Below is every ingredient in Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum 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.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is enzymatically converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and skin brightening. It is generally considered milder and more stable than pure L-ascorbic acid.
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.
Tropaeolum Majus (nasturtium) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, and glucosinolates, used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and purported skin-conditioning properties. It is often included in formulations aimed at calming and protecting the skin.
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring, sulfur-containing amino acid derivative used in skincare as a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from oxidative stress and may support skin barrier function. It is valued for its stability and ability to scavenge free radicals.
Xanthophylls are oxygen-containing carotenoid pigments (e.g., lutein and zeaxanthin) used in skincare for their antioxidant properties and potential to protect skin from oxidative stress and blue-light/UV-induced damage.
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 tingling | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin |
| Erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Usually temporary and resolves after discontinuation |
| Dryness or mild irritation | Rare | Can occur depending on formulation and pH |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated reports of sensitization to vitamin C derivatives |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on compromised or sensitive skin, often due to its penetration-enhancing properties |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic sensitization | Rare | Glycol-type ingredients are generally low sensitizers but reactions are occasionally reported |
| Redness or dryness | Rare | Typically associated with high concentrations or already irritated skin |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Rare | Possible with high concentrations in leave-on products. |
| Redness or erythema | Uncommon | Typically mild and resolves after 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. |
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. |
| Ascorbyl Glucoside Key active Antioxidant / vitamin C derivative | Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is enzymatically converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and skin brightening. It is generally considered milder and more stable than pure L-ascorbic acid. |
| 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. |
| Methylpropanediol Humectant/solvent | Methylpropanediol is a small glycol-type ingredient used in skincare as a humectant and solvent that helps hydrate skin and enhance the penetration of other actives. It also contributes to product texture and can support preservative efficacy. |
| Pentylene Glycol Humectant / solvent / preservative-booster | Pentylene glycol is a glycol used in cosmetics as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, helping reduce reliance on traditional preservatives. It improves skin hydration and aids the delivery and stability of other ingredients. |
| 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%. |
| Cellulose Thickener / absorbent / texturizer | Cellulose is a plant-derived polysaccharide used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and absorbent agent, and in exfoliant or film-forming roles. It is generally inert and well tolerated as a formulation base ingredient. |
| Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Emulsifier / thickener | Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a synthetic acrylate-based polymer used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps create smooth, gel-like textures and stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant / soothing agent | Hydroxyacetophenone (acetophenone-based compound, often 4'-hydroxyacetophenone) is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that can also enhance the stability and efficacy of preservative systems. It is valued for its soothing properties and helps neutralize free radicals while reducing potential irritation from other formulation components. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 Phytate Chelating agent | Sodium Phytate is the sodium salt of phytic acid used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions, improving product stability and preventing oxidation. It can also offer mild antioxidant support and is often included at low concentrations. |
| Tropaeolum Majus Extract Key active Botanical antioxidant/soothing extract | Tropaeolum Majus (nasturtium) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, and glucosinolates, used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and purported skin-conditioning properties. It is often included in formulations aimed at calming and protecting the skin. |
| Ceramide NP Skin-barrier replenishing lipid / emollient | Ceramide NP (formerly ceramide 3) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| Ergothioneine Key active Antioxidant | Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring, sulfur-containing amino acid derivative used in skincare as a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from oxidative stress and may support skin barrier function. It is valued for its stability and ability to scavenge free radicals. |
| Maltodextrin Carrier/film-forming agent | Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide derived from starch hydrolysis, used in skincare primarily as a carrier, bulking agent, film former, and stabilizer for active ingredients and powders. It also helps improve texture and can act as a mild thickening or emulsion-stabilizing aid. |
| 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. |
| Xanthophylls Key active Antioxidant | Xanthophylls are oxygen-containing carotenoid pigments (e.g., lutein and zeaxanthin) used in skincare for their antioxidant properties and potential to protect skin from oxidative stress and blue-light/UV-induced damage. |
| Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate is a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant derived from polyglycerol and stearic acid, used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions in skincare formulations. It is valued for its mildness and is common in formulations marketed as gentle or PEG-free. |
