Below is every ingredient in Hyphen Moisturizing Creamy Cleanser 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.
Avena Sativa (oat) Kernel Extract is derived from oat seeds and is used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier-supporting properties, largely attributed to avenanthramides, beta-glucans, and saponins. It is commonly incorporated to calm irritation, reduce itching, and improve hydration in sensitive or compromised skin.
Capryloyl Glycine is a lipoamino acid formed from caprylic acid and glycine, used in skincare for its mild antimicrobial, sebum-regulating, and conditioning properties. It is commonly included in formulations targeting oily or acne-prone skin and as a deodorizing or preservative-boosting agent.
Undecylenoyl Glycine is an amino acid derivative of undecylenic acid used in skincare for its antimicrobial and sebum-regulating properties, often included in formulations targeting acne, oily skin, and odor control. It also exhibits mild skin-soothing and brightening effects in some studies.
Titanium dioxide is an inorganic mineral compound used primarily as a physical (mineral) sunscreen agent that reflects and scatters UV radiation, and also serves as a white pigment and opacifier in cosmetic formulations. It is broadly photostable and considered gentle, making it common in products for sensitive and pediatric skin.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally considered low-irritancy; mild stinging or dryness can occur, especially in high concentrations or with compromised skin barrier. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | As with most surfactants, can cause transient stinging or irritation on direct eye contact. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Hives or immediate skin reaction reported mainly in individuals with atopic dermatitis or oat protein sensitivity. |
| Mild stinging or transient irritation | Uncommon | Brief sensation on application, more likely on broken or highly reactive skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Capryl Glucoside Surfactant/cleansing agent | Capryl Glucoside (Caprylyl Glucoside) is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut/palm-based fatty alcohols and glucose, used in cleansers and foaming products as a gentle cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying agent. It is considered well-tolerated and suitable for sensitive skin formulations. |
| 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 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. |
| Avena Sativa Kernel Extract Key active Soothing / anti-irritant | Avena Sativa (oat) Kernel Extract is derived from oat seeds and is used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier-supporting properties, largely attributed to avenanthramides, beta-glucans, and saponins. It is commonly incorporated to calm irritation, reduce itching, and improve hydration in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a gentle, coconut-derived anionic surfactant widely used in syndet cleansing bars and facial cleansers to produce a creamy lather while being milder than traditional soaps. It cleanses by emulsifying oils and debris with relatively low irritation potential. |
| Sodium Polyglutamate Humectant / moisturizer | Sodium polyglutamate is the sodium salt of polyglutamic acid, a biopolymer that binds and retains water in the skin, enhancing hydration and the moisturizing performance of formulations. It also forms a light film on the skin surface that can improve smoothness and reduce transepidermal water loss. |
| Crosspolymer Texture modifier / thickener | Crosspolymers are cross-linked synthetic polymers (e.g., carbomer or dimethicone crosspolymers) used to thicken, stabilize, and improve the sensory feel of formulations. They function as rheology modifiers and film-formers rather than as biologically active treatment ingredients. |
| Glycol Distearate Opacifier/pearlescent agent, emollient | Glycol Distearate is a diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid used primarily to impart a pearlescent or opaque appearance to cleansers and shampoos, while also providing mild emollient and thickening properties. It functions as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| Ceramide 1 Skin barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide 1 (Ceramide EOP) is a naturally occurring epidermal lipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the skin's barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is commonly combined with other ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to mimic the skin's natural lipid matrix. |
| Ceramide 2 Skin-barrier lipid / moisturizer | Ceramide 2 (Ceramide NS) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is generally well tolerated and biocompatible with the skin's own ceramides. |
| Ceramide 3 Skin barrier replenisher / emollient | Ceramide 3 (also called Ceramide NP) is a lipid naturally found in the skin's stratum corneum that helps restore and maintain the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations to improve hydration and skin integrity. |
| Ceramide 4 Skin-barrier lipid / emollient | Ceramide 4 (Ceramide AP) is a naturally occurring skin lipid used in formulations to help restore and reinforce the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It supports the stratum corneum's lipid matrix, improving hydration and skin resilience. |
| Ceramide 6 Skin barrier repair / moisturizing lipid | Ceramide 6 (Ceramide AP) is a naturally occurring lipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is commonly included in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations to improve hydration and skin integrity. |
