Below is every ingredient in Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream Refillable 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.
Titanium dioxide is an inorganic mineral compound used primarily as a physical (mineral) sunscreen agent that reflects and scatters UV radiation, and also serves as a white pigment and opacifier in cosmetic formulations. It is broadly photostable and considered gentle, making it common in products for sensitive and pediatric skin.
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that converts to retinoic acid in the skin, promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen synthesis. It is widely used to address fine lines, photoaging, and acne.
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.
Daphne Odora Callus Extract is a plant stem cell-derived ingredient obtained from cultured callus tissue of the winter daphne shrub, used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is included to help defend skin against oxidative stress and support a soothed, more even-looking complexion.
Ascorbyl palmitate is a lipid-soluble, more stable ester of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) used as an antioxidant in skincare formulations. It can help protect formulas from oxidation and may offer some skin antioxidant benefits, though its conversion to active ascorbic acid in skin is limited.
Nicotiana Sylvestris (woodland tobacco) leaf cell culture is a biotechnologically derived plant extract used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties, often marketed to support skin resilience and reduce signs of environmental stress. It is produced via plant cell cultivation rather than harvesting whole plants.
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. |
| 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. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Sensitization reported, especially from lipsticks and other leave-on products. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild redness or stinging, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Comedogenicity / acne flare | Rare | Occasional pore-clogging reports in acne-prone individuals. |
| Cheilitis (lip inflammation) | Rare | Linked to use in lip cosmetics in sensitized individuals. |
| Mild contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
| Mild transient skin irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, typically in sensitive skin or high concentrations. |
| Comedogenicity / pore congestion | Rare | Low comedogenic potential but possible in acne-prone individuals depending on formulation. |
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. |
| 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. |
| Ricinus Communis Seed Oil Emollient / occlusive | Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil is a viscous plant oil rich in ricinoleic acid, used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, occlusive moisturizer, and solvent/vehicle, particularly in lip products and cleansing formulations. It helps soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. |
| 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. |
| Sucrose Stearate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sucrose Stearate is a sugar-based (sucrose ester) nonionic emulsifier and mild surfactant used to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It is generally considered gentle and well tolerated, functioning as a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Ethylhexyl Stearate Emollient | Ethylhexyl Stearate is an ester of 2-ethylhexanol and stearic acid used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It imparts a smooth, lightweight feel and helps soften skin and improve product spreadability. |
| Olus Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Olus Oil is a refined vegetable oil blend (INCI for mixed plant-derived triglycerides) used as an emollient and skin-conditioning base ingredient. It softens skin, supports the lipid barrier, and serves as a carrier or texture agent in formulations. |
| Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate Emollient/Skin-conditioning | Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate is a synthetic ester used as an emollient and texture enhancer that softens skin and improves the spreadability and feel of cosmetic formulations. It functions primarily as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides Emollient/Surfactant (emulsifier) | Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides is a polyglyceryl ester of mixed fatty acids used as a skin-conditioning emollient and nonionic emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve spreadability. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| C20-40 Alcohols Emollient/thickener | C20-40 Alcohols are a blend of long-chain fatty alcohols used in skincare and cosmetic formulations as emollients, thickeners, and emulsion stabilizers. They help improve texture, opacity, and the spreadability of creams and lotions. |
| Isodecyl Neopentanoate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Isodecyl Neopentanoate is a lightweight ester emollient used to soften skin and improve spreadability and texture in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a dry, silky feel and serves as a base ingredient 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. |
| 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. |
| Microcrystalline Cellulose Texturizer/bulking agent | Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified, partially depolymerized cellulose derived from plant fibers, used in skincare and cosmetics as a bulking agent, texture modifier, anti-caking agent, and emulsion stabilizer. It is inert and primarily serves formulation purposes rather than providing active skin benefits. |
| Cera Alba Emollient/thickener (beeswax) | Cera Alba is refined white beeswax, a natural wax derived from the honeycomb of honeybees. It functions as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening or structuring agent in balms, creams, and lipsticks. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Cellulose Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Cellulose Gum (carboxymethyl cellulose) is a water-soluble cellulose derivative used as a thickening, stabilizing, and binding agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps control viscosity and improve texture in creams, gels, and lotions. |
| Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin Solubilizer / stabilizer | Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin is a modified cyclic oligosaccharide used in skincare to encapsulate and solubilize poorly water-soluble actives, improve stability, and reduce irritation or odor of certain ingredients. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Titanium Dioxide Key active UV filter / mineral sunscreen | Titanium dioxide is an inorganic mineral compound used primarily as a physical (mineral) sunscreen agent that reflects and scatters UV radiation, and also serves as a white pigment and opacifier in cosmetic formulations. It is broadly photostable and considered gentle, making it common in products for sensitive and pediatric skin. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| Chondrus Crispus Extract Humectant/film-former | Chondrus Crispus Extract, derived from red algae (Irish moss), is used in skincare as a hydrating agent, film-forming and thickening polysaccharide that helps bind water and improve skin smoothness. It also contributes emollient and soothing properties to formulations. |
| Squalane Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Squalane is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon derived from squalene (sourced from plants like olives or sugarcane, or shark liver) used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic for most users, and serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Retinol Key active Vitamin A derivative / anti-aging active | Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that converts to retinoic acid in the skin, promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen synthesis. It is widely used to address fine lines, photoaging, and acne. |
| PEG-8 Humectant / solvent | PEG-8 (polyethylene glycol 8) is a water-soluble polyether used in cosmetics as a humectant, solvent, and emollient that helps retain moisture and stabilize formulations. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Caramel Colorant | Caramel is a natural brown coloring agent produced by controlled heating of carbohydrates, used in skincare to impart or adjust product color. It has no therapeutic skin benefit and serves a purely cosmetic/aesthetic role. |
| 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. |
| Daphne Odora Callus Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing plant cell culture extract | Daphne Odora Callus Extract is a plant stem cell-derived ingredient obtained from cultured callus tissue of the winter daphne shrub, used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is included to help defend skin against oxidative stress and support a soothed, more even-looking complexion. |
| Ascorbyl Palmitate Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Ascorbyl palmitate is a lipid-soluble, more stable ester of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) used as an antioxidant in skincare formulations. It can help protect formulas from oxidation and may offer some skin antioxidant benefits, though its conversion to active ascorbic acid in skin is limited. |
| Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture Key active Antioxidant / plant cell culture extract | Nicotiana Sylvestris (woodland tobacco) leaf cell culture is a biotechnologically derived plant extract used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties, often marketed to support skin resilience and reduce signs of environmental stress. It is produced via plant cell cultivation rather than harvesting whole plants. |
| 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. |
| Ubiquinone Key active Antioxidant | Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) is a fat-soluble, naturally occurring antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals and support cellular energy production. It is commonly included in anti-aging formulations to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and oxidative skin damage. |
| 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. |
| Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening active | Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen. |
| 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. |
| Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a lipid-soluble, stabilized derivative of vitamin C used in skincare for antioxidant protection and brightening. It penetrates the skin's lipid layers and is converted to ascorbic acid, supporting collagen synthesis and reducing hyperpigmentation. |
| Benzoic Acid Preservative | Benzoic acid is an organic acid used primarily as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations, most effective in acidic products (pH below ~5). It helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold to extend product shelf life. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxycitronellal Fragrance ingredient | Hydroxycitronellal is a synthetic aromatic aldehyde used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products, valued for its sweet, floral, lily-of-the-valley scent. It serves no skin-treatment purpose and functions purely to add fragrance. |
| Cinnamyl Alcohol Fragrance / flavoring agent | Cinnamyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used as a fragrance ingredient and flavoring agent in cosmetics and personal care products. It occurs naturally in cinnamon, balsams, and various plant extracts and contributes a sweet, floral, balsamic scent. |
| Eugenol Fragrance/flavoring agent | Eugenol is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in clove oil and other essential oils, used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and for its mild antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is a recognized contact allergen and is one of the 26 fragrance allergens requiring declaration under EU regulations. |
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.