| 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. |
| 1,2-Hexanediol Humectant / preservative booster | 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic diol used in skincare as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, often allowing reduced or preservative-free systems. It helps maintain product stability while contributing mild moisturizing properties. |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sucrose Stearate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sucrose Stearate is a sugar-based (sucrose ester) nonionic emulsifier and mild surfactant used to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It is generally considered gentle and well tolerated, functioning as a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside Key active Antioxidant | Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside is a glucoside-stabilized derivative of EGCG, a green tea-derived polyphenol, used in topical formulations for its antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties. The glucoside modification improves stability and water solubility compared to native EGCG. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| Adenosine Key active Anti-aging/soothing active | Adenosine is a nucleoside that signals through cell-surface receptors to promote dermal fibroblast activity and collagen/elastin production, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties at low concentrations commonly used in cosmetics (around 0.04-0.1%). |
| Cyclodextrin Stabilizer / delivery carrier | Cyclodextrin is a cyclic oligosaccharide that forms inclusion complexes with hydrophobic molecules, used in skincare to stabilize, solubilize, and improve delivery of active ingredients while reducing odor and irritation. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a direct skin-active. |
| Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E used to soften skin and support the skin barrier. It functions as an emollient and occlusive agent in many cosmetic formulations. |
| Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein Conditioning agent / film-former | Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein is a plant-derived protein hydrolysate used in skincare and haircare to condition, hydrate, and form a smoothing film on skin and hair. It can improve surface texture and help reduce moisture loss. |
| 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. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid derived from lecithin through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. It also helps stabilize formulations and form liposomes that can aid delivery of other ingredients. |
| Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract Key active Exfoliant / antioxidant | Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract is derived from pineapple fruit and contains the proteolytic enzyme bromelain along with vitamin C and fruit acids. It is used in skincare for gentle enzymatic exfoliation, brightening, and antioxidant support. |
| Arginine Amino acid / pH adjuster & conditioning agent | Arginine is a basic amino acid used in skincare primarily as a pH buffer/neutralizer and humectant-like conditioning agent that supports skin hydration and barrier function. It is generally well tolerated and often paired with acidic ingredients to balance formulation pH. |
| Brassica Alba Seed Extract Antioxidant/skin conditioning | Brassica Alba Seed Extract is derived from white mustard seeds and is used in cosmetics primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent, often valued for its content of glucosinolates and fatty acids. It is generally included to support skin barrier function and provide mild soothing or emollient benefits. |
| Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. |
| Oligopeptide-1 Key active Cell-communicating peptide / signaling active | Oligopeptide-1, also known as EGF (epidermal growth factor), is a synthetic peptide used in skincare to support cell turnover, signaling, and skin repair. It is incorporated into anti-aging and barrier-restoration formulations for its potential to stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen production. |
| Oligopeptide-195 Key active Signal peptide / skin-conditioning agent | Oligopeptide-195 is a synthetic peptide used in cosmetic formulations as a skin-conditioning and signaling ingredient, often marketed for supporting skin texture, firmness, or barrier-related processes. As a peptide active, it is intended to interact with skin cells or matrix proteins rather than serve a purely structural or solvent role. |
| Oligopeptide-196 Key active Signal peptide / anti-aging active | Oligopeptide-196 is a synthetic short-chain peptide used in skincare for its purported skin-conditioning and signaling effects, often marketed to support collagen-related pathways and improve skin tone and texture. Clinical evidence is limited, and it is typically included at low concentrations in serums and creams. |
| Oligopeptide-197 Key active Signal peptide / skin-conditioning agent | Oligopeptide-197 is a synthetic short-chain peptide used in cosmetic formulations for its proposed skin-conditioning and signaling effects, often marketed for soothing or anti-redness benefits. Clinical evidence in peer-reviewed literature is limited, and most data come from manufacturer or formulation studies. |
| Oligopeptide-198 Key active Antimicrobial peptide | Oligopeptide-198 is a synthetic cationic peptide used in skincare for its antimicrobial and oil-regulating properties, often included in formulations targeting acne-prone or blemish-prone skin. It works by disrupting microbial cell membranes and helping reduce surface bacteria. |
| Oligopeptide-199 Key active Antimicrobial peptide | Oligopeptide-199 is a synthetic cationic antimicrobial peptide used in skincare for its purported antibacterial and skin-conditioning properties, often included in formulations targeting acne-prone or blemished skin. It works by disrupting microbial cell membranes. |
| Oligopeptide-6 Key active Signal peptide / skin-conditioning agent | Oligopeptide-6 is a synthetic peptide used in topical formulations for its potential to support collagen synthesis and skin barrier function, and it is sometimes investigated for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is typically incorporated into anti-aging and acne-targeted products. |
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.