| Laminaria Digitata Extract Conditioning/antioxidant | Laminaria Digitata Extract is derived from brown seaweed and is used in skincare for its mineral, polysaccharide, and antioxidant content, providing skin-conditioning, hydrating, and soothing benefits. It is commonly included for its purported moisturizing and protective properties. |
| Soya Lecithin Emollient / emulsifier | Soya Lecithin is a phospholipid-rich substance derived from soybeans, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and delivery agent that helps stabilize formulations and enhance skin penetration of other ingredients. |
| Saccharide Isomerate Humectant / moisturizer | Saccharide Isomerate is a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that binds to the skin's keratin to provide long-lasting hydration and improve moisture retention. It is structurally similar to carbohydrates naturally found in the skin's upper layers. |
| Trehalose Humectant / moisturizer | Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide used in skincare as a humectant and protective agent, helping retain moisture and stabilize cell membranes and proteins against dehydration and oxidative stress. It is well tolerated and commonly used to support skin barrier hydration. |
| PEG-150 Distearate Thickener/emulsifier | PEG-150 Distearate is a polyethylene glycol-based diester of stearic acid used primarily as a viscosity-increasing agent, emulsifier, and surfactant in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic formulations. It helps thicken aqueous surfactant systems such as cleansers and shampoos. |
| Acrylates Copolymer Film-former / texture enhancer | Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used in skincare and cosmetics primarily as a film-forming agent, viscosity modifier, and to improve product texture and wear. It helps control sebum, provides a smooth feel, and stabilizes formulations. |
| Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer Opacifying/film-forming agent | Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics primarily as an opacifying agent and film former, often supplied as a dispersion of small colored or white beads that add opacity, texture, and a smooth finish to products. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifier/surfactant | Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a mild, lactic acid-derived anionic surfactant and emulsifier used to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It also has some reported conditioning and antimicrobial-boosting properties. |
| Capryloyl Glycine Key active Antimicrobial/sebum-regulating amino acid derivative | Capryloyl Glycine is a lipoamino acid formed from caprylic acid and glycine, used in skincare for its mild antimicrobial, sebum-regulating, and conditioning properties. It is commonly included in formulations targeting oily or acne-prone skin and as a deodorizing or preservative-boosting agent. |
| Undecylenoyl Glycine Key active Sebum-regulating/antimicrobial active | Undecylenoyl Glycine is an amino acid derivative of undecylenic acid used in skincare for its antimicrobial and sebum-regulating properties, often included in formulations targeting acne, oily skin, and odor control. It also exhibits mild skin-soothing and brightening effects in some studies. |
| Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide Skin-conditioning emollient / pseudo-ceramide | Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide is a synthetic pseudo-ceramide used to mimic natural skin ceramides, helping to support the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It functions as an emollient and moisturizing agent commonly found in barrier-repair and dry-skin formulations. |
| 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 Citrate pH adjuster / chelating agent | Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent to stabilize formulation pH and as a chelator that binds metal ions to improve product stability. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight ester emollient derived from benzoic acid and long-chain fatty alcohols, used in cosmetic formulations to improve spreadability, provide a smooth non-greasy finish, and act as a solvent or carrier. It is widely regarded as a stable, low-irritation base ingredient. |
| Titanium Dioxide Key active UV filter / mineral sunscreen | Titanium dioxide is an inorganic mineral compound used primarily as a physical (mineral) sunscreen agent that reflects and scatters UV radiation, and also serves as a white pigment and opacifier in cosmetic formulations. It is broadly photostable and considered gentle, making it common in products for sensitive and pediatric skin. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Aluminum Hydroxide Opacifier/colorant & skin protectant | Aluminum hydroxide is an inorganic compound used in cosmetics primarily as an opacifying agent, mild absorbent, and coating for pigments (such as in sunscreens and color cosmetics). It can also act as a buffering and skin-protectant ingredient in some topical formulations. |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate is a polyglycerol-based ester emulsifier used to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in creams, balms, and color cosmetics. It is valued as a gentle, plant-derived alternative to PEG-based emulsifiers. |
| Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid (commonly derived from soybean or egg) used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and penetration enhancer. It helps stabilize oil-and-water formulations and supports the skin barrier by mimicking natural lipids. |
| 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. |
| Benzoic Acid Preservative | Benzoic acid is an organic acid used primarily as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations, most effective in acidic products (pH below ~5). It helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold to extend product shelf life. |
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.