil-in-water emulsifier and surfactant in creams, lotions, and sunscreens. It helps stabilize formulations and improve texture rather than providing a direct therapeutic effect on the skin. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Dimethicone Crosspolymer Silicone-based texture enhancer/film former | Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a crosslinked silicone polymer used in skincare and cosmetics to provide a smooth, silky feel, absorb excess oil, blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, and improve product spreadability. It functions as a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone Silicone-based emulsifier/conditioning agent | PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone is a water-dispersible silicone surfactant used to emulsify, stabilize, and impart a smooth, silky feel to skincare and cosmetic formulations. It functions primarily as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus Flower Skin conditioning / soothing agent | Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus (common mullein) Flower is a botanical-derived ingredient produced by hydrolyzing mullein flower material into smaller peptides and saccharides, used in skincare for conditioning, soothing, and humectant-like benefits. It is generally included as a supportive botanical extract rather than a clinically established treatment active. |
| Xylitylglucoside Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitylglucoside is a sugar-derived humectant, typically used in combination with anhydroxylitol and xylitol, that helps attract and retain water in the skin and supports the skin barrier. It is valued for its skin-hydrating and moisturizing properties in cosmetic formulations. |
| Anhydroxylitol Humectant / moisturizing agent | Anhydroxylitol is a sugar-derived (xylitol) humectant used in skincare to attract and retain water, helping to maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is often combined with xylitol and xylitylglucoside to enhance the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| Xylitol Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in topical formulations as a humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, and it may support the skin's microbiome and barrier function. It is generally well tolerated and considered safe for topical use. |
| Carbomer Thickener / gelling agent | Carbomer is a synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid used to thicken, stabilize, and control the viscosity of gels, creams, and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Beta Vulgaris Root Extract Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Beta Vulgaris (beet) root extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in betalains, sugars, and antioxidants, used in skincare for its conditioning, humectant, and free-radical-scavenging properties. It is generally regarded as mild and well-tolerated in topical formulations. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate Key active Antioxidant | Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare as an antioxidant and conditioning agent. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 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 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. |
| Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Antioxidant/stabilizer | Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is a hindered-phenol antioxidant (also known as the industrial stabilizer Irganox 1010) used in cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fats, and other ingredients. It functions primarily as a formulation stabilizer rather than a skin-active treatment. |
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.