Below is every ingredient in Charlotte Tilbury Magic Hydration Revival Cleanser 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.
Urea is a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor that hydrates by attracting and retaining water; at higher concentrations it also softens and exfoliates thickened or scaly skin. It is widely used to treat dry skin conditions such as xerosis, ichthyosis, and hyperkeratosis.
Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products.
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.
Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare as an antioxidant and conditioning agent. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
| Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
| 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 transient skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | More likely with high concentrations or frequent use in those with already dry or compromised skin. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Rare | Generally considered low-irritation; mild stinging possible on contact with eyes during cleansing. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization to this amino acid surfactant is uncommon and infrequently documented. |
| Mild transient skin or eye irritation | Rare | Generally minimal due to its mild profile; more likely at higher concentrations or with eye contact. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Rare | Possible with frequent use or in already compromised skin barriers. |
| Mild stinging or tingling on application | Common | Transient, more likely on broken or sensitive skin or at higher concentrations |
| Skin irritation, redness, or dryness | Uncommon | Associated with higher concentrations, low pH, or frequent use |
| Increased photosensitivity | Uncommon | AHAs can heighten UV sensitivity; sunscreen use is advised |
| Allergic or irritant contact dermatitis | Rare | Reported in sensitized individuals |
| Chemical burn or blistering | Very rare | Linked to misuse of high-concentration or very low-pH preparations |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate Mild anionic surfactant / cleansing agent | Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle amino acid-derived (glutamic acid + coconut fatty acid) surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to provide mild foaming and cleansing with low irritation potential. It is well tolerated and suited for sensitive skin formulations. |
| 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. |
| Decyl Glucoside Surfactant/Cleanser | Decyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose and fatty alcohols, commonly used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in shampoos, facial cleansers, and baby care products. It is valued for its biodegradability and low irritation potential compared to harsher surfactants. |
| Glyceryl Stearate SE Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl Stearate SE is a self-emulsifying form of glyceryl stearate used to blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions, also providing a softening, conditioning effect on skin. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium cocoyl glutamate is a gentle, amino-acid-derived anionic surfactant made from coconut fatty acids and glutamic acid, commonly used in cleansers and shampoos for its mild, low-irritation foaming and cleansing properties. It is favored in skin-friendly and sulfate-free formulations due to its skin-compatible, near-physiologic pH profile. |
| Sodium Benzoate Preservative | Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, particularly in acidic products. It is most effective at a pH below 5. |
| Glycol Distearate Opacifier/pearlescent agent, emollient | Glycol Distearate is a diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid used primarily to impart a pearlescent or opaque appearance to cleansers and shampoos, while also providing mild emollient and thickening properties. It functions as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| 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. |
| Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Thickener/film-former | Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose is a cellulose-derived polymer modified with a cetyl group, used in skincare and cosmetics as a thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming agent. It helps adjust viscosity and improve texture in emulsions, gels, and cleansers. |
| Hydrolyzed Cottonseed Protein Conditioning agent / film-former | Hydrolyzed Cottonseed Protein is a protein derived from cottonseed that has been broken down into smaller peptides, used in skincare and haircare for its moisturizing, conditioning, and temporary film-forming properties. It can help improve skin and hair surface smoothness and water retention. |
| Fructose Humectant | Fructose is a simple monosaccharide sugar used in skincare primarily as a humectant that attracts and binds water to help maintain skin hydration. It is generally considered a supporting/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. |
| Urea Key active Humectant / keratolytic | Urea is a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor that hydrates by attracting and retaining water; at higher concentrations it also softens and exfoliates thickened or scaly skin. It is widely used to treat dry skin conditions such as xerosis, ichthyosis, and hyperkeratosis. |
| Parfum Fragrance | 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 serves a sensory/formulation purpose rather than providing any skin benefit. |
| Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract Humectant/soothing extract | Opuntia Ficus-Indica (prickly pear) Stem Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polysaccharides, mucilage, and antioxidants used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally used to support moisture retention and calm the skin rather than to deliver a clinical active effect. |
| Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate Chelating agent | Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a biodegradable chelator that binds metal ions in cosmetic formulations, improving product stability and enhancing preservative efficacy. It is derived from glutamic acid and serves a formulation-support role rather than an active skin treatment. |
