Below is every ingredient in The Face Shop Vitamin C Brightening 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.
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%.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is enzymatically converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and skin brightening. It is generally considered milder and more stable than pure L-ascorbic acid.
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.
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.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient stinging or burning on application | Uncommon | More likely on compromised or irritated skin, especially with humectants like glycerin or urea. |
| Contact irritation or redness | Uncommon | Often due to associated fragrances, preservatives, or specific actives rather than the humectant itself. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Linked to certain emollients, lanolin, or added fragrances/preservatives. |
| Acne or folliculitis (comedogenicity) | Rare | More associated with heavy occlusive ingredients in acne-prone individuals. |
| Worsening dryness in low-humidity environments | Rare | Humectants can draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive when ambient humidity is very low. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores, breakouts) | Uncommon | More likely with heavy occlusives like petrolatum or certain oils in acne-prone individuals. |
| Folliculitis | Rare | Heavy occlusion can trap bacteria/sweat in some users. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient redness or stinging, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with direct contact in eye-area products. |
| 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 transient skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on compromised skin barriers. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Rare | Occasional case reports; patch testing can confirm. |
| Eye irritation on accidental contact | Uncommon | Relevant mainly in leave-on or rinse-off products near the eye area. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| moisturizes Humectant/emollient (skin hydration) | Moisturizing ingredients hydrate the skin by attracting water (humectants), sealing in moisture (occlusives), or softening the skin surface (emollients). They support barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss. |
| locks in moisture Occlusive/emollient (moisture barrier) | Ingredients described as 'locks in moisture' typically refer to occlusive agents that form a protective layer on the skin surface to reduce transepidermal water loss. They help retain hydration rather than actively treating a specific dermatological condition. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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%. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Triethylhexanoin Emollient/Skin-conditioning agent | Triethylhexanoin is a synthetic triester of glycerin and ethylhexanoic acid used as a lightweight emollient and solvent in cosmetic formulations. It improves spreadability, imparts a smooth non-greasy skin feel, and helps dissolve other oil-soluble ingredients. |
| Undecane Emollient / solvent | Undecane is a lightweight branched or linear hydrocarbon (C11 alkane) used in cosmetic formulations as a volatile emollient and solvent, often paired with tridecane to replace silicones and provide spreadability and a smooth skin feel. It functions as a base/carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester emollient derived from coconut-sourced fatty alcohols and caprylic/capric acids, used to provide a smooth, dry, non-greasy skin feel and to act as a silicone alternative. It functions primarily as a spreading agent and texture enhancer in lotions, creams, and sunscreens. |
| 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. |
| Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Rheology modifier / emulsion stabilizer | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps suspend ingredients and provides a smooth, consistent texture without acting as a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer Thickener/stabilizer | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic copolymer used in skincare to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions, providing viscosity control and a smooth texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film former rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Ascorbyl Glucoside Key active Antioxidant / vitamin C derivative | Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is enzymatically converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and skin brightening. It is generally considered milder and more stable than pure L-ascorbic acid. |
| Sclerotium Gum Thickener / stabilizer | Sclerotium Gum is a natural polysaccharide produced by fermentation of the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, used as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. It also imparts a smooth skin feel and helps suspend particles in creams, gels, and serums. |
| Tridecane Emollient/solvent | Tridecane is a hydrocarbon (alkane) used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, solvent, and texture-enhancing agent that improves spreadability and provides a smooth skin feel. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a 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. |
| Arachidyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsion stabilizer | Arachidyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol (C20) derived from natural oils that functions as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier to stabilize creams and lotions. It improves texture and helps maintain emulsion consistency in skincare formulations. |
| Squalane Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Squalane is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon derived from squalene (sourced from plants like olives or sugarcane, or shark liver) used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic for most users, and serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables. It is widely used in skincare to soften, smooth, and condition the skin while forming an occlusive barrier that reduces water loss. |
| 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. |
| Behenyl Alcohol Emollient / Thickener | Behenyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from behenic acid that functions as an emollient, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It helps soften the skin and improve product texture and stability. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Arachidyl Glucoside Emulsifier / surfactant | Arachidyl Glucoside is a non-ionic, plant-derived emulsifier created from fatty alcohols and glucose, used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a 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. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid derived from lecithin through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. It also helps stabilize formulations and form liposomes that can aid delivery of other ingredients. |
| Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Humectant / moisturizer | Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid broken into smaller fragments, allowing better penetration into the skin to bind water and improve hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums to enhance skin moisture content and surface smoothness. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ceramide Np Skin-barrier replenishing lipid / emollient | Ceramide NP (formerly ceramide 3) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| 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. |
| Cholesterol Skin barrier lipid / emollient | Cholesterol is a naturally occurring lipid found in the skin's stratum corneum that, alongside ceramides and fatty acids, helps maintain the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss. In skincare formulations it functions as an emollient and barrier-repair agent that improves hydration and skin resilience. |
| 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. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Glucose Humectant/skin-conditioning agent | Glucose is a simple sugar used in skincare primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It can also serve as a substrate in formulations and contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil Fragrance/essential oil | Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil is a volatile essential oil cold-pressed from sweet orange peel, used in skincare primarily as a natural fragrance and masking agent. It is rich in d-limonene and contributes citrus scent rather than a measurable therapeutic skin benefit. |
| Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil Fragrance/astringent | Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil is a cold-pressed essential oil derived from lemon rind, used in skincare primarily as a natural fragrance and for its astringent and antioxidant properties. It contains limonene, citral, and furocoumarins, which contribute to both its sensory profile and its potential for irritation. |
| 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. |
| Juniperus Mexicana Oil Fragrance/essential oil | Juniperus Mexicana Oil (Texas cedarwood oil) is a volatile essential oil derived from the wood of the Mexican juniper, used primarily as a fragrance component and aromatic ingredient in cosmetic formulations. It contains sesquiterpenes such as cedrol and thujopsene. |
| 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). |
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.