Below is every ingredient in The Derma Co 5 Vitamin C Oil Free Daily Face Moisturizer 100G 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.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid and its derivatives) is a topical antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, supports collagen synthesis, and helps reduce hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone. It is commonly used in serums for photoprotection support and anti-aging benefits.
Pentavitin (saccharide isomerate) is a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that binds to the skin's stratum corneum to provide long-lasting hydration. It mimics the skin's natural carbohydrate structures and helps maintain moisture even after washing.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable, water-soluble ethylated derivative of vitamin C that converts to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and pigmentation control. It is valued for greater stability than pure L-ascorbic acid while delivering similar brightening and anti-aging benefits.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild stinging or tingling | Common | More likely with high concentrations or low-pH L-ascorbic acid formulations. |
| Skin dryness or irritation | Common | Often transient, especially when first introducing the product. |
| Erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Typically mild and resolves after discontinuation or reduced frequency. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Reported sensitivity to ascorbic acid or accompanying excipients. |
| Yellow-orange skin discoloration | Rare | Can occur from oxidized product residue; harmless and washes off. |
| Paradoxical hyperpigmentation | Very rare | Isolated reports, usually associated with very high concentrations or sensitive skin. |
| Mild transient irritation or stinging | Rare | Occasionally reported on sensitive or compromised skin, usually mild and temporary. |
| Contact allergy or sensitization | Very rare | Rarely documented; reactions are uncommon given its skin-identical carbohydrate nature. |
| Redness or itching | Very rare | Isolated reports, often related to other formulation components rather than the ingredient itself. |
| Transient erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Usually temporary and resolves after discontinuation or lowering concentration. |
| Dryness or irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with frequent use or in combination with 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 |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C Key active Antioxidant / brightening active | Vitamin C (ascorbic acid and its derivatives) is a topical antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, supports collagen synthesis, and helps reduce hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone. It is commonly used in serums for photoprotection support and anti-aging benefits. |
| pentavitin Key active Humectant / skin moisturizer | Pentavitin (saccharide isomerate) is a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that binds to the skin's stratum corneum to provide long-lasting hydration. It mimics the skin's natural carbohydrate structures and helps maintain moisture even after washing. |
| 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening vitamin C derivative | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable, water-soluble ethylated derivative of vitamin C that converts to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and pigmentation control. It is valued for greater stability than pure L-ascorbic acid while delivering similar brightening and anti-aging benefits. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Dicaprylyl Carbonate Emollient / texture enhancer | Dicaprylyl Carbonate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut-based fatty alcohols and carbonic acid, used to improve skin feel and spreadability in cosmetic formulations. It also acts as a solvent and helps distribute pigments and other ingredients evenly. |
| C15-19 Alkane Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | C15-19 Alkane is a lightweight, plant-derived (often sugarcane-based) liquid hydrocarbon used as a silicone alternative emollient and solvent in cosmetic formulations. It provides slip, spreadability, and a smooth, non-greasy skin feel without adding active treatment benefits. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11 Film-former / texture enhancer | Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11 is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used in skincare to provide a smooth, soft-focus texture, control viscosity, and form a thin film that improves spreadability and a velvety skin feel. It is a formulation aid rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Saccharide Isomerate Humectant / moisturizer | Saccharide Isomerate is a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that binds to the skin's keratin to provide long-lasting hydration and improve moisture retention. It is structurally similar to carbohydrates naturally found in the skin's upper layers. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Betaine And Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Humectant & chelating agent | This combination pairs betaine, a naturally derived humectant and skin-conditioning osmolyte, with disodium EDTA, a chelating agent that binds metal ions to stabilize formulations and enhance preservative efficacy. Together they support hydration and product stability rather than acting as a primary 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.