Below is every ingredient in The Face Shop Alltimate Multi Vita 10 Serum 30 Ml 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.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen.
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.
Ferulic acid is a plant-derived phenolic antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps protect skin from UV-induced oxidative damage. It is frequently combined with vitamins C and E to enhance their stability and photoprotective effect.
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.
Phloretin is a polyphenol antioxidant derived from apple tree bark and leaves, commonly used in topical formulations to neutralize free radicals and enhance the photoprotective and brightening effects of other antioxidants like vitamin C and ferulic acid. It may also support skin barrier function and improve the penetration of co-formulated ingredients.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract is derived from cocoa beans and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and fatty acids. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, skin-conditioning, and moisturizing properties.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient redness or stinging, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to glycols is infrequently reported in patch-test studies. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with direct contact in eye-area products. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| Mild stinging or tingling on application | Common | More likely at higher concentrations or low pH, and on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Transient redness (erythema) | Uncommon | Usually temporary and resolves after acclimation or reducing frequency. |
| Dryness or skin irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with frequent use or in combination with other actives. |
| Yellow-orange skin staining from oxidized product | Rare | Caused by degraded (oxidized) formulations rather than the fresh active itself. |
| 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 irritation or stinging | Rare | Transient irritation may occur, more often on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate hives following topical exposure. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening active | Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Alcohol Denat Solvent/penetration enhancer | Alcohol Denat (denatured ethanol) is a volatile solvent used in skincare to dissolve other ingredients, improve product spreadability and absorption, and create a quick-drying, lightweight feel. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Glycosyl Trehalose Humectant / moisturizer | Glycosyl Trehalose is a sugar-derived humectant that binds water and helps protect skin cells and proteins from dehydration and environmental stress. It is typically used as a hydrating and skin-conditioning agent in formulations. |
| 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. |
| Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate Humectant | Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate is a sugar alcohol mixture derived from hydrolyzed and hydrogenated starch, used in skincare to attract and retain moisture and to improve texture. It functions primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. |
| Ferulic Acid Key active Antioxidant | Ferulic acid is a plant-derived phenolic antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps protect skin from UV-induced oxidative damage. It is frequently combined with vitamins C and E to enhance their stability and photoprotective effect. |
| Sorbitol Humectant | Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used in skincare as a humectant and texture enhancer, drawing moisture into the skin and improving product spreadability. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than 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. |
| 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 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. |
| 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. |
| Phloretin Key active Antioxidant | Phloretin is a polyphenol antioxidant derived from apple tree bark and leaves, commonly used in topical formulations to neutralize free radicals and enhance the photoprotective and brightening effects of other antioxidants like vitamin C and ferulic acid. It may also support skin barrier function and improve the penetration of co-formulated ingredients. |
| 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. |
| Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil Fragrance/essential oil | Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil is a cold-pressed or steam-distilled essential oil derived from lime fruit peel, used in skincare primarily as a fragrance and aromatic component. Cold-pressed forms contain phototoxic furocoumarins (e.g., bergapten, oxypeucedanin). |
| Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil Fragrance/essential oil | Bergamot fruit oil is a cold-pressed citrus essential oil used primarily as a fragrance and aromatic component in cosmetic formulations. It contains furocoumarins (notably bergapten) that can cause phototoxic reactions on UV-exposed skin. |
| Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil Fragrance/essential oil | Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil is a steam-distilled essential oil used in skincare primarily as a fragrance and aromatic agent, with minor claimed soothing properties. It contains volatile compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate that can act as both sensory additives and potential sensitizers. |
| Dextrin Thickener / absorbent / emulsion stabilizer | Dextrin is a polysaccharide derived from the partial hydrolysis of starch, commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening agent, absorbent, and binder to improve texture and stability of formulations. It is considered a formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Disodium Edta Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract Soothing/antioxidant botanical extract | Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids and fatty acids, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and emollient properties. It is generally well tolerated and added to formulations for skin-conditioning and soothing benefits. |
| Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant/emollient | Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract is derived from cocoa beans and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and fatty acids. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, skin-conditioning, and moisturizing properties. |
| 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. |
| Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil Soothing / fragrance | Anthemis Nobilis (Roman chamomile) Flower Oil is an essential oil derived from chamomile flowers, used in skincare for its perceived soothing, anti-inflammatory, and aromatic properties. It is typically included at low concentrations as a fragrance and calming additive rather than a primary treatment ingredient. |
| 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. |
| Limonene Fragrance/solvent | Limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene derived from citrus peel oils, commonly used as a fragrance component and solvent in cosmetic formulations. On exposure to air it oxidizes, forming compounds with greater sensitizing potential. |
| Linalool Fragrance/masking agent | Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in lavender, coriander, and many other plants, used in skincare primarily as a fragrance component. It readily oxidizes upon exposure to air, forming sensitizing hydroperoxides. |
| Citral Fragrance/aroma ingredient | Citral is a naturally occurring aldehyde found in citrus and lemongrass oils, used in cosmetics primarily for its fresh, lemon-like scent. It is a recognized fragrance allergen 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.