Below is every ingredient in The Pink Foundry Brightening Exfoliating Vit C Daily Face Wash 100 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.
Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract is derived from bilberries and is rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols. In skincare it is used primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent, and is sometimes cited as a natural source of mild exfoliating/alpha-hydroxy acid activity.
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract is derived from sugar cane and is used in skincare as a humectant and as a source of glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids that provide mild exfoliating and skin-conditioning effects. It is commonly marketed as a natural AHA ingredient, though the actual acid concentration in extracts is often low and variable.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract is derived from lemon fruit and contains citric acid, vitamin C, and flavonoids; it is used in skincare for its mild astringent, antioxidant, and brightening properties. It can act as a natural exfoliant and fragrance component.
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract is derived from sugar maple sap and is a natural source of malic acid and other alpha-hydroxy acids, often used in skincare for mild exfoliation, skin conditioning, and humectant effects. It is sometimes combined with extracts from other plants to create plant-based 'natural AHA' complexes.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that is converted to active ascorbic acid in the skin. It provides antioxidant protection, supports collagen synthesis, and is also studied for its brightening and anti-acne (antibacterial) effects.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | A notable cause of allergic contact dermatitis, often attributed to impurities (amidoamine, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine) rather than the molecule itself; named Allergen of the Year in 2004. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or irritation, more likely in concentrated or rinse-off products and around the eyes. |
| Cross-reactivity with related surfactants | Rare | Patch-test reactions may overlap with chemically related amphoteric or amine-containing surfactants. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild redness or stinging, typically in sensitive individuals. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Reported occasionally, often linked to residual acrylate monomers rather than the polymer itself. |
| Dryness or tightness | Uncommon | Film-forming action may cause a tight sensation in some users. |
| Clogged pores / comedogenicity | Rare | Generally considered low risk, but possible in occlusive formulations on acne-prone skin. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | Possible with high concentrations or frequent use, though milder than sulfate surfactants. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Generally low irritation potential; more likely in those with sensitive or compromised skin barriers. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging on direct contact with eyes, relevant in rinse-off products. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine Surfactant / foaming cleanser | Cocamidopropyl Betaine is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle foaming, viscosity, and to reduce the harshness of stronger anionic surfactants. It is widely regarded as mild but is a recognized contact allergen. |
| Acrylates Copolymer Film-former / texture enhancer | Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used in skincare and cosmetics primarily as a film-forming agent, viscosity modifier, and to improve product texture and wear. It helps control sebum, provides a smooth feel, and stabilizes formulations. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Isothionate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a coconut-derived anionic surfactant valued for producing a gentle, creamy lather while being milder than traditional sulfates. It is commonly used in syndet bars, facial cleansers, and shampoos as a primary or secondary cleansing agent. |
| 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. |
| Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract Soothing / humectant | Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly included to calm irritated or sun-exposed skin and to provide lightweight moisturization. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a gentle amino acid-derived (glycine and coconut fatty acid) anionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to produce foam and remove dirt and oil. It is valued for its mildness and skin-friendly, near-neutral pH compared to harsher sulfate surfactants. |
| Vaccinium Myrtillus (Billberry) Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant | Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract is derived from bilberries and is rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols. In skincare it is used primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent, and is sometimes cited as a natural source of mild exfoliating/alpha-hydroxy acid activity. |
| Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract Key active Humectant / natural exfoliant (AHA source) | Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract is derived from sugar cane and is used in skincare as a humectant and as a source of glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids that provide mild exfoliating and skin-conditioning effects. It is commonly marketed as a natural AHA ingredient, though the actual acid concentration in extracts is often low and variable. |
| Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract is derived from sweet orange fruit and is used in skincare for its vitamin C content, antioxidant flavonoids, and skin-conditioning and natural fragrance properties. It is typically included as a supportive botanical ingredient rather than a primary clinical active. |
| Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract Key active Astringent/brightening botanical extract | Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract is derived from lemon fruit and contains citric acid, vitamin C, and flavonoids; it is used in skincare for its mild astringent, antioxidant, and brightening properties. It can act as a natural exfoliant and fragrance component. |
| Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract Key active Natural AHA source / exfoliant & humectant | Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract is derived from sugar maple sap and is a natural source of malic acid and other alpha-hydroxy acids, often used in skincare for mild exfoliation, skin conditioning, and humectant effects. It is sometimes combined with extracts from other plants to create plant-based 'natural AHA' complexes. |
| 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. |
| Polyquaternium 39 Film-forming conditioning polymer | Polyquaternium-39 is a synthetic cationic copolymer used in skincare and haircare as a film-forming, conditioning, and antistatic agent that improves texture and substantivity. It is considered a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Key active Vitamin C derivative / antioxidant | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that is converted to active ascorbic acid in the skin. It provides antioxidant protection, supports collagen synthesis, and is also studied for its brightening and anti-acne (antibacterial) effects. |
| Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Fruit Extract Antioxidant / skin-conditioning extract | Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Fruit Extract is a botanical derived from the yuzu citrus fruit, valued for its content of vitamin C, flavonoids, and other polyphenols that provide antioxidant and skin-conditioning effects. It is commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its purported brightening and protective properties, though robust clinical evidence is limited. |
| Cellulose Beads Exfoliant / texturizer | Cellulose Beads are biodegradable, plant-derived spherical particles used in skincare formulations primarily for gentle physical exfoliation and to improve product texture and slip. They serve as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic microplastic beads. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
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.