Below is every ingredient in The Body Shop Roots Of Strength Firming Shaping Day Cream 50Ml 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.
Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract is a botanical extract rich in ginsenosides and polysaccharides used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-supporting properties. It is often included to promote a brighter, more revitalized appearance and to help defend against oxidative stress.
Ruscus Aculeatus (butcher's broom) root extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in steroidal saponins (ruscogenins) used in skincare for its vasoconstrictive, anti-inflammatory, and microcirculation-supporting properties, often included in products targeting redness, puffiness, and under-eye concerns. It is valued for its potential to strengthen capillary walls and reduce visible vascular irritation.
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%).
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Contact dermatitis/allergic sensitization | Very rare | Allergic reactions are uncommon; the ingredient is generally considered low-sensitizing. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible mild stinging on direct ocular contact. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-test studies but considered a relatively weak sensitizer. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Comedogenicity (pore-clogging, potential acne) | Uncommon | Fatty acid esters of this type have been reported as potentially comedogenic in susceptible, acne-prone individuals. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild localized irritation can occur in sensitive individuals. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Generally considered low risk, but may contribute to clogged pores in some acne-prone users. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation possible, generally well tolerated. |
| Comedogenicity | Rare | Low comedogenic potential; pore clogging rarely reported in sensitive individuals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Dicaprylyl Ether Emollient/Skin-conditioning agent | Dicaprylyl ether is a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient derived from caprylic alcohol, used to improve skin feel and reduce greasiness in formulations. It functions as a non-occlusive carrier and texture enhancer rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Isopropyl Isostearate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Isopropyl isostearate is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid used in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, imparting a smooth, lubricating feel and helping to soften skin. It functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| Behenyl Alcohol Emollient / Thickener | Behenyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from behenic acid that functions as an emollient, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It helps soften the skin and improve product texture and stability. |
| Silica Absorbent/texturizer | Silica is a mineral-derived ingredient (silicon dioxide) used in cosmetics to absorb oil and sebum, improve texture, and act as a bulking, anti-caking, or matting agent. It is generally inert and well tolerated on skin. |
| Cyclohexasiloxane Emollient / silicone solvent | Cyclohexasiloxane (D6) is a cyclic silicone used in cosmetics as a volatile carrier and emollient that imparts a smooth, silky feel and helps spread other ingredients before evaporating. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer Thickener/stabilizer | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic copolymer used in skincare to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions, providing viscosity control and a smooth texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film former rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| 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. |
| Glycine Soja Oil/Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil Emollient / antioxidant | Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols used in skincare as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It helps soften skin, reinforce the lipid barrier, and provides mild antioxidant activity. |
| Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend (cetyl and stearyl alcohol) used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent. It helps soften skin and keep oil and water phases blended in creams and lotions. |
| Poloxamer 338 Surfactant/solubilizer | Poloxamer 338 is a nonionic block copolymer (polyethylene-polypropylene glycol) used in cosmetics and skincare primarily as a surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizing agent to disperse oils and other poorly soluble ingredients in aqueous formulations. It also serves as a mild cleansing and viscosity-modifying component. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Palmitic Acid Emollient / surfactant | Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as an emollient, emulsifier, and cleansing agent that helps soften skin and stabilize formulations. It is also a natural component of the skin's lipid barrier. |
| Phospholipids Emollient / skin-conditioning agent and liposome-forming emulsifier | Phospholipids are amphiphilic lipids (commonly derived from soy or egg lecithin) used in skincare to form liposomes, stabilize emulsions, and reinforce the skin barrier. They also enhance penetration and delivery of other actives. |
| Parfum/Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Parfum (fragrance) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to cosmetic products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the base odor of other ingredients. It provides no skincare benefit and is one of the most common causes of cosmetic-related skin reactions. |
| Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate Emulsifier / surfactant | Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an amino acid-derived (glutamic acid and stearic acid) anionic emulsifier and mild surfactant used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize formulations. It is valued for being gentle and well-tolerated, commonly found in lotions, creams, and cleansers. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| Peg-100 Stearate Emulsifier/surfactant | PEG-100 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| Chlorphenesin Preservative / antimicrobial | Chlorphenesin is a synthetic antimicrobial agent used in cosmetics and skincare as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is also occasionally used for its mild muscle-relaxant and antifungal properties in topical formulations. |
| Panax Ginseng Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Panax Ginseng Root Extract is a botanical extract rich in ginsenosides and polysaccharides used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-supporting properties. It is often included to promote a brighter, more revitalized appearance and to help defend against oxidative stress. |
| Peg-12 Dimethicone Silicone-based emulsifier/conditioning agent | PEG-12 Dimethicone is a water-dispersible, polyethylene glycol-modified silicone used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, surfactant, and skin/hair conditioning agent. It improves spreadability and texture in emulsions and is considered a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Polysilicone-11 Film-former / texturizer | Polysilicone-11 is a silicone-based crosslinked polymer used in cosmetics to form a smooth, flexible film on the skin, providing mattifying, blurring, and texture-improving effects. It is commonly found in primers, foundations, and sunscreens as a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Cetearyl Glucoside Emulsifier | Cetearyl Glucoside is a plant-derived (glucose and fatty alcohol) nonionic emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize creams and lotions. It is valued for being mild and well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations. |
| Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract Key active Soothing / anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Ruscus Aculeatus (butcher's broom) root extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in steroidal saponins (ruscogenins) used in skincare for its vasoconstrictive, anti-inflammatory, and microcirculation-supporting properties, often included in products targeting redness, puffiness, and under-eye concerns. It is valued for its potential to strengthen capillary walls and reduce visible vascular irritation. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin to improve hydration and surface plumpness. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than native hyaluronic acid. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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%). |
| Myristic Acid Surfactant/cleansing agent | Myristic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, often reacted with alkalis to form soap-based surfactants. It contributes to foaming and texture in cleansers and other formulations. |
| Isobutane Propellant | Isobutane is a liquefied gas commonly used as a propellant in aerosol skincare and cosmetic products such as sprays, foams, and mousses. It is a base/formulation ingredient with no inherent active skincare benefit. |
| T-Butyl Alcohol Solvent/denaturant | T-Butyl Alcohol (tert-butanol) is a small alcohol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and as a denaturant for ethanol, helping dissolve ingredients and reduce product palatability. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Limonene Fragrance/solvent | Limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene derived from citrus peel oils, commonly used as a fragrance component and solvent in cosmetic formulations. On exposure to air it oxidizes, forming compounds with greater sensitizing potential. |
| Linalool Fragrance/masking agent | Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in lavender, coriander, and many other plants, used in skincare primarily as a fragrance component. It readily oxidizes upon exposure to air, forming sensitizing hydroperoxides. |
| Citral Fragrance/aroma ingredient | Citral is a naturally occurring aldehyde found in citrus and lemongrass oils, used in cosmetics primarily for its fresh, lemon-like scent. It is a recognized fragrance allergen rather than a treatment active. |
| Geraniol Fragrance/aroma compound | Geraniol is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and for its pleasant rose-like scent. It also has mild antioxidant and antimicrobial properties but is included mainly for olfactory rather than therapeutic purposes. |
| 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. |
| Citronellol Fragrance ingredient | Citronellol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol used as a fragrance and flavoring agent, providing a rose-like, citrusy scent in cosmetics and personal care products. It is found in essential oils such as rose, geranium, and citronella. |
| Bht Antioxidant/preservative | BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used in small amounts to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fragrances, and other unstable components, helping maintain product stability and shelf life. |
| 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. |
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.