Below is every ingredient in Moonlight Growth™ Scalp 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.
Caffeine is a topical active used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and ability to constrict blood vessels, which may temporarily reduce puffiness and the appearance of under-eye darkness. It is also studied for reducing localized fluid retention and protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress.
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.
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.
Glycine Soja (soybean) Germ Extract is a soy-derived ingredient rich in isoflavones, vitamin E, and phytosterols, used in skincare for its antioxidant and conditioning properties. It is sometimes incorporated for purported brightening and anti-aging benefits.
Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin surface, provides antioxidant and humectant benefits, and is often considered milder than alpha hydroxy acids. It is well tolerated, including by sensitive skin, due to its larger molecular size and slower penetration.
Hibiscus rosa sinensis flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and organic acids (including mild alpha-hydroxy acids) used in skincare for its antioxidant, mildly exfoliating, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often marketed as a 'natural botox' due to anecdotal firming effects, though robust clinical evidence is limited.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness or barrier disruption with excessive contact | Uncommon | Frequent or prolonged exposure to water, especially hot or hard water, can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to transepidermal water loss. |
| Irritation from impurities or hard water minerals | Rare | Reactions are attributed to contaminants, chlorine, or mineral content rather than water itself. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent; propanediol is generally considered low-risk for allergy. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| 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. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause irritation on direct contact with eyes, relevant in eye-area products. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Transient and typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Dryness or tightness | Uncommon | More likely in alcohol-based or high-concentration formulations. |
| Stinging on application near eyes | Uncommon | Often related to formulation rather than caffeine itself, especially in sensitive periorbital skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water Solvent/vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in cosmetic formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves other ingredients and forms the bulk of emulsions and aqueous solutions. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Caffeine Key active Antioxidant / vasoconstrictor | Caffeine is a topical active used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and ability to constrict blood vessels, which may temporarily reduce puffiness and the appearance of under-eye darkness. It is also studied for reducing localized fluid retention and protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Potassium Sorbate Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Glycine Soja Germ Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning agent | Glycine Soja (soybean) Germ Extract is a soy-derived ingredient rich in isoflavones, vitamin E, and phytosterols, used in skincare for its antioxidant and conditioning properties. It is sometimes incorporated for purported brightening and anti-aging benefits. |
| Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract Skin conditioning / soothing | Triticum Vulgare (wheat) Germ Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants used in skincare for its emollient, conditioning, and reparative properties. It is often included to support skin barrier function and soothe irritation. |
| PPG-26-Buteth-26 Solubilizer/emulsifier | PPG-26-Buteth-26 is a polypropylene glycol-based ether used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solubilizer and emulsifying agent, helping to dissolve fragrances and oils into water-based products. It is considered a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Solubilizer/emulsifier | PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic surfactant derived from hydrogenated castor oil reacted with ethylene oxide, widely used to dissolve fragrances and oils into water-based formulations and to stabilize emulsions. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate Natural preservative | Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a fermentation-derived ingredient produced by culturing Leuconostoc bacteria on radish roots, yielding antimicrobial peptides used as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. It helps protect water-based cosmetic formulations from microbial growth while sometimes contributing mild conditioning properties. |
| Glycine Amino acid / humectant | Glycine is a small amino acid used in skincare as a humectant and conditioning agent, supporting skin hydration and acting as a building block for collagen and natural moisturizing factor. It is generally considered well-tolerated and is often included as part of moisturizing or barrier-support formulations. |
| Larix Europaea Wood Extract Skin conditioning / antioxidant | Larix Europaea (European larch) Wood Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in arabinogalactan polysaccharides and polyphenols, used in skincare for its conditioning, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is also valued as a humectant and film-forming agent that can support skin hydration. |
| Gluconolactone Key active Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) exfoliant/humectant | Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin surface, provides antioxidant and humectant benefits, and is often considered milder than alpha hydroxy acids. It is well tolerated, including by sensitive skin, due to its larger molecular size and slower penetration. |
| Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract Key active Antioxidant/anti-aging botanical | Hibiscus rosa sinensis flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and organic acids (including mild alpha-hydroxy acids) used in skincare for its antioxidant, mildly exfoliating, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often marketed as a 'natural botox' due to anecdotal firming effects, though robust clinical evidence is limited. |
| Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical | Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It is commonly used to help calm irritation and protect skin against environmental oxidative stress. |
| Sodium Metabisulfite Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium metabisulfite is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and topical formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of products. It releases sulfur dioxide, which helps stabilize sensitive ingredients. |
| Eclipta Prostrata Extract Key active Antioxidant / hair-and-scalp conditioning botanical | Eclipta Prostrata (false daisy / bhringraj) extract is a plant-derived ingredient traditionally used in hair and scalp care, valued for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and reported hair-growth-supporting properties. In skincare it is included for its flavonoid and coumestan content as a soothing antioxidant agent. |
| Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and polyphenols used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is reported to help protect skin from environmental oxidative stress and support skin barrier function. |
| Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-brightening | Phyllanthus Emblica (Indian gooseberry/Amla) fruit extract is a polyphenol-rich botanical used in skincare for its antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties, often included to help brighten skin tone and reduce oxidative stress. It is also valued for its stability and chelating activity in formulations. |
| Benzyl Alcohol Preservative / solvent | Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used primarily as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and it also provides mild fragrance and viscosity-reducing properties. It is approved for use as a preservative at concentrations up to about 1% in leave-on and rinse-off products. |
| 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. |
| Arctium Majus Root Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant botanical extract | Arctium Majus (burdock) root extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to constituents such as inulin, polyphenols, and lignans. It is commonly included to help soothe and protect the skin. |
| Sodium Benzoate Preservative | Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, particularly in acidic products. It is most effective at a pH below 5. |
| Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract Fragrance/soothing botanical extract | Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender) flower/leaf/stem extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare primarily for its aromatic, antioxidant, and soothing properties. It contains constituents such as linalool and linalyl acetate that contribute to its scent but also to its sensitizing potential. |
| 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. |
| Zinc Chloride Key active Astringent/antimicrobial | Zinc chloride is an inorganic zinc salt used in skincare and topical formulations as an astringent and antimicrobial agent, and in higher concentrations as a caustic/escharotic in dermatologic procedures. It can help reduce surface microbial load and tighten tissue. |
| Apigenin Key active Antioxidant/anti-inflammatory flavonoid | Apigenin is a plant-derived flavonoid used in topical skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is being studied for potential roles in supporting skin barrier function and reducing signs of photoaging. It is generally well tolerated in cosmetic concentrations. |
| 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. |
| Oleanolic Acid Key active Antioxidant / sebum-regulating active | Oleanolic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid found in plants such as olive leaves and cloves, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibiting properties. It is studied for managing oily and acne-prone skin, supporting the skin barrier, and reducing signs of aging. |
| Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 Key active Hair/scalp conditioning peptide | Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 is a biotin-conjugated tripeptide marketed for strengthening hair anchorage and improving scalp/follicle condition, often used in anti-hair-loss and hair-growth formulations. It is thought to act on the extracellular matrix proteins surrounding the hair bulb, though clinical evidence is limited. |
| 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. |
| Calcium Gluconate Buffering/skin-conditioning agent | Calcium gluconate is a calcium salt of gluconic acid used in topical formulations as a source of calcium, a buffering agent, and a skin-conditioning ingredient. It is also notably used medically as an antidote gel for hydrofluoric acid burns. |
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.