Below is every ingredient in The Derma Co 2 Kojic Acid Face Cream 30G 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.
Kojic Acid Dipalmitate is a more stable, lipid-soluble ester derivative of kojic acid used to inhibit tyrosinase and reduce melanin production, helping to even skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation. It is valued for greater stability and lower irritancy compared to free kojic acid.
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane (tetrahydrocurcumin) is a hydrogenated derivative of curcumin used in skincare as a colorless, more stable antioxidant. It helps neutralize free radicals and may inhibit melanin formation, contributing to skin-brightening and anti-aging effects.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a stable, oil-soluble derivative of vitamin C used as an antioxidant that can be converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, supporting collagen synthesis and helping reduce signs of photoaging and hyperpigmentation. It is favored for its stability and ability to penetrate the skin's lipid barrier compared with pure ascorbic acid.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional transient irritation reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Contact allergy / sensitization | Very rare | Rarely implicated in allergic contact dermatitis; considered low sensitizing potential. |
| Comedogenicity / pore congestion | Rare | Low comedogenic rating, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally experience clogged pores. |
| Mild contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; considered a low-sensitizing ingredient. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation or redness possible, generally well tolerated. |
| Cross-reactivity with other fatty alcohols | Rare | Sensitized individuals may react to cetyl or stearyl alcohol separately. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Generally milder than free kojic acid due to slower hydrolysis |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Possible in sensitive individuals or with higher concentrations |
| Allergic sensitization | Rare | Less common than with kojic acid itself |
| Increased photosensitivity | Rare | Sun protection advised during use as with most brightening actives |
| 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. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight emollient derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, used to soften skin, improve spreadability, and act as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients. It is well-tolerated and serves primarily as a base ingredient rather than an active. |
| Cetostearyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetostearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols used to thicken formulations, stabilize emulsions, and soften the skin. It functions as a non-active base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Kojic Acid Dipalmitate Key active Skin-brightening agent | Kojic Acid Dipalmitate is a more stable, lipid-soluble ester derivative of kojic acid used to inhibit tyrosinase and reduce melanin production, helping to even skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation. It is valued for greater stability and lower irritancy compared to free kojic acid. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Stearate (And) Peg-100 Stearate Emulsifier | Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 Stearate is a widely used self-emulsifying blend that combines oil and water phases to create stable, smooth oil-in-water emulsions in lotions and creams. It also contributes to a soft skin feel and acts as a mild emollient and texture enhancer. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Pentaerythrityl Distearate Emollient / thickener | Pentaerythrityl Distearate is an ester of pentaerythritol and stearic acid used as an emollient, viscosity-modifier and texture enhancer in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a smooth, conditioning feel and helps stabilize emulsions. |
| Shea Butter Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Shea butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiable compounds. It is widely used in skincare to soften skin, reduce transepidermal water loss, and provide an occlusive barrier. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane Key active Antioxidant / brightening agent | Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane (tetrahydrocurcumin) is a hydrogenated derivative of curcumin used in skincare as a colorless, more stable antioxidant. It helps neutralize free radicals and may inhibit melanin formation, contributing to skin-brightening and anti-aging effects. |
| Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a stable, oil-soluble derivative of vitamin C used as an antioxidant that can be converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, supporting collagen synthesis and helping reduce signs of photoaging and hyperpigmentation. It is favored for its stability and ability to penetrate the skin's lipid barrier compared with pure ascorbic acid. |
| Tetrahydropiperine Penetration enhancer | Tetrahydropiperine (also marketed as Cosmoperine) is a hydrogenated derivative of piperine from black pepper used in topical formulations to enhance the skin penetration and bioavailability of co-formulated active ingredients. It functions primarily as a delivery enhancer rather than a standalone therapeutic active. |
| Glycolic Acid Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates by loosening bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture, tone, and fine lines. It is one of the smallest AHAs, allowing relatively deep penetration into the skin. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Metabisulphite Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium metabisulphite is an inorganic sulfite salt used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of sensitive ingredients. It is typically present at low concentrations as a formulation stabilizer rather than as a therapeutic active. |
| Edta Chelating agent | EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a chelating agent used in skincare formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing discoloration, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is typically used at low concentrations as a formulation aid rather than as a therapeutic active. |
| Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Antioxidant/stabilizer | Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is a hindered-phenol antioxidant (also known as the industrial stabilizer Irganox 1010) used in cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fats, and other ingredients. It functions primarily as a formulation stabilizer rather than a skin-active treatment. |
| Polymethylsilsesquioxane Texture enhancer / mattifying agent | Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone-based spherical powder used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, soft-focus, mattifying feel and improve spreadability. It is a formulation/texture 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. |
| 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. |
| Polysorbate 80 & Sodium Hydroxide Emulsifier & pH adjuster | Polysorbate 80 is a nonionic surfactant used to emulsify oils into water-based formulas and solubilize fragrances, while sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali used in small amounts to neutralize and adjust product pH. Both are formulation aids rather than therapeutic actives. |
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.