Below is every ingredient in The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming 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.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract is derived from rice and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, brightening, and soothing properties, owing to its content of ferulic acid, vitamins, and amino acids. It is often included to help even skin tone and provide mild moisturizing and barrier-supporting benefits.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Common | More likely with high-pH or poorly buffered formulations, especially on sensitive skin. |
| Dryness or tightness | Common | Can disrupt the skin barrier and strip natural oils with frequent use. |
| Chemical burns | Rare | Occurs primarily with concentrated raw material or improper formulation, not in finished consumer products. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Uncommon since it is largely neutralized in finished products. |
| Eye irritation or injury | Uncommon | Risk with accidental contact, particularly with cleansers near the eye area. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Occasional transient redness or stinging, more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / pore clogging | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals depending on concentration and formulation. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging in rinse-off products if contact occurs. |
| Comedogenicity (pore-clogging, potential acne aggravation) | Common | Rated highly comedogenic; may worsen acne in some individuals when used in leave-on products. |
| Skin irritation or dryness | Uncommon | Particularly in high-foaming cleanser formulations or on sensitive skin. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Generally low irritation potential; mild stinging possible at higher concentrations or with eye contact. |
| Dryness or transient redness | Rare | More likely in compromised or very sensitive skin with frequent use. |
| Cross-reactivity with related surfactants | Rare | Patch-test reactions may overlap with chemically related amphoteric or amine-containing surfactants. |
| Nitrosamine contamination concern | Very rare | Theoretical risk if formulated with nitrosating agents; ethanolamides can form nitrosamines under certain conditions. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Potassium Hydroxide pH adjuster / saponifying agent | Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline compound used in cosmetics to adjust pH and to saponify fatty acids in the production of liquid soaps and cleansers. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, functioning as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Lauric Acid Cleansing/surfactant & emollient fatty acid | Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid commonly derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, used in skincare as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient. It also has documented antimicrobial activity, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes. |
| Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate Mild amphoteric surfactant / cleansing agent | Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is a coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle cleansing, foam, and to reduce the irritation potential of harsher anionic surfactants. It is valued for mildness in baby and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| 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. |
| Cocamide Mea Foaming agent / surfactant | Cocamide MEA (Cocamide monoethanolamide) is a coconut oil-derived non-ionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos as a foam booster, viscosity enhancer, and emulsion stabilizer. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Surfactant / cleansing agent | Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant widely used in cleansers, shampoos, and toothpastes to remove oil and debris and to produce foam. It is also used in patch testing as a standard skin irritant. |
| Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning | Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract is derived from rice and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, brightening, and soothing properties, owing to its content of ferulic acid, vitamins, and amino acids. It is often included to help even skin tone and provide mild moisturizing and barrier-supporting benefits. |
| Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract Cleansing/surfactant agent | Saponaria Officinalis (soapwort) Leaf Extract is derived from the soapwort plant and is rich in saponins, naturally occurring glycosides that produce a mild foaming and cleansing effect. It is used in skincare and haircare as a gentle, plant-derived cleansing and conditioning agent. |
| Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil Emollient / antioxidant | Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids, vitamin E (tocopherols/tocotrienols), and oryzanol, used in skincare as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent, and antioxidant. It helps soften skin and support the barrier while providing mild protection against oxidative stress. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Chloride Thickener / viscosity adjuster | Sodium chloride (table salt) is commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening and viscosity-control agent, particularly in surfactant-based cleansers, and also acts as a mild abrasive in scrubs. It is generally well tolerated and considered a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer Silicone-based film former / emollient | Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer is a crosslinked silicone polymer used in skincare and cosmetics to form a smooth, flexible film on the skin, improving texture, spreadability, and providing a soft, conditioned feel. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| C12-13 Pareth-23 Surfactant/Emulsifier | C12-13 Pareth-23 is a polyethylene glycol ether of synthetic C12-C13 fatty alcohols used as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps disperse oils and stabilize emulsions rather than providing a direct therapeutic effect. |
| C12-13 Pareth-3 Surfactant/emulsifier | C12-13 Pareth-3 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol (a polyethylene glycol ether derived from C12-13 alcohols) used in cosmetic formulations as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It helps blend oil and water phases and disperse poorly soluble ingredients. |
| 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. |
| Hexylene Glycol Solvent / humectant | Hexylene glycol is a small glycol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent, viscosity-reducer, and mild humectant. It helps dissolve other ingredients and improve product texture rather than providing a direct therapeutic skin benefit. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Thickener/film-former | Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a semi-synthetic cellulose derivative used in skincare and cosmetics as a thickening agent, emulsion stabilizer, film former, and binder. It is generally considered safe, non-toxic, and non-irritating in topical formulations. |
| Parfum Fragrance | Parfum (fragrance) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to cosmetic products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the base odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory/formulation purpose rather than providing any skin benefit. |
| Hexyl Cinnamal Fragrance ingredient | Hexyl Cinnamal is a synthetic aromatic compound used as a fragrance and masking agent in cosmetic and skincare formulations, valued for its mild floral, jasmine-like scent. It is one of the 26 fragrance allergens required to be labeled in the EU. |
| Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde Fragrance ingredient | Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde (also known as Lyral) is a synthetic fragrance compound formerly widely used in perfumes and cosmetics for its floral, lily-of-the-valley scent. Due to its high sensitizing potential, it has been restricted or banned in cosmetic products in the European Union. |
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.