Below is every ingredient in Sk Ii Facial Treatment Gentle 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.
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate is a fermentation-derived ingredient rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids that is used to improve skin radiance, hydration, and barrier function. It is reported to have antioxidant activity and may help reduce the appearance of pores and uneven tone.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
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.
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract is derived from baker's yeast and is used in skincare as a humectant, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning agent thought to support hydration, barrier function, and skin oxygenation. It contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and beta-glucans that may help soothe and revitalize the skin.
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7 is a synthetic lipopeptide combining palmitic acid with a dipeptide (lysine-threonine), used in cosmetic formulations for its purported skin-conditioning and anti-aging properties, often as part of peptide complexes like Matrixyl. It is thought to support extracellular matrix maintenance and signal skin-renewal processes, though robust independent clinical evidence is limited.
Hexapeptide-3 is a synthetic peptide used in cosmetic formulations to help reduce the appearance of expression lines by modulating muscle contraction signaling. It is marketed for its potential to smooth fine wrinkles, particularly in the forehead and around the eyes.
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 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 irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely on sensitive or compromised skin shortly after application. |
| Contact allergy / allergic dermatitis | Rare | Fermentation-derived components may trigger sensitization in predisposed individuals. |
| Acne or fungal-related breakouts | Rare | Some individuals with malassezia-sensitive skin report worsening, though evidence is limited. |
| Redness or flushing | Rare | Transient and usually resolves with discontinuation. |
| Mild transient flushing or redness | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or in sensitive skin; usually subsides quickly. |
| Tingling, stinging, or burning sensation | Uncommon | Often associated with higher percentages or compromised barrier. |
| Contact irritation or itching | Rare | Generally dose-dependent and resolves with discontinuation. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Documented in isolated case reports; true sensitization is unusual. |
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. |
| 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. |
| Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Key active Antioxidant / brightening conditioning agent | Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate is a fermentation-derived ingredient rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids that is used to improve skin radiance, hydration, and barrier function. It is reported to have antioxidant activity and may help reduce the appearance of pores and uneven tone. |
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| 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. |
| Sucrose Polycottonseedate Emollient/skin-conditioning ester | Sucrose Polycottonseedate is a sucrose polyester derived from cottonseed oil fatty acids, used primarily as an emollient, occlusive, and texture-enhancing agent in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps soften the skin and improve product spreadability without functioning as a therapeutic active. |
| Isopropyl Isostearate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Isopropyl isostearate is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid used in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, imparting a smooth, lubricating feel and helping to soften skin. It functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| Polyacrylamide Thickener/film-former | Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics primarily as a thickening agent, film former, and stabilizer that improves texture and viscosity of formulations. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| Polymethylsilsesquioxane Texture enhancer / mattifying agent | Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone-based spherical powder used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, soft-focus, mattifying feel and improve spreadability. It is a formulation/texture ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Stearyl Alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent to improve texture and prevent ingredient separation. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency of creams and lotions. |
| C13-14 Isoparaffin Emollient/thickener | C13-14 Isoparaffin is a synthetic hydrocarbon used in skincare primarily as an emollient and as a thickening or gelling agent, often paired with polyacrylamide-based systems to stabilize emulsions. It helps improve spreadability and texture but provides no active treatment benefit. |
| 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. |
| Methylparaben Preservative | Methylparaben is a paraben-class antimicrobial preservative widely used in cosmetics and skincare to prevent microbial growth and extend product shelf life. It is effective primarily against fungi and yeasts, often combined with other parabens for broader protection. |
| Dimethiconol Emollient/silicone conditioning agent | Dimethiconol is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare and haircare to provide smoothing, conditioning, and a soft, non-greasy emollient feel. It forms a thin, breathable film that reduces moisture loss and improves spreadability of formulations. |
| PEG-100 Stearate Emulsifier/surfactant | PEG-100 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Disodium EDTA Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Laureth-7 Emulsifier/surfactant | Laureth-7 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol used in cosmetics as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer to stabilize formulations and disperse oils. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Propylparaben Preservative | Propylparaben is a paraben-class antimicrobial preservative used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It is typically used at low concentrations alongside other parabens for broad-spectrum preservation. |
| 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. |
| Cetearyl Glucoside Emulsifier | Cetearyl Glucoside is a plant-derived (glucose and fatty alcohol) nonionic emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize creams and lotions. It is valued for being mild and well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations. |
| Ethylparaben Preservative | Ethylparaben is a paraben-class antimicrobial preservative used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It is valued for its broad-spectrum efficacy and stability across a wide pH range. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract Key active Skin-conditioning / antioxidant | Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract is derived from baker's yeast and is used in skincare as a humectant, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning agent thought to support hydration, barrier function, and skin oxygenation. It contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and beta-glucans that may help soothe and revitalize the skin. |
| Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7 Key active Anti-aging peptide | Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7 is a synthetic lipopeptide combining palmitic acid with a dipeptide (lysine-threonine), used in cosmetic formulations for its purported skin-conditioning and anti-aging properties, often as part of peptide complexes like Matrixyl. It is thought to support extracellular matrix maintenance and signal skin-renewal processes, though robust independent clinical evidence is limited. |
| Hexapeptide-3 Key active Anti-aging peptide | Hexapeptide-3 is a synthetic peptide used in cosmetic formulations to help reduce the appearance of expression lines by modulating muscle contraction signaling. It is marketed for its potential to smooth fine wrinkles, particularly in the forehead and around the eyes. |
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.