Below is every ingredient in Nigrifix Cream & Foobetik Foot Cream 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.
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations.
Urea is a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor that hydrates by attracting and retaining water; at higher concentrations it also softens and exfoliates thickened or scaly skin. It is widely used to treat dry skin conditions such as xerosis, ichthyosis, and hyperkeratosis.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, valued in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used to target acne and minor skin infections. Its primary active component is terpinen-4-ol.
Camphor is an aromatic terpenoid used topically as a counterirritant that produces a cooling sensation and provides mild analgesic, anti-itch, and antimicrobial effects. In skincare it is commonly included in anti-acne, soothing, and cooling formulations.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or stinging | Very rare | Pure water is generally inert; rare reactions are typically attributed to impurities or other formula components rather than water itself. |
| Transient skin barrier disruption with frequent contact | Rare | Excessive exposure (e.g., repeated wetting) may temporarily affect the skin barrier, but this is uncommon in cosmetic use. |
| Mild stinging or tingling on application | Common | Transient, often more noticeable at higher concentrations or on compromised skin. |
| Skin dryness or flaking | Common | Result of accelerated exfoliation, especially when overused. |
| Erythema (redness) | Common | Usually temporary; more pronounced with higher strengths. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Common | AHAs heighten UV sensitivity; daily sunscreen is advised. |
| Irritant contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Burning, itching, or persistent redness, often from overuse or high concentration. |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Uncommon | More likely in darker skin tones following irritation. |
| Chemical burn or blistering | Rare | Associated with high-concentration peels or prolonged contact. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | True hypersensitivity to lactic acid is uncommon. |
| Comedogenicity / pore congestion | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals due to its occlusive, lipid-rich nature. |
| Irritation or rash | Rare | Occasional redness or irritation, often related to impurities or other formulation components rather than shea itself. |
| Stinging or burning sensation | Common | Transient, especially on broken, cracked, or freshly shaved skin and at higher concentrations. |
| Redness or erythema | Common | Mild local irritation, often subsides with continued use. |
| Itching or tingling | Uncommon | Localized to application site. |
| Dryness or peeling | Uncommon | More likely with higher keratolytic concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Irritant more often than true allergic reaction. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water (Aqua) Solvent / vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble ingredients and forms the continuous phase of emulsions. It hydrates the skin temporarily but does not act as a treatment active. |
| Lactic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Emollient/Moisturizer | Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, used in skincare as an occlusive emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier. It is rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables such as triterpenes and tocopherols. |
| Urea Key active Humectant / keratolytic | Urea is a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor that hydrates by attracting and retaining water; at higher concentrations it also softens and exfoliates thickened or scaly skin. It is widely used to treat dry skin conditions such as xerosis, ichthyosis, and hyperkeratosis. |
| Glycerine Humectant | Glycerine (glycerol) is a humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. |
| 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. |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil Key active Antimicrobial/antiseptic | Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, valued in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used to target acne and minor skin infections. Its primary active component is terpinen-4-ol. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Soothing/humectant | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and emollient properties, often included to calm irritation and improve skin moisture. It functions primarily as a base/conditioning agent rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend (cetyl and stearyl alcohol) used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent. It helps soften skin and keep oil and water phases blended in creams and lotions. |
| Ceteareth-20 Emulsifier/surfactant | Ceteareth-20 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of cetearyl alcohol used primarily as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant to stabilize oil-in-water formulations. It is a formulation base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Pyrus Malus (Apple) Vinegar Skin conditioning / pH adjuster (exfoliant) | Pyrus Malus (Apple) Vinegar is a fermented apple-derived ingredient containing acetic and malic acids, used in skincare as a mild exfoliant, pH adjuster, and skin-conditioning agent. Its natural acid content can support skin surface balance and provide gentle keratolytic effects. |
| Arginine Hydrochloride Amino acid / pH adjuster / humectant | Arginine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of the amino acid L-arginine, used in skincare primarily as a pH-adjusting agent, buffering component, and skin-conditioning humectant. It helps neutralize acidic formulations and contributes mild moisturizing and antioxidant-supportive properties. |
| 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. |
| Camphor Key active Cooling/anti-pruritic agent | Camphor is an aromatic terpenoid used topically as a counterirritant that produces a cooling sensation and provides mild analgesic, anti-itch, and antimicrobial effects. In skincare it is commonly included in anti-acne, soothing, and cooling formulations. |
| 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. |
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.