Below is every ingredient in 10% AZELAIC ACID FACE 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.
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid used topically to treat acne and rosacea, working through antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and comedolytic actions. It also inhibits tyrosinase, helping reduce hyperpigmentation.
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.
Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare as an antioxidant and conditioning agent. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Redness, itching or rash in sensitized individuals. |
| Mild stinging or burning on application | Uncommon | Usually transient, more likely on broken or irritated skin. |
| Contact urticaria (hives) | Rare | Immediate localized wheal-and-flare reaction in allergic individuals. |
| Delayed wound healing with topical use on surgical wounds | Rare | Reported in isolated cases; clinical relevance limited. |
| 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. |
| Burning, stinging, or tingling | Common | Usually mild and transient, often during initial weeks of use |
| Itching (pruritus) | Common | Localized to application site |
| Dryness, scaling, or peeling | Common | Mild local irritation |
| Erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Application-site redness that typically subsides |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Allergic or irritant reaction requiring discontinuation |
| Hypopigmentation | Rare | More likely on darker skin tones; lightening of treated skin |
| Worsening of asthma | Very rare | Reported in isolated cases following topical use |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Soothing/moisturizing agent | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is derived from the aloe vera plant and is used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly included as a supportive base ingredient rather than a primary treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Azelaic Acid Key active Anti-inflammatory / keratolytic active | Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid used topically to treat acne and rosacea, working through antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and comedolytic actions. It also inhibits tyrosinase, helping reduce hyperpigmentation. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| 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. |
| Cucumis Sativus Extract Soothing/hydrating botanical extract | Cucumis Sativus (cucumber) extract is derived from cucumber fruit and is used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild antioxidant properties. It is typically employed to calm irritation and provide a cooling, refreshing effect. |
| Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate is a synthetic diester used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, imparting a light, non-greasy texture and acting as a solvent or carrier for other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Xylitylglucoside Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitylglucoside is a sugar-derived humectant, typically used in combination with anhydroxylitol and xylitol, that helps attract and retain water in the skin and supports the skin barrier. It is valued for its skin-hydrating and moisturizing properties in cosmetic formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Acrylate Thickener/stabilizer | Sodium Acrylate is a sodium salt of acrylic acid used in skincare formulations as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent, often as part of acrylate copolymers. It helps control viscosity and improve the texture and stability of emulsions and gels. |
| Acryloyldimethyltaurate Thickener/emulsion stabilizer | Acryloyldimethyltaurate (typically as ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymers) is a synthetic polymer used as a rheology modifier, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer in skincare formulations. It helps create smooth, stable gels and creams rather than providing a direct biological skin benefit. |
| Dimethylacrylamide Crosspolymer Film-former / rheology modifier | Dimethylacrylamide Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked polymer used in skincare and cosmetic formulations primarily as a film-forming agent, thickener, and texture/sensory enhancer. It helps create a smooth, even film on the skin and stabilizes formulations rather than providing a direct biological treatment effect. |
| Isohexadecane Emollient / solvent | Isohexadecane is a synthetic, branched-chain hydrocarbon (saturated isoparaffin) used as a lightweight emollient, solvent, and spreading agent in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a silky, non-greasy feel and helps disperse pigments and other ingredients. |
| Polysorbate 60 Emulsifier / surfactant | Polysorbate 60 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Emollient / texture enhancer | C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight ester emollient widely used in skincare and cosmetics to improve spreadability, provide a smooth non-greasy skin feel, and act as a solvent and mild antimicrobial booster. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Film-forming/sensory-enhancing rheology modifier | Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic crosslinked acrylate polymer used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to provide a smooth, silky sensory feel, stabilize emulsions, and help form a light film on the skin. It is a formulation aid rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| 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. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate Key active Antioxidant | Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare as an antioxidant and conditioning agent. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. |
| 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.