Below is every ingredient in 2% Glutathione Face Serum With Glutathione and Tranexamic Acid - 30 ml 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.
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine derivative used topically to reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma, and post-inflammatory dark spots by inhibiting the plasminogen-plasmin pathway and reducing melanin transfer to keratinocytes. It is also valued for helping calm redness and improve uneven skin tone.
Glutathione is a tripeptide antioxidant used in skincare for its melanin-modulating and antioxidant properties, often promoted to reduce hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. Topical efficacy data is limited and variable, with stronger systemic effects associated with oral or intravenous routes.
Saxifraga Sarmentosa (strawberry begonia/saxifrage) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties, contributing to brightening and anti-pigmentation effects. It also contains arbutin and flavonoids that may help reduce melanin synthesis and soothe skin.
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract is derived from papaya and contains the proteolytic enzyme papain along with antioxidant vitamins, providing mild enzymatic exfoliation and skin-brightening effects. It is used in cleansers, masks, and exfoliating treatments to help remove dead surface cells.
Psidium Guajava (guava) fruit extract is rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, and flavonoids, providing antioxidant and soothing benefits in topical formulations. It is used to help protect skin from free radical damage and may support a brighter, more even complexion.
Curcuma Longa Rhizome Extract is derived from the turmeric plant and contains curcuminoids that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in topical formulations. It is used in skincare to help calm irritation, address signs of oxidative stress, and even 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 skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible at higher concentrations, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to glycol ethers is infrequently reported. |
| Enhanced irritation from co-formulated actives | Uncommon | By increasing penetration, it may intensify the effects or irritation potential of other ingredients. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Can occur with accidental contact in concentrated form. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Common | Transient burning or tingling, especially at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin. |
| Erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Temporary localized redness that typically resolves with continued use or reduced frequency. |
| Dryness or peeling | Uncommon | More likely when combined with other actives such as retinoids or acids. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Itching, rash, or swelling indicating sensitivity to the ingredient or formulation. |
| Paradoxical worsening of pigmentation | Rare | Occasionally reported; may relate to irritation triggering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | May occur with topical application, particularly in sensitive skin. |
| Contact allergic reaction | Rare | Sensitization to the ingredient or formulation components is possible. |
| Skin lightening beyond intended areas / uneven results | Rare | Reported mainly with systemic use rather than topical. |
| Serious adverse events such as skin rashes, organ effects, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome | Very rare | Primarily linked to intravenous/injectable use, which lacks regulatory approval for skin lightening in many regions. |
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. |
| Ethoxydiglycol Solvent / penetration enhancer | Ethoxydiglycol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether) is a glycol ether used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and viscosity reducer that helps dissolve active ingredients and improve their skin penetration. It is considered a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Tranexamic Acid Key active Brightening / pigment-correcting active | Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine derivative used topically to reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma, and post-inflammatory dark spots by inhibiting the plasminogen-plasmin pathway and reducing melanin transfer to keratinocytes. It is also valued for helping calm redness and improve uneven skin tone. |
| Glutathione Key active Antioxidant / skin-brightening agent | Glutathione is a tripeptide antioxidant used in skincare for its melanin-modulating and antioxidant properties, often promoted to reduce hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. Topical efficacy data is limited and variable, with stronger systemic effects associated with oral or intravenous routes. |
| Methyl Gluceth-20 Humectant/moisturizer | Methyl Gluceth-20 is a water-soluble humectant derived from glucose and methyl glucose, used to attract and retain moisture in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It also functions as a skin-conditioning agent and helps improve product texture and spreadability. |
| Tartaric Acid AHA exfoliant / pH adjuster | Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from grapes that promotes mild chemical exfoliation and helps buffer formulation pH. It is used to improve skin texture and tone, and can enhance the stability and absorption of other ingredients. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract Key active Skin brightening / antioxidant botanical extract | Saxifraga Sarmentosa (strawberry begonia/saxifrage) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties, contributing to brightening and anti-pigmentation effects. It also contains arbutin and flavonoids that may help reduce melanin synthesis and soothe skin. |
| Carica Papaya Fruit Extract Key active Enzymatic exfoliant / antioxidant | Carica Papaya Fruit Extract is derived from papaya and contains the proteolytic enzyme papain along with antioxidant vitamins, providing mild enzymatic exfoliation and skin-brightening effects. It is used in cleansers, masks, and exfoliating treatments to help remove dead surface cells. |
| Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Psidium Guajava (guava) fruit extract is rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, and flavonoids, providing antioxidant and soothing benefits in topical formulations. It is used to help protect skin from free radical damage and may support a brighter, more even complexion. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Solubilizer/emulsifier | PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic surfactant derived from hydrogenated castor oil reacted with ethylene oxide, widely used to dissolve fragrances and oils into water-based formulations and to stabilize emulsions. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Triethylene Glycol Solvent / humectant | Triethylene glycol is a low-molecular-weight glycol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and humectant, helping to dissolve ingredients and retain moisture. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Thickener / viscosity modifier | Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose derivative used to thicken and stabilize aqueous skincare formulations and improve texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film-forming agent rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Curcuma Longa Rhizome Extract Key active Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory botanical | Curcuma Longa Rhizome Extract is derived from the turmeric plant and contains curcuminoids that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in topical formulations. It is used in skincare to help calm irritation, address signs of oxidative stress, and even skin tone. |
| Tetrahydrocurcumin Key active Antioxidant / brightening agent | Tetrahydrocurcumin is a colorless, hydrogenated derivative of curcumin used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-tone-brightening properties. It helps neutralize free radicals and may inhibit melanin production, contributing to a more even complexion. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Sulfite Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium sulfite is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of products. It is generally considered a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Metabisulfite Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium metabisulfite is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and topical formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of products. It releases sulfur dioxide, which helps stabilize sensitive ingredients. |
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.