Below is every ingredient in The Pink Foundry 12 Niacinamide Super Clarifying Face Serum 30Ml 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.
Green tea extract, rich in polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help protect skin from oxidative and UV-induced damage and is sometimes incorporated for its soothing and sebum-modulating effects.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract contains compounds such as glabridin and licochalcone A that inhibit tyrosinase and reduce inflammation, commonly used to address hyperpigmentation and soothe irritated skin. It is generally well tolerated in topical formulations.
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%.
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate is a water-soluble derivative of azelaic acid used to even skin tone, regulate sebum, and soothe the skin. It is valued for being gentler and more stable than azelaic acid itself.
Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract is a licorice-derived botanical extract rich in licochalcone A, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pigment-modulating properties. It is commonly used to calm sensitive or redness-prone skin and to support an even skin tone.
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Generally mild and transient, more likely with higher concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to green tea or its components has been occasionally reported. |
| Dryness or itching | Rare | Possible with certain formulations or sensitive skin. |
| Itching or stinging on application | Rare | Usually mild and self-limiting |
| 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. |
| Mild transient skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Usually mild and resolves with continued use or lower concentration. |
| Redness (erythema) | Uncommon | More likely on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Dryness or tightness | Rare | Generally well tolerated; dryness is infrequent. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or at high concentrations. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Contact irritation (mild redness, stinging) | Rare | Generally well tolerated; transient irritation possible in sensitive individuals. |
| Cross-reactivity in those with legume/Fabaceae allergy | Very rare | Licorice belongs to the legume family; theoretical risk for allergic individuals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Green tea Key active Antioxidant | Green tea extract, rich in polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help protect skin from oxidative and UV-induced damage and is sometimes incorporated for its soothing and sebum-modulating effects. |
| licorice Key active Brightening/anti-inflammatory | Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract contains compounds such as glabridin and licochalcone A that inhibit tyrosinase and reduce inflammation, commonly used to address hyperpigmentation and soothe irritated skin. It is generally well tolerated in topical formulations. |
| 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%. |
| Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate Key active Brightening/sebum-regulating active | Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate is a water-soluble derivative of azelaic acid used to even skin tone, regulate sebum, and soothe the skin. It is valued for being gentler and more stable than azelaic acid itself. |
| 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. |
| Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory & brightening agent | Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract is a licorice-derived botanical extract rich in licochalcone A, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pigment-modulating properties. It is commonly used to calm sensitive or redness-prone skin and to support an even skin tone. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Dimethyl Isosorbide Solvent / penetration enhancer | Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI) is a small, polar solvent derived from isosorbide used in cosmetic formulations to dissolve active ingredients and enhance their penetration into the skin. It functions as a vehicle and carrier rather than a therapeutic active itself. |
| Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid (commonly derived from soybean or egg) used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and penetration enhancer. It helps stabilize oil-and-water formulations and supports the skin barrier by mimicking natural lipids. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Triethylene Glycol Solvent / humectant | Triethylene glycol is a low-molecular-weight glycol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and humectant, helping to dissolve ingredients and retain moisture. It is considered a base/formulation 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.