Below is every ingredient in Pore Clear Coffee Cookie Face Scrub 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.
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Powder is a finely ground coffee bean used primarily as a physical exfoliant in scrubs and as a source of antioxidant compounds like caffeine and chlorogenic acids. It provides mechanical exfoliation while contributing some skin-conditioning and antioxidant benefits.
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical skin irritation | Common | Irregularly shaped particles can cause friction and redness, especially with vigorous use. |
| Microtears / microabrasions in the skin barrier | Uncommon | Sharp particle edges may create tiny surface abrasions that can compromise the barrier. |
| Allergic or contact sensitivity | Rare | Possible in individuals with tree nut sensitivities, though shell material contains little protein. |
| Worsening of inflammatory acne or sensitive-skin conditions | Uncommon | Over-exfoliation can aggravate active breakouts, rosacea, or compromised skin. |
| Skin dryness | Common | Often due to oil-stripping formulations rather than charcoal itself. |
| Mild irritation or redness | Uncommon | More likely in sensitive skin or with abrasive scrub formulations. |
| Contact allergic reaction | Rare | Usually attributable to other formulation components rather than charcoal. |
| Mechanical skin damage from peel-off masks | Rare | Aggressive removal of peel-off charcoal masks may injure skin or remove vellus hair. |
| Mechanical irritation or micro-abrasion | Uncommon | Coarse particles can cause friction-related irritation or micro-tears, especially on sensitive or thin skin. |
| Redness or transient stinging | Uncommon | May occur after vigorous scrubbing or on compromised skin barriers. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to coffee constituents or accompanying fragrance/preservatives has been reported infrequently. |
| Worsening of acne or inflammation | Rare | Aggressive physical exfoliation on inflammatory acne can aggravate lesions. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Common | Due to its oil-absorbing action, especially on dry or sensitive skin. |
| Irritation or redness | Uncommon | May occur with prolonged contact or overuse. |
| Respiratory irritation from powder | Rare | Relevant mainly when handling dry clay powder; inhalation should be avoided. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder Physical exfoliant / abrasive | Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder is a finely ground natural particulate derived from walnut shells, used in scrubs and cleansers to mechanically remove dead skin cells and surface debris. It functions as a physical exfoliating agent rather than a chemically active treatment ingredient. |
| Activated Charcoal Adsorbent/cleansing agent | Activated charcoal is a highly porous form of carbon used in cleansers and masks to adsorb oil, dirt, and impurities from the skin surface. Evidence for clinical benefit beyond mild physical cleansing is limited. |
| Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Powder Key active Exfoliant/Antioxidant | Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Powder is a finely ground coffee bean used primarily as a physical exfoliant in scrubs and as a source of antioxidant compounds like caffeine and chlorogenic acids. It provides mechanical exfoliation while contributing some skin-conditioning and antioxidant benefits. |
| Bentonite Absorbent clay / mask base | Bentonite is a montmorillonite-rich absorbent clay used in masks and cleansers to adsorb excess sebum, oils, and impurities from the skin. It also acts as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. |
| Kaolin Absorbent/clay cleanser | Kaolin is a naturally occurring soft white clay (hydrated aluminum silicate) used in skincare to absorb excess sebum, oil, and impurities. It is commonly found in face masks, cleansers, and powders as a mattifying and gentle exfoliating agent. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables. It is widely used in skincare to soften, smooth, and condition the skin while forming an occlusive barrier that reduces water loss. |
| Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter Emollient/occlusive | Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter is a fat extracted from cocoa beans used as an emollient and occlusive agent in skincare, helping to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is commonly found in moisturizers, balms, and lip products. |
| Ceramide Skin barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramides are lipid molecules naturally found in the stratum corneum that help maintain the skin's barrier function and retain moisture. In skincare, they are used to reinforce the barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss, and soothe dry or compromised skin. |
| 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. |
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.