Below is every ingredient in Skinq Brightening Face Serum 30Ml 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.
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations.
Malic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from fruits such as apples, used in skincare to exfoliate the skin surface, improve texture, and promote cell turnover. It is often combined with other AHAs and acts as both an exfoliant and a humectant.
Kojic Dipalmitate is a more stable, lipid-soluble ester derivative of kojic acid used to inhibit tyrosinase and reduce melanin production, helping to address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It is generally better tolerated and less prone to oxidation than kojic acid itself.
Licorice root extract is a botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its skin-brightening and soothing properties, primarily attributed to compounds such as glabridin and liquiritin. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on compromised or sensitive skin and at higher concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Recognized contact allergen; confirmed via patch testing in sensitized individuals. |
| Irritant contact dermatitis | Rare | Typically associated with high concentrations or occlusion. |
| Skin dryness with prolonged high-concentration exposure | Rare | Paradoxical drying reported at elevated levels in some individuals. |
| Mild stinging or tingling on application | Common | Transient, often more noticeable at higher concentrations or on compromised skin. |
| Skin dryness or flaking | Common | Result of accelerated exfoliation, especially when overused. |
| Erythema (redness) | Common | Usually temporary; more pronounced with higher strengths. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Common | AHAs heighten UV sensitivity; daily sunscreen is advised. |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Uncommon | More likely in darker skin tones following irritation. |
| Chemical burn or blistering | Rare | Associated with high-concentration peels or prolonged contact. |
| Skin irritation and redness | Common | More likely with frequent use or sensitive skin. |
| Dryness or peeling | Uncommon | Results from over-exfoliation. |
| Chemical burn | Very rare | Associated with very high concentrations or improper use. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin. |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Less common than with free kojic acid due to lower sensitizing potential. |
| Allergic contact sensitization | Rare | Reported infrequently; patch testing advised for reactive skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 2 Propanediol Humectant/solvent | 1,2-Propanediol (propylene glycol) is a small diol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps dissolve actives and retain moisture. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Lactic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations. |
| Malic Acid Key active Alpha hydroxy acid exfoliant | Malic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from fruits such as apples, used in skincare to exfoliate the skin surface, improve texture, and promote cell turnover. It is often combined with other AHAs and acts as both an exfoliant and a humectant. |
| Kojic Dipalmitate Key active Skin-brightening agent | Kojic Dipalmitate is a more stable, lipid-soluble ester derivative of kojic acid used to inhibit tyrosinase and reduce melanin production, helping to address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It is generally better tolerated and less prone to oxidation than kojic acid itself. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Soothing/moisturizing agent | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is derived from the aloe vera plant and is used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly included as a supportive base ingredient rather than a primary treatment active. |
| Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract Soothing/hydrating botanical extract | Cucumis Sativus (cucumber) fruit extract is used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to provide a cooling, calming sensation and to support skin moisture. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract Key active Brightening / anti-inflammatory antioxidant | Licorice root extract is a botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its skin-brightening and soothing properties, primarily attributed to compounds such as glabridin and liquiritin. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection. |
| Oligo Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrating agent | Oligo Sodium Hyaluronate is a low-molecular-weight (fragmented) form of sodium hyaluronate that can penetrate the upper skin layers more readily than standard high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, helping to attract and retain water for improved hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums to enhance skin moisture content and surface smoothness. |
| 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. |
| Carbomer Thickener / gelling agent | Carbomer is a synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid used to thicken, stabilize, and control the viscosity of gels, creams, and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Triethanolamine pH adjuster / emulsifier | Triethanolamine is an organic compound used in cosmetic formulations primarily to adjust pH and to act as an emulsifying agent, helping to stabilize mixtures of oil and water. It is typically present in small concentrations as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Perfume Fragrance | Perfume (fragrance) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to cosmetic products to impart a desired scent or to mask the base odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation role rather than a skin-treating function. |
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.