Below is every ingredient in The Face Shop 2 Step Acne Care Routine Salicylic Acid Pha Balanced Skin Pore Refin 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.
BHA (beta hydroxy acid), most commonly salicylic acid, is an oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and to improve skin texture and oiliness.
LHA (lipohydroxy acid, capryloyl salicylic acid) is a derivative of salicylic acid with a fatty chain that makes it more lipophilic, allowing gradual, targeted exfoliation. It is used to improve skin texture, unclog pores, and address acne and signs of photoaging.
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.
Carnitine is an amino acid derivative used in skincare primarily to reduce sebum production and improve the appearance of oily skin. It supports fatty acid transport and lipid metabolism within cells.
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (also called LHA) is a lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid in which a fatty caprylic chain is attached, allowing slower, more targeted penetration into the skin. It is used as an exfoliant to promote desquamation, refine skin texture, and help manage acne and signs of photoaging.
Lactobionic acid is a polyhydroxy acid derived from lactose that gently exfoliates the skin surface while attracting and binding water. It also offers humectant and antioxidant properties and is generally well tolerated, including by sensitive skin.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness and peeling | Common | Mild flaking or tightness, especially during initial use or at higher concentrations. |
| Stinging, burning, or irritation | Common | Transient sensation on application, more likely on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Temporary redness that usually subsides; may persist with overuse. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Uncommon | Enhanced sun sensitivity; daily sunscreen is recommended. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Itching, rash, or hives in sensitized individuals. |
| Salicylate toxicity (salicylism) | Very rare | Reported only with extensive application over large body areas, particularly in children or with high concentrations. |
| Mild stinging or tingling on application | Common | Transient sensation, especially at higher concentrations or on compromised skin |
| Dryness or flaking | Common | Result of increased epidermal turnover; managed with moisturizers |
| Contact irritation or irritant dermatitis | Rare | More likely in sensitive skin or with overuse |
| Allergic contact reaction | Very rare | Hypersensitivity to the compound is uncommon |
| Mild transient skin irritation | Rare | Occasional mild redness or irritation, often related to particle abrasiveness in scrubs. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization to cellulose itself is exceedingly uncommon; reactions usually involve other formulation components. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible mechanical irritation from cellulose particles if products contact the eyes. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient redness or stinging, more likely at higher concentrations or on compromised skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| BHA Key active Chemical exfoliant | BHA (beta hydroxy acid), most commonly salicylic acid, is an oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and to improve skin texture and oiliness. |
| LHA Key active Exfoliant (lipophilic beta-hydroxy acid) | LHA (lipohydroxy acid, capryloyl salicylic acid) is a derivative of salicylic acid with a fatty chain that makes it more lipophilic, allowing gradual, targeted exfoliation. It is used to improve skin texture, unclog pores, and address acne and signs of photoaging. |
| Cellulose Thickener / absorbent / texturizer | Cellulose is a plant-derived polysaccharide used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and absorbent agent, and in exfoliant or film-forming roles. It is generally inert and well tolerated as a formulation base ingredient. |
| 3-Butanediol Humectant/solvent | 3-Butanediol (1,3-butylene glycol) is a small diol commonly used in cosmetics as a humectant, solvent, and mild antimicrobial agent that helps retain moisture and stabilize formulations. It is generally considered safe and well tolerated at typical use concentrations. |
| 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. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory 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. |
| Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil Fragrance/Aromatic | Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil is an essential oil distilled from vetiver roots, used primarily as a fragrance and aromatic component in cosmetic formulations. It contains sesquiterpene compounds and is valued for its earthy, woody scent. |
| Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil Antioxidant/fragrance | Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil is an essential oil derived from rosemary leaves, used in skincare for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. It contains volatile compounds such as 1,8-cineole, camphor, and rosmarinic acid. |
| 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. |
| Carnitine Key active Sebum-regulating agent | Carnitine is an amino acid derivative used in skincare primarily to reduce sebum production and improve the appearance of oily skin. It supports fatty acid transport and lipid metabolism within cells. |
| Serine Humectant / amino acid | Serine is a naturally occurring amino acid and component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), used in skincare to support hydration and help maintain the skin barrier. It is typically incorporated as a conditioning and water-binding agent rather than a clinical treatment active. |
| Arginine Amino acid / pH adjuster & conditioning agent | Arginine is a basic amino acid used in skincare primarily as a pH buffer/neutralizer and humectant-like conditioning agent that supports skin hydration and barrier function. It is generally well tolerated and often paired with acidic ingredients to balance formulation pH. |
| Capryloyl Salicylic Acid Key active Exfoliant / keratolytic | Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (also called LHA) is a lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid in which a fatty caprylic chain is attached, allowing slower, more targeted penetration into the skin. It is used as an exfoliant to promote desquamation, refine skin texture, and help manage acne and signs of photoaging. |
| Lactobionic Acid Key active Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) exfoliant/humectant | Lactobionic acid is a polyhydroxy acid derived from lactose that gently exfoliates the skin surface while attracting and binding water. It also offers humectant and antioxidant properties and is generally well tolerated, including by sensitive skin. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Trisodium Edta Chelating agent | Trisodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetic formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preservative efficacy, and preventing discoloration or rancidity. It is a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Tromethamine pH adjuster / buffering agent | Tromethamine (trometamol, TRIS) is an organic amine base used in cosmetic and topical formulations to neutralize acidic components and stabilize pH. It functions primarily as a buffering and neutralizing agent rather than as a therapeutic active. |
| Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate is a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant derived from polyglycerol and stearic acid, used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions in skincare formulations. It is valued for its mildness and is common in formulations marketed as gentle or PEG-free. |
| Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate Emulsifier/surfactant | Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate is a polyglycerol ester of oleic acid used as a nonionic, oil-in-water emulsifier and mild surfactant in cosmetic formulations. It helps stabilize emulsions and disperse oils, and is valued for being relatively gentle and well-tolerated. |
| Disodium Phosphate Buffering/pH adjuster | Disodium Phosphate is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and skincare formulations primarily as a buffering agent and pH adjuster. It helps stabilize product pH and acts as an emulsifying or sequestering aid in various topical preparations. |
| Sodium Phosphate pH buffer / emulsion stabilizer | Sodium phosphate is a salt used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent to maintain formula pH and as a sequestrant or emulsifier. It is considered a functional base ingredient rather than a 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.