Below is every ingredient in The Derma Co Sali Cinamide Anti Acne Face Serum With 2 Salicylic Acid 5 Niacinamid 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.
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%.
Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin.
Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly 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.
Willow Bark Extract is derived from the bark of Salix species and contains salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid, valued for its mild exfoliating, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin.
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent; propanediol is generally considered low-risk for allergy. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| 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. |
| Enhanced irritation from co-formulated actives | Uncommon | By increasing penetration, it may intensify the effects or irritation potential of other ingredients. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Can occur with accidental contact in concentrated form. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Possible in sensitive skin, often from butylene glycol component |
| Redness or transient flushing | Rare | Usually self-limiting after discontinuation |
| Stinging or transient redness | Rare | Typically associated with damaged or eczematous skin. |
| Systemic absorption concerns | Very rare | Relevant chiefly with application to burns or large open wounds, not intact skin. |
| Skin dryness and peeling | Common | Mild flaking or tightness, especially with frequent use or higher concentrations. |
| Stinging, burning, or irritation | Common | Transient sensation on application, often more pronounced on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Erythema (redness) | Common | Temporary redness at the application site. |
| Contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Localized inflammation; can be irritant or, less often, allergic in nature. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Uncommon | Exfoliation may heighten sun sensitivity; sunscreen use is advised. |
| Salicylism (systemic toxicity) | Rare | Reported with extensive application over large body areas, high concentrations, or occlusion; symptoms include nausea, tinnitus, and dizziness. |
| Severe allergic reaction | Very rare | Hypersensitivity reactions such as significant swelling or hives. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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%. |
| Ethoxydiglycol Solvent / penetration enhancer | Ethoxydiglycol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether) is a glycol ether used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and viscosity reducer that helps dissolve active ingredients and improve their skin penetration. It is considered a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Butylene Glycol &Rosa Canina Fruit Extract Solvent/humectant carrier with antioxidant botanical extract | A blended ingredient combining butylene glycol (a humectant and solvent) with Rosa canina (rosehip) fruit extract, which provides vitamin C, carotenoids and fatty acids. It is used to hydrate, condition skin and deliver antioxidant benefits in cosmetic formulations. |
| Peg-8 Humectant / solvent | PEG-8 (polyethylene glycol 8) is a water-soluble polyether used in cosmetics as a humectant, solvent, and emollient that helps retain moisture and stabilize formulations. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate Conditioning agent / antistatic | Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate is a quaternary ammonium (quat) compound used primarily as a hair and skin conditioning agent and antistatic ingredient in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic formulations. It improves softness, manageability, and reduces static by depositing a thin conditioning film on hair and skin surfaces. |
| 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. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Carthamus Tinctorius(Safflower) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in linoleic and oleic acids, used in skincare to soften skin and support the skin barrier. It functions primarily as an emollient and occlusive moisturizing agent. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Willow Bark Extract Key active Exfoliant / anti-inflammatory | Willow Bark Extract is derived from the bark of Salix species and contains salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid, valued for its mild exfoliating, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxyethylcellulose Thickener/viscosity modifier | Hydroxyethylcellulose is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose derivative used to thicken, stabilize, and adjust the texture of aqueous cosmetic formulations. It functions as a gelling and film-forming agent rather than providing a direct biological skin benefit. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin to improve hydration and surface plumpness. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than native hyaluronic acid. |
| Xylitylglucoside(And) Anhydroxylitol (And) Xylitol Humectant / moisturizing complex | A sugar-derived blend (commonly marketed as Aquaxyl) that enhances skin hydration by improving water reserves and reinforcing the skin barrier through stimulation of glycosaminoglycan and lipid synthesis. It is widely used as a moisturizing agent in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic formulations. |
| 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. |
| Phenoxyethanol (And) Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative | A widely used preservative blend combining phenoxyethanol with ethylhexylglycerin, which also acts as a skin-conditioning agent and boosts antimicrobial efficacy. It protects formulations from bacterial, yeast, and mold contamination. |
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.