Below is every ingredient in 40ml Better Ageing Serum 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.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived (Psoralea corylifolia) compound used as a gentler functional alternative to retinol, promoting collagen production and improving signs of photoaging. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is generally better tolerated than retinoids.
Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil is a plant-derived lipid rich in punicic acid (a conjugated linolenic acid) along with tocopherols and phytosterols. It is used in skincare as an emollient and antioxidant-rich oil that supports skin barrier function and helps reduce oxidative stress.
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types.
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.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived (Psoralea corylifolia) compound used as a gentler functional alternative to retinol, promoting collagen production and improving signs of photoaging. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is generally better tolerated than retinoids.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin dryness or scaling | Uncommon | Generally milder than with retinoids. |
| Erythema (redness) or stinging | Uncommon | Typically transient and tolerated well by most users. |
| Burning or tingling sensation | Rare | More likely in sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Reported sensitization in isolated cases. |
| Photosensitivity concerns | Very rare | Related to source plant furocoumarins; purified cosmetic bakuchiol is generally not considered phototoxic. |
| Mild skin irritation or transient redness | Rare | Generally well tolerated; irritation is uncommon and usually mild. |
| Comedogenicity / pore congestion | Rare | Low comedogenic potential, but possible in very acne-prone skin. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports linked to pomegranate allergy; immediate hypersensitivity reaction. |
| Transient skin tightness or dryness | Uncommon | May occur in low-humidity environments where the ingredient can draw moisture from deeper skin layers if not sealed with an occlusive. |
| Mild irritation, redness, or stinging | Uncommon | Often related to other formulation components or compromised skin barrier rather than hyaluronic acid itself. |
| Hypersensitivity reactions with injectable forms | Rare | Pertains to dermal filler use rather than topical application; includes swelling or nodule formation. |
| Mild transient irritation or stinging | Rare | Usually related to other formulation components rather than the ceramide itself. |
| Acneiform breakouts / clogged pores | Rare | Possible in very occlusive formulations on acne-prone skin, not directly attributable to the ceramide. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Isolated case-level reports; ceramides are generally considered well tolerated and non-sensitizing. |
| Clogged pores or breakouts | Rare | More associated with occlusive base ingredients than ceramide NP itself. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| strengthens Not a valid skincare ingredient | "Strengthens" is an English verb describing a desired effect (e.g., strengthening the skin barrier), not an actual cosmetic ingredient or chemical compound. No such ingredient exists in dermatology or cosmetic chemistry references. |
| Bakuchiol Key active Retinol alternative / antioxidant | Bakuchiol is a plant-derived (Psoralea corylifolia) compound used as a gentler functional alternative to retinol, promoting collagen production and improving signs of photoaging. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is generally better tolerated than retinoids. |
| Punica granatum (Pomegranate) seed oil Key active Emollient / antioxidant oil | Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil is a plant-derived lipid rich in punicic acid (a conjugated linolenic acid) along with tocopherols and phytosterols. It is used in skincare as an emollient and antioxidant-rich oil that supports skin barrier function and helps reduce oxidative stress. |
| Hyaluronic acid Key active Humectant / hydrating agent | Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types. |
| Ceramide NG Skin-barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide NG (formerly ceramide 2) is a synthetic skin-identical lipid that helps restore and reinforce the stratum corneum barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf water Soothing humectant / base ingredient | Aloe barbadensis leaf water is the diluted, water-rich fraction derived from the aloe vera leaf, used to hydrate, soothe, and serve as an aqueous base in formulations. It contains polysaccharides, amino acids, and minor bioactive compounds that provide mild moisturizing and calming effects. |
| 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. |
| Cetyl ricinoleate Emollient/Skin-conditioning agent | Cetyl ricinoleate is an ester of cetyl alcohol and ricinoleic acid (derived from castor oil) used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a smooth, conditioned feel and helps soften skin and lips. |
| 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. |
| Sucrose laurate Emulsifier/surfactant | Sucrose Laurate is a sugar-based ester (sucrose combined with lauric acid) used in skincare as a mild, biodegradable emulsifier, surfactant, and skin-conditioning agent. It helps stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improves texture while being generally well tolerated. |
| Sucrose stearate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sucrose Stearate is a sugar-based (sucrose ester) nonionic emulsifier and mild surfactant used to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It is generally considered gentle and well tolerated, functioning as a 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%. |
| Squalane (Olive) Emollient / moisturizer | Squalane (Olive) is a saturated, plant-derived hydrocarbon used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the lipid barrier. It is highly biocompatible, stable against oxidation, and widely used in moisturizers and cosmetic formulations. |
| XanthanGum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, widely used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves texture and suspends ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| 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. |
| Benzyl alcohol Preservative / solvent | Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used primarily as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and it also provides mild fragrance and viscosity-reducing properties. It is approved for use as a preservative at concentrations up to about 1% in leave-on and rinse-off products. |
| Bakuchiol Key active Retinol alternative / antioxidant | Bakuchiol is a plant-derived (Psoralea corylifolia) compound used as a gentler functional alternative to retinol, promoting collagen production and improving signs of photoaging. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is generally better tolerated than retinoids. |
| Punica granatum (Pomegranate) seed oil Key active Emollient / antioxidant oil | Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil is a plant-derived lipid rich in punicic acid (a conjugated linolenic acid) along with tocopherols and phytosterols. It is used in skincare as an emollient and antioxidant-rich oil that supports skin barrier function and helps reduce oxidative stress. |
| Hyaluronic acid Key active Humectant / hydrating agent | Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types. |
| Ceramide NG Skin-barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide NG (formerly ceramide 2) is a synthetic skin-identical lipid that helps restore and reinforce the stratum corneum barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf water Soothing humectant / base ingredient | Aloe barbadensis leaf water is the diluted, water-rich fraction derived from the aloe vera leaf, used to hydrate, soothe, and serve as an aqueous base in formulations. It contains polysaccharides, amino acids, and minor bioactive compounds that provide mild moisturizing and calming effects. |
| 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. |
| Cetyl ricinoleate Emollient/Skin-conditioning agent | Cetyl ricinoleate is an ester of cetyl alcohol and ricinoleic acid (derived from castor oil) used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a smooth, conditioned feel and helps soften skin and lips. |
| 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. |
| Sucrose laurate Emulsifier/surfactant | Sucrose Laurate is a sugar-based ester (sucrose combined with lauric acid) used in skincare as a mild, biodegradable emulsifier, surfactant, and skin-conditioning agent. It helps stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improves texture while being generally well tolerated. |
| Sucrose stearate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sucrose Stearate is a sugar-based (sucrose ester) nonionic emulsifier and mild surfactant used to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It is generally considered gentle and well tolerated, functioning as a 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%. |
| Squalane (Olive) Emollient / moisturizer | Squalane (Olive) is a saturated, plant-derived hydrocarbon used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the lipid barrier. It is highly biocompatible, stable against oxidation, and widely used in moisturizers and cosmetic formulations. |
| XanthanGum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, widely used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves texture and suspends ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| 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. |
| Benzyl alcohol Preservative / solvent | Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used primarily as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and it also provides mild fragrance and viscosity-reducing properties. It is approved for use as a preservative at concentrations up to about 1% in leave-on and rinse-off products. |
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.