Below is every ingredient in Advanced Kumkumadi Hydra Radiant Facial Gel 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.
Crocus Sativus (saffron) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in carotenoids (crocin, crocetin) and safranal, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It is studied for reducing hyperpigmentation and protecting against UV-induced oxidative damage.
Crocus Sativus (saffron) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in carotenoids (crocin, crocetin) and safranal, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It is studied for reducing hyperpigmentation and protecting against UV-induced oxidative damage.
Crocus Sativus (saffron) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in carotenoids (crocin, crocetin) and safranal, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It is studied for reducing hyperpigmentation and protecting against UV-induced oxidative damage.
Rubia cordifolia (Indian madder) root extract is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties attributed to anthraquinone and flavonoid constituents. It is traditionally employed to support skin tone evenness and soothe irritation.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice root) extract is used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, largely attributed to compounds such as glabridin and glycyrrhizinic acid. It is commonly employed to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation.
Symplocos racemosa (Lodhra) is a plant-derived extract traditionally used in Ayurvedic and cosmetic preparations for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties, often attributed to tannins and flavonoid constituents. It is used in formulations targeting acne, inflammation, and overall skin tone.
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. |
| 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. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation or redness possible, typically in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated hypersensitivity reactions reported; xanthan gum is generally considered low-allergenicity. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Generally associated with overall formulation rather than the ingredient alone. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive individuals or at higher concentrations. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Common | As an alpha-hydroxy acid derivative it can heighten sensitivity to UV; sunscreen use is advised. |
| Skin irritation, stinging or burning | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on compromised/sensitive skin. |
| Redness or dryness | Uncommon | Paradoxical irritation possible in some individuals despite its humectant role. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally well tolerated; transient irritation possible in sensitive individuals. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Uncommon sensitization, more likely in those with existing fragrance or plant-derived ingredient allergies. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | As a lipid-based emollient, may contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone skin, though low risk. |
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. |
| 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. |
| 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 PCA Humectant | Sodium PCA (sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It is widely used in cosmetics as a water-binding humectant to hydrate and soften the skin. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Sodium Lactate Humectant / NMF component | Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid and a key component of skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), used to hydrate the skin and buffer formulation pH. It also has mild exfoliating and humectant properties that help maintain skin moisture and barrier function. |
| Ethyl Olivate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Ethyl Olivate is an ester derived from olive oil fatty acids and ethyl alcohol, used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent to improve texture, spreadability, and skin softness. It functions primarily as a base/formulation lipid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Triheptanoin Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Triheptanoin is a triglyceride of heptanoic acid (a medium-chain fatty acid) used in skincare as an emollient and solvent that softens skin and helps deliver lipophilic ingredients. It also serves as a medical-grade lipid in some therapeutic contexts. |
| Sclerotium Gum Thickener / stabilizer | Sclerotium Gum is a natural polysaccharide produced by fermentation of the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, used as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. It also imparts a smooth skin feel and helps suspend particles in creams, gels, and serums. |
| 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. |
| Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester emollient derived from coconut-sourced fatty alcohols and caprylic/capric acids, used to provide a smooth, dry, non-greasy skin feel and to act as a silicone alternative. It functions primarily as a spreading agent and texture enhancer in lotions, creams, and sunscreens. |
| Isoamyl laurate Emollient | Isoamyl Laurate is a plant-derived ester (from isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid) used as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that improves skin feel and product texture. It functions to soften and condition the skin and acts as a natural alternative to silicones. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Laurate Emulsifier / emollient / antimicrobial | Glyceryl laurate (glyceryl monolaurate) is a glycerol ester of lauric acid used in cosmetics as a non-ionic emulsifier, emollient, and surfactant, with mild antimicrobial properties that can support preservative systems. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Aloe barbadensis Soothing/hydrating agent | Aloe Barbadensis (aloe vera) is a plant-derived gel rich in polysaccharides, water, and bioactive compounds used in skincare for its moisturizing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly applied to support skin hydration and calm minor irritation or sunburn. |
| Jasminum Officinale Fragrance/skin-conditioning | Jasminum Officinale (jasmine) extract or oil is derived from jasmine flowers and is used in skincare primarily as a natural fragrance and skin-conditioning agent. It is also valued for its aromatic properties in cosmetic formulations. |
| Crocus sativus Key active Antioxidant / brightening botanical extract | Crocus Sativus (saffron) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in carotenoids (crocin, crocetin) and safranal, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It is studied for reducing hyperpigmentation and protecting against UV-induced oxidative damage. |
| Crocus sativus Key active Antioxidant / brightening botanical extract | Crocus Sativus (saffron) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in carotenoids (crocin, crocetin) and safranal, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It is studied for reducing hyperpigmentation and protecting against UV-induced oxidative damage. |
| Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate is a polyglycerol ester of stearic acid used as a non-ionic, oil-in-water emulsifier and emollient in creams and lotions. It helps stabilize formulations and improve skin feel without active therapeutic effects. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Crocus sativus Key active Antioxidant / brightening botanical extract | Crocus Sativus (saffron) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in carotenoids (crocin, crocetin) and safranal, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It is studied for reducing hyperpigmentation and protecting against UV-induced oxidative damage. |
| Rubia cordifolia Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning botanical | Rubia cordifolia (Indian madder) root extract is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties attributed to anthraquinone and flavonoid constituents. It is traditionally employed to support skin tone evenness and soothe irritation. |
| Glycyrrhiza glabra Key active Soothing/brightening antioxidant | Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice root) extract is used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, largely attributed to compounds such as glabridin and glycyrrhizinic acid. It is commonly employed to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation. |
| Santalum Album Fragrance/soothing botanical | Santalum Album (sandalwood) is an aromatic plant extract or essential oil derived from sandalwood, used in skincare for its fragrance and purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is most commonly included for scent and traditional soothing applications rather than as a clinically validated active. |
| Symplocos recemosa Key active Skin-soothing / astringent botanical extract | Symplocos racemosa (Lodhra) is a plant-derived extract traditionally used in Ayurvedic and cosmetic preparations for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties, often attributed to tannins and flavonoid constituents. It is used in formulations targeting acne, inflammation, and overall skin tone. |
| Benzyl benzoate Fragrance/Preservative/Solvent | Benzyl benzoate is a naturally occurring ester used in cosmetics as a fragrance component, solvent, plasticizer, and fixative; it also has antimicrobial and acaricidal properties. In medicine it is used as a topical treatment for scabies and lice. |
| Benzyl acetate Fragrance/flavoring agent | Benzyl acetate is an aromatic ester used primarily as a fragrance component in cosmetics and personal care products, valued for its sweet, floral (jasmine-like) scent. It serves a sensory and masking role rather than providing skin-treatment benefits. |
| Farnesol Fragrance ingredient / antimicrobial | Farnesol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance component and deodorant agent, and it also exhibits mild antibacterial properties. It is found in essential oils such as rose, neroli, and citronella. |
| Geraniol Fragrance/aroma compound | Geraniol is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and for its pleasant rose-like scent. It also has mild antioxidant and antimicrobial properties but is included mainly for olfactory rather than therapeutic purposes. |
| Limonene Fragrance/solvent | Limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene derived from citrus peel oils, commonly used as a fragrance component and solvent in cosmetic formulations. On exposure to air it oxidizes, forming compounds with greater sensitizing potential. |
| Linalool Fragrance/masking agent | Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in lavender, coriander, and many other plants, used in skincare primarily as a fragrance component. It readily oxidizes upon exposure to air, forming sensitizing hydroperoxides. |
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.