Below is every ingredient in Just Herbs Plantbased Retinol+Liquorice Sheet Mask 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.
Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also valued for antioxidant and collagen-supporting properties in topical formulations.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract is a botanical derived from licorice root, valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, largely attributed to compounds like glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and licochalcone A. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation.
Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin surface, provides antioxidant and humectant benefits, and is often considered milder than alpha hydroxy acids. It is well tolerated, including by sensitive skin, due to its larger molecular size and slower penetration.
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 irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Transient sensation typically on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization has been documented in patch-test and case reports. |
| Redness or itching | Uncommon | Localized and usually resolves with discontinuation. |
| Photosensitivity-related reaction | Very rare | Limited anecdotal reports; not well established in research. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, often related to formulation or concentration. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Hives at the application site reported in isolated cases. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores, acne aggravation) | Common | Considered moderately to highly comedogenic; may worsen acne in oily or acne-prone skin. |
| Irritant contact dermatitis | Rare | Mild irritation possible, particularly on already compromised skin barriers. |
| Folliculitis | Uncommon | Occlusive nature may contribute to follicular inflammation in susceptible individuals. |
| Comedogenicity / acne flare | Uncommon | Oleic-acid-rich oils may clog pores in acne-prone or oily skin. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation occasionally reported. |
| Anaphylaxis | Very rare | Theoretical risk in severely nut-allergic individuals, primarily from ingestion rather than topical use. |
| Comedogenicity/acne aggravation | Uncommon | Higher oleic acid content may worsen breakouts in acne-prone skin. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild transient irritation occasionally reported, more likely with impurities or oxidized oil. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Centella Asiatica Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant active | Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also valued for antioxidant and collagen-supporting properties in topical formulations. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory & brightening agent | Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract is a botanical derived from licorice root, valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, largely attributed to compounds like glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and licochalcone A. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation. |
| Cocos Nucifera Oil Emollient/occlusive | Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Oil is a plant-derived fatty oil used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is rich in saturated fatty acids, predominantly lauric acid. |
| Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (sweet almond oil) is a non-volatile plant oil rich in oleic and linoleic acids used to soften, soothe, and reduce transepidermal water loss in skincare formulations. It functions primarily as an emollient and occlusive base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil Emollient/occlusive | Sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil is a plant-derived oil rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It also contains antioxidant compounds such as sesamol and tocopherols. |
| Mangifera Indica Seed Butter Emollient / occlusive | Mangifera Indica (mango) Seed Butter is a plant-derived fat rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, used in skincare to soften skin, reinforce the skin barrier, and provide occlusive moisturization. It functions primarily as a base/emollient ingredient rather than a targeted therapeutic active. |
| Garcinia Indica Seed Butter Emollient / occlusive | Garcinia Indica (kokum) Seed Butter is a plant-derived butter rich in stearic and oleic fatty acids, used in skincare to soften, condition, and provide a protective occlusive barrier. It is valued for being non-greasy and restorative for dry or compromised skin. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Soothing/humectant | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and emollient properties, often included to calm irritation and improve skin moisture. It functions primarily as a base/conditioning agent rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Rosa Centifolia Flower Oil Fragrance/skin-conditioning oil | Rosa Centifolia Flower Oil is an essential oil distilled from cabbage rose petals, used in skincare primarily as a natural fragrance and skin-conditioning agent. It contains aromatic compounds such as geraniol, citronellol, and eugenol that contribute scent and mild antioxidant properties. |
| Juglans Regia Shell Powder Physical exfoliant / abrasive | Juglans Regia (walnut) Shell Powder is finely ground walnut shell used as a natural physical exfoliant in scrubs and cleansers to mechanically remove dead surface skin cells. It is valued as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic microbeads. |
| Rosa Damascena Flower Water Soothing/aromatic floral water (hydrosol) | Rosa Damascena Flower Water is a water-based distillate of damask rose petals used in skincare as a mild humectant, toner, and fragrance component. It provides light soothing and astringent properties but contributes minimal active treatment benefit. |
| Cetearyl Olivate Emulsifier / emollient | Cetearyl Olivate is an olive oil-derived emulsifier and emollient, typically used with Sorbitan Olivate, that helps blend oil and water phases while conditioning and softening the skin. It supports the skin barrier and gives formulations a light, non-greasy feel. |
| 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. |
| Sorbitan Olivate Emulsifier | Sorbitan Olivate is an olive-derived ester of sorbitol and olive oil fatty acids used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient. It is often paired with Cetearyl Olivate (as Olivem 1000) to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and impart a soft skin feel. |
| 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. |
| Potassium Sorbate Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
| Gluconolactone Key active Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) exfoliant/humectant | Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin surface, provides antioxidant and humectant benefits, and is often considered milder than alpha hydroxy acids. It is well tolerated, including by sensitive skin, due to its larger molecular size and slower penetration. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation 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. |
| 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. |
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.