Below is every ingredient in Pit Perfect Under Arm Cream Enriched With Kaolin Clay and 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Salicylic Acid) 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.
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.
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.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect cells from oxidative damage and to stabilize formulations against rancidity. It also functions as an emollient and helps support the skin barrier.
Licorice extract is a botanical derivative (notably containing glabridin, glycyrrhizin, and liquiritin) used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties, helping reduce hyperpigmentation and soothe irritation. It is commonly used to address uneven skin tone, redness, and melasma.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract is an adaptogenic botanical used in topical skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to compounds like withanolides. It is incorporated to help reduce oxidative stress and support skin calming and conditioning.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and naringin, used in skincare for antioxidant, astringent, and skin-brightening effects. It also imparts fragrance and may serve as a natural preservative booster in some formulations.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; considered a low-sensitizing ingredient. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
| 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. |
| Skin dryness and peeling | Common | Mild flaking or tightness, especially with frequent use or higher concentrations. |
| Stinging, burning, or irritation | Common | Transient sensation on application, often more pronounced on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Erythema (redness) | Common | Temporary redness at the application site. |
| Contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Localized inflammation; can be irritant or, less often, allergic in nature. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Uncommon | Exfoliation may heighten sun sensitivity; sunscreen use is advised. |
| Salicylism (systemic toxicity) | Rare | Reported with extensive application over large body areas, high concentrations, or occlusion; symptoms include nausea, tinnitus, and dizziness. |
| Severe allergic reaction | Very rare | Hypersensitivity reactions such as significant swelling or hives. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| softer underarms. Additionally Unrecognized/invalid ingredient name | The string "softer underarms. Additionally" is not a recognized cosmetic or dermatological ingredient; it appears to be a fragment of marketing or instructional text rather than a defined chemical compound. No standardized function, INCI listing, or research data exists for it. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| Emulsifying Wax Emulsifier / texture enhancer | Emulsifying wax is a blend of fatty alcohols and surfactants used to bind oil and water phases into stable creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation base ingredient, improving texture and consistency rather than treating skin conditions. |
| Shea Butter Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Shea butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiable compounds. It is widely used in skincare to soften skin, reduce transepidermal water loss, and provide an occlusive barrier. |
| C-12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight ester of benzoic acid and fatty alcohols used in cosmetics as an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer that imparts a smooth, non-greasy feel. It also has mild antimicrobial properties and improves the spreadability and stability of formulations. |
| Cocoa Butter Emollient/occlusive moisturizer | Cocoa butter is a fat extracted from cocoa beans used in skincare to soften skin and form an occlusive barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is commonly used in lotions, balms, and lip products as a base/emollient ingredient. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Vitamin E Key active Antioxidant / emollient | Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect cells from oxidative damage and to stabilize formulations against rancidity. It also functions as an emollient and helps support the skin barrier. |
| Licorice Extract Key active Skin-brightening / anti-inflammatory | Licorice extract is a botanical derivative (notably containing glabridin, glycyrrhizin, and liquiritin) used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties, helping reduce hyperpigmentation and soothe irritation. It is commonly used to address uneven skin tone, redness, and melasma. |
| Kaolin clay Absorbent/cleansing clay | Kaolin is a naturally occurring soft white clay (hydrated aluminum silicate) used in skincare to absorb excess oil and impurities and to provide mild cleansing and mattifying effects. It is generally considered gentle and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. |
| Ashwagandha Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical | Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract is an adaptogenic botanical used in topical skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to compounds like withanolides. It is incorporated to help reduce oxidative stress and support skin calming and conditioning. |
| Grapefruit Extract Key active Antioxidant/brightening botanical extract | Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and naringin, used in skincare for antioxidant, astringent, and skin-brightening effects. It also imparts fragrance and may serve as a natural preservative booster in some formulations. |
| Mulberry Extract Key active Skin-brightening antioxidant | Mulberry extract, derived from the Morus plant, is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and ability to inhibit tyrosinase, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. It also contains flavonoids and arbutin-like compounds that may protect against oxidative stress. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
| 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. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
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.