| Allantoin Key active Soothing/skin-conditioning agent | Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products. |
| Maltose Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Maltose is a disaccharide sugar used in skincare primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping to attract and retain moisture in the stratum corneum. It is generally considered a low-risk, well-tolerated formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sodium Chloride Thickener / viscosity adjuster | Sodium chloride (table salt) is commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening and viscosity-control agent, particularly in surfactant-based cleansers, and also acts as a mild abrasive in scrubs. It is generally well tolerated and considered a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Lactate Humectant / NMF component | Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid and a key component of skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), used to hydrate the skin and buffer formulation pH. It also has mild exfoliating and humectant properties that help maintain skin moisture and barrier function. |
| Sodium PCA Humectant | Sodium PCA (sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It is widely used in cosmetics as a water-binding humectant to hydrate and soften the skin. |
| Trehalose Humectant / moisturizer | Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide used in skincare as a humectant and protective agent, helping retain moisture and stabilize cell membranes and proteins against dehydration and oxidative stress. It is well tolerated and commonly used to support skin barrier hydration. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder Soothing humectant | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder is a concentrated, water-soluble dried form of aloe vera leaf juice used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild antioxidant properties. It is commonly incorporated into gels, creams, and serums as a calming and moisturizing agent. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Emollient/occlusive | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (shea butter) is a plant-derived fat used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is rich in fatty acids and unsaponifiables that condition and help maintain the skin barrier. |
| 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. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate Key active Antioxidant | Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare as an antioxidant and conditioning agent. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. |
| Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil Emollient / antioxidant oil | Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in oleic acid and antioxidant polyphenols, used in skincare to soften skin, reinforce the skin barrier, and reduce moisture loss. It functions primarily as an occlusive emollient and conditioning agent. |
| Rosa Canina Fruit Oil Emollient / antioxidant | Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (rosehip seed oil) is a plant-derived oil rich in essential fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acid), carotenoids, and tocopherols, used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It is often included for moisturization and to support skin barrier function and the appearance of scars and photoaged skin. |
| Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E, used to soften skin and support the skin barrier. It is widely used as a base oil in moisturizers and cosmetic formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Disodium Phosphate Buffering/pH adjuster | Disodium Phosphate is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and skincare formulations primarily as a buffering agent and pH adjuster. It helps stabilize product pH and acts as an emulsifying or sequestering aid in various topical preparations. |
| Hydrated Silica Abrasive/absorbent | Hydrated silica is a porous form of silicon dioxide used in skincare and toothpaste as a mild abrasive, absorbent, and viscosity-controlling agent. It helps with gentle exfoliation, oil absorption, and texture improvement in formulations. |
| Glucose Humectant/skin-conditioning agent | Glucose is a simple sugar used in skincare primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It can also serve as a substrate in formulations and contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| Silica Dimethyl Silylate Anti-caking / texture-modifying agent | Silica Dimethyl Silylate is a hydrophobic, surface-treated silica formed by reacting silica with dimethylsiloxane groups. It is used in cosmetic formulations as a thickening, anti-caking, oil-absorbing, and texture-enhancing agent, particularly in powders, primers, and oil-based products. |
| Sodium Phosphate pH buffer / emulsion stabilizer | Sodium phosphate is a salt used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent to maintain formula pH and as a sequestrant or emulsifier. It is considered a functional base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract Botanical extract / antioxidant-fragrance | Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from frangipani flowers, used in cosmetics for its antioxidant, soothing, and aromatic properties. It is typically included as a secondary additive rather than a primary treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Hexyl Cinnamal Fragrance ingredient | Hexyl Cinnamal is a synthetic aromatic compound used as a fragrance and masking agent in cosmetic and skincare formulations, valued for its mild floral, jasmine-like scent. It is one of the 26 fragrance allergens required to be labeled in the EU. |
| Benzyl Benzoate Fragrance/Preservative/Solvent | Benzyl benzoate is a naturally occurring ester used in cosmetics as a fragrance component, solvent, plasticizer, and fixative; it also has antimicrobial and acaricidal properties. In medicine it is used as a topical treatment for scabies and lice. |
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.