Below is every ingredient in Cica + 1% Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Shower Gel 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.
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%.
Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also valued for antioxidant and collagen-supporting properties in topical formulations.
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.
Octenidine HCl is a cationic surfactant antiseptic effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, used in skin and wound disinfection and as a preservative in topical formulations. It binds to negatively charged microbial cell membranes, disrupting their integrity.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
| Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely with high concentrations or compromised skin barrier. |
| Dryness or tightness | Uncommon | Possible with rinse-off cleansers due to surfactant action stripping surface lipids. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Stinging on accidental eye contact, typical of surfactants. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequently reported; patch testing can confirm. |
| Mild transient skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | More likely with high concentrations or frequent use in those with already dry or compromised skin. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Rare | Generally considered low-irritation; mild stinging possible on contact with eyes during cleansing. |
| Skin irritation | Common | Can cause dryness, tightness, or mild irritation, especially with frequent use or in higher concentrations. |
| Disruption of skin barrier | Uncommon | Repeated exposure can strip natural lipids and impair the skin's protective barrier in sensitive individuals. |
| Contact allergy/sensitization | Very rare | Allergic contact dermatitis is uncommon for acrylate polymers, though residual monomers can theoretically sensitize. |
| Mild skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation possible at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact. |
| Dryness or transient stinging | Rare | Possible in individuals with compromised skin barrier or very sensitive skin. |
| Cross-reactivity with related surfactants | Rare | Patch-test reactions may overlap with chemically related amphoteric or amine-containing surfactants. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| Potassium Laureth Phosphate Surfactant/Emulsifier | Potassium Laureth Phosphate is an anionic surfactant and emulsifier used in cleansers and emulsions to help blend oil and water and provide mild cleansing. It functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a gentle amino acid-derived (glycine and coconut fatty acid) anionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to produce foam and remove dirt and oil. It is valued for its mildness and skin-friendly, near-neutral pH compared to harsher sulfate surfactants. |
| Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Anionic surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a synthetic anionic surfactant used as a cleansing and foaming agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It produces a rich lather and helps remove oil and dirt by lowering surface tension. |
| Polyacrylate-33 Film former/rheology modifier | Polyacrylate-33 is a synthetic acrylate-based polymer used in cosmetic formulations as a thickener, stabilizer, and film-forming agent. It helps adjust viscosity and improve texture and stability of emulsions and gels. |
| Disodium Cocoamphoacetate Mild amphoteric surfactant / cleansing agent | Disodium cocoamphoacetate is a coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to provide gentle foaming and cleansing while reducing the irritation potential of stronger anionic surfactants. It is also valued for its mildness in baby and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine Surfactant / foaming cleanser | Cocamidopropyl Betaine is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle foaming, viscosity, and to reduce the harshness of stronger anionic surfactants. It is widely regarded as mild but is a recognized contact allergen. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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%. |
| Centella Asiatica Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant active | Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also valued for antioxidant and collagen-supporting properties in topical formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Octenidine HCl Key active Antiseptic/antimicrobial | Octenidine HCl is a cationic surfactant antiseptic effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, used in skin and wound disinfection and as a preservative in topical formulations. It binds to negatively charged microbial cell membranes, disrupting their integrity. |
| 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. |
| PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate Emollient/surfactant | PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is a polyethylene glycol derivative of glyceryl cocoate used as a mild nonionic surfactant, emollient, and emulsifier in cleansers and skincare formulations. It improves spreadability and helps solubilize oils while providing a gentle skin-conditioning effect. |
| 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. |
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.