Below is every ingredient in Neem & Salicylic Acid Foaming Face Wash 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.
Neem (Azadirachta indica) extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is used in skincare to address acne, irritation, and minor skin infections.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, holy basil) extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties attributed to compounds like eugenol and ursolic acid. It is used to help soothe skin, reduce oxidative stress, and support blemish-prone skin.
Fucus Vesiculosus (bladderwrack) Extract is a brown seaweed-derived ingredient rich in polysaccharides, fucoidan, polyphenols, and minerals, used in skincare for its antioxidant, hydrating, and purported anti-aging and firming properties. It is typically included for skin-conditioning and protective effects against oxidative stress.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | A notable cause of allergic contact dermatitis, often attributed to impurities (amidoamine, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine) rather than the molecule itself; named Allergen of the Year in 2004. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or irritation, more likely in concentrated or rinse-off products and around the eyes. |
| Cross-reactivity with related surfactants | Rare | Patch-test reactions may overlap with chemically related amphoteric or amine-containing surfactants. |
| Skin irritation or dryness | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact, though milder than sulfates. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging if formulations contact the eyes. |
| Mucosal irritation in oral products | Rare | Occasionally noted with toothpaste use in sensitive individuals. |
| Dryness or transient redness | Rare | More likely in compromised or very sensitive skin with frequent use. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated, but mild irritation can occur, particularly with high concentrations or compromised skin barrier. |
| Mild skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact; generally considered low-irritation. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | Possible with frequent washing, though less than with harsher surfactants. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Surfactant / cleansing agent | Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is an amino acid-derived anionic surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos and toothpastes to provide gentle foaming and cleansing. It is generally considered milder than traditional sulfate surfactants. |
| Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate Mild amphoteric surfactant / cleansing agent | Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is a coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle cleansing, foam, and to reduce the irritation potential of harsher anionic surfactants. It is valued for mildness in baby and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| Decyl Glucoside Surfactant/Cleanser | Decyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose and fatty alcohols, commonly used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in shampoos, facial cleansers, and baby care products. It is valued for its biodegradability and low irritation potential compared to harsher surfactants. |
| Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a gentle, taurine-derived anionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to provide foaming and cleansing while being milder than sulfate-based surfactants. It is generally well tolerated and often chosen for sensitive-skin formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Cocoamphoacetate Mild amphoteric surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium cocoamphoacetate is a coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle cleansing, foaming, and to reduce the irritation potential of harsher anionic surfactants. It is valued for its mildness and is commonly found in baby and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| Cocamide MEA Foaming agent / surfactant | Cocamide MEA (Cocamide monoethanolamide) is a coconut oil-derived non-ionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos as a foam booster, viscosity enhancer, and emulsion stabilizer. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Xylitol Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in topical formulations as a humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, and it may support the skin's microbiome and barrier function. It is generally well tolerated and considered safe for topical use. |
| 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. |
| Anhydroxylitol Humectant / moisturizing agent | Anhydroxylitol is a sugar-derived (xylitol) humectant used in skincare to attract and retain water, helping to maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is often combined with xylitol and xylitylglucoside to enhance the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| Phoenix Dactylifera (Date Palm) Extract Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Phoenix Dactylifera (Date Palm) Extract is derived from date fruit or seed and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and sugars used in skincare for antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning benefits. It is generally considered a supportive botanical ingredient rather than a clinically proven primary active. |
| Polysorbate 20 Emulsifier / solubilizer | Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, used in skincare to solubilize fragrances and essential oils and to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Neem Extract Key active Antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory botanical | Neem (Azadirachta indica) extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is used in skincare to address acne, irritation, and minor skin infections. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| 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. |
| Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride Conditioning agent / cationic polymer | Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a quaternized, cationic derivative of guar gum used in skincare and haircare as a conditioning, antistatic, and viscosity-modifying agent. It deposits on negatively charged skin and hair surfaces to improve softness, manageability, and texture. |
| Tulsi Extract Key active Antioxidant/antimicrobial botanical | Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, holy basil) extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties attributed to compounds like eugenol and ursolic acid. It is used to help soothe skin, reduce oxidative stress, and support blemish-prone skin. |
| Fucus Vesiculosus Extract Key active Marine algae conditioning/antioxidant agent | Fucus Vesiculosus (bladderwrack) Extract is a brown seaweed-derived ingredient rich in polysaccharides, fucoidan, polyphenols, and minerals, used in skincare for its antioxidant, hydrating, and purported anti-aging and firming properties. It is typically included for skin-conditioning and protective effects against oxidative stress. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant / soothing agent | Hydroxyacetophenone (acetophenone-based compound, often 4'-hydroxyacetophenone) is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that can also enhance the stability and efficacy of preservative systems. It is valued for its soothing properties and helps neutralize free radicals while reducing potential irritation from other formulation components. |
| 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. |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Conditioning agent / humectant | Hydrolyzed wheat protein is a wheat-derived protein broken into smaller peptides and amino acids, used in skincare and haircare to improve hydration, film-forming, and conditioning by binding water and temporarily smoothing the skin or hair surface. It is generally well tolerated as a cosmetic functional ingredient. |
| Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Conditioning/film-forming agent | Hydrolyzed soy protein is a soy-derived protein broken into smaller peptides and amino acids, used in skincare and haircare for its moisturizing, conditioning, and film-forming properties that can temporarily improve skin smoothness and hair manageability. It is valued for its water-binding capacity and substantivity to skin and hair surfaces. |
| Pectin Thickener / gelling agent | Pectin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide derived from fruit cell walls, used in skincare primarily as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent. It can also provide mild film-forming and humectant-like properties in topical formulations. |
| 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. |
| Proline Amino acid / skin-conditioning agent | Proline is a non-essential amino acid and a key component of collagen, used in skincare as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent to support hydration and the skin barrier. It is generally well tolerated and often included in formulations for its moisturizing and structural-protein-supporting properties. |
| 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. |
| Chondrus Crispus Extract Humectant/film-former | Chondrus Crispus Extract, derived from red algae (Irish moss), is used in skincare as a hydrating agent, film-forming and thickening polysaccharide that helps bind water and improve skin smoothness. It also contributes emollient and soothing properties to formulations. |
| 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. |
| D-Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | D-Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin and acts as a humectant and emollient, helping retain moisture and support barrier repair. It is commonly included in skincare for its hydrating 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. |
| 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. |
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.