Below is every ingredient in Dove Exfoliating Pomegranate Seeds And Shea Butter Body Polish 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.
Punica Granatum (pomegranate) Seed Powder is a finely milled botanical material used primarily as a natural physical exfoliant in scrubs and cleansers, and it contributes antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols and ellagic acid. It also provides mild emollient and conditioning properties to formulations.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness or barrier disruption with excessive contact | Uncommon | Frequent or prolonged exposure to water, especially hot or hard water, can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to transepidermal water loss. |
| Irritation from impurities or hard water minerals | Rare | Reactions are attributed to contaminants, chlorine, or mineral content rather than water itself. |
| 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. |
| Skin dryness | Uncommon | Its absorbent properties may reduce surface oils with frequent use. |
| Mild irritation or abrasion | Rare | Possible with coarse particles or aggressive scrubbing. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Silica is generally considered inert and non-sensitizing. |
| Mild skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | Possible with frequent use or in those with already dry skin, due to its cleansing action. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Rare | Mild stinging or redness, generally less than with traditional soaps; transient on rinse-off. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Occasional transient redness or stinging, more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / pore clogging | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals depending on concentration and formulation. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild irritation possible, particularly in high-pH soap formulations or on sensitive skin. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging or irritation on direct ocular contact in cleansing products. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water Solvent/vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in cosmetic formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves other ingredients and forms the bulk of emulsions and aqueous solutions. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Isethionate Surfactant / cleansing agent | Sodium isethionate is a mild anionic surfactant widely used in syndet cleansing bars and facial cleansers to produce lather and remove dirt and oil. It is valued for being relatively gentle and for performing well in hard water without forming soap scum. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Stearate Emulsifier/Surfactant | Sodium stearate is the sodium salt of stearic acid, commonly used as an emulsifying agent, thickener, and gelling/structuring agent in soaps, sticks, and creams. It primarily serves a formulation role rather than providing a therapeutic active effect. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Punica Granatum Seed Powder Key active Exfoliant/Antioxidant | Punica Granatum (pomegranate) Seed Powder is a finely milled botanical material used primarily as a natural physical exfoliant in scrubs and cleansers, and it contributes antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols and ellagic acid. It also provides mild emollient and conditioning properties to formulations. |
| 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. |
| Lauric Acid Cleansing/surfactant & emollient fatty acid | Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid commonly derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, used in skincare as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient. It also has documented antimicrobial activity, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes. |
| Sodium Oleate Surfactant/emulsifier | Sodium oleate is the sodium salt of oleic acid, a soap-type anionic surfactant used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and foaming component in skincare and personal care formulations. It helps disperse oils and stabilize emulsions rather than acting as a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Synthetic Wax Emollient/thickener | Synthetic Wax is a man-made hydrocarbon wax derived from petroleum or synthesized via the Fischer-Tropsch process, used to thicken formulations, stabilize emulsions, and impart structure and texture to cosmetic products. It functions as a base ingredient that provides emollient and binding properties rather than delivering an active therapeutic effect. |
| 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 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. |
| Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant / soothing agent | Hydroxyacetophenone (acetophenone-based compound, often 4'-hydroxyacetophenone) is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that can also enhance the stability and efficacy of preservative systems. It is valued for its soothing properties and helps neutralize free radicals while reducing potential irritation from other formulation components. |
| Sodium Laurate Surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium laurate is the sodium salt of lauric acid, commonly used as an anionic surfactant and emulsifier in soaps and cleansing products to provide foaming and cleansing action. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Tetrasodium EDTA Chelating agent | Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in skincare formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preserving efficacy, and enhancing the performance of preservatives and surfactants. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Tetrasodium Etidronate Chelating agent | Tetrasodium etidronate is a phosphonate-based chelating agent used in cosmetic formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability and preventing discoloration, rancidity, and degradation. It is a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Kaolin Absorbent/clay cleanser | Kaolin is a naturally occurring soft white clay (hydrated aluminum silicate) used in skincare to absorb excess sebum, oil, and impurities. It is commonly found in face masks, cleansers, and powders as a mattifying and gentle exfoliating agent. |
| Benzyl Salicylate Fragrance/UV-absorber | Benzyl salicylate is an aromatic ester used primarily as a fragrance ingredient and, to a lesser extent, as a UV-light absorber in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a faint floral, balsamic scent and helps stabilize fragrance compositions. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.