Below is every ingredient in Forest Essentials Transformative Soundarya Night Cream With 24K Gold 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.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice) Root Extract is a botanical ingredient containing glycyrrhizin and glabridin, valued for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase activity.
Curcuma Longa (turmeric) Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in curcuminoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce signs of oxidative stress and soothe irritated skin.
Crocus Sativus (saffron) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in carotenoids (crocin, crocetin) and flavonoids used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and brightening properties. It is studied for reducing hyperpigmentation and protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress.
Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract is a botanical rich in withanolides and other antioxidant compounds, used in topical formulations for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included to help mitigate oxidative stress and support skin barrier comfort.
Boerhavia diffusa root extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant and soothing properties, traditionally sourced from the punarnava plant. It is incorporated into formulations to help mitigate oxidative stress and support skin barrier function.
Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (fenugreek) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in saponins, flavonoids, and mucilage, used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is included in formulations to support hydration and may have mild emollient effects.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Reported mainly in individuals with tree nut sensitivity or pre-existing dermatitis. |
| 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. |
| Contact urticaria | Rare | Reported particularly in individuals with sesame allergy. |
| 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. |
| Contact irritation or mild redness | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated; mild stinging may occur in sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. |
| Cross-reactivity in those with plant/legume allergies | Very rare | Licorice belongs to the Fabaceae family; theoretical cross-sensitivity is rarely documented topically. |
| Mild mechanical irritation or microtears (when used as a physical scrub) | Uncommon | More likely with coarse particle forms applied with excessive pressure |
| Contact irritation (redness, stinging) | Rare | Generally well tolerated; reactions are infrequent |
| Contact allergic reaction or sensitization | Rare | Botanical and fragrant extracts can occasionally trigger allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. |
| Fragrance-related sensitivity | Uncommon | As an aromatic extract, it may contribute to fragrance sensitivity in predisposed users. |
| Skin staining/yellow discoloration | Common | Curcuminoids can temporarily impart a yellow tint to skin, especially in higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or irritation reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact sensitization | Rare | True allergic reactions to curcumin documented in patch-test studies. |
| Photosensitivity-related reactions | Very rare | Isolated reports; clinical significance for topical use is limited. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Key active Soothing / brightening agent | Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice) Root Extract is a botanical ingredient containing glycyrrhizin and glabridin, valued for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It is commonly used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help fade hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. |
| Bambusa Vulgaris Stem Extract Exfoliant/Abrasive & Skin Conditioning | Bambusa Vulgaris (bamboo) stem extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its high silica content, used in skincare for gentle physical exfoliation, mattifying, and skin-conditioning effects. It is also incorporated for its soothing and antioxidant-supporting properties. |
| Pandanus Odoratissimus Flower Extract Fragrance/skin-conditioning extract | Pandanus Odoratissimus Flower Extract is a botanical extract derived from the flowers of the screwpine plant, used in skincare primarily for its aromatic properties and as a skin-conditioning agent. It is valued for its pleasant scent and is sometimes included for purported antioxidant and soothing benefits, though robust clinical evidence is limited. |
| Curcuma Longa Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory | Curcuma Longa (turmeric) Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in curcuminoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce signs of oxidative stress and soothe irritated skin. |
| 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. |
| Crocus Sativus Flower Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-brightening botanical | Crocus Sativus (saffron) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in carotenoids (crocin, crocetin) and flavonoids used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and brightening properties. It is studied for reducing hyperpigmentation and protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress. |
| Santalum Album Extract Soothing/fragrance botanical | Santalum Album (sandalwood) Extract is derived from sandalwood and used in skincare for its aromatic, antioxidant, and traditionally soothing or anti-inflammatory properties. It is often included for fragrance and skin-conditioning effects rather than as a primary clinical active. |
| Withania Somnifera Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical | Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract is a botanical rich in withanolides and other antioxidant compounds, used in topical formulations for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included to help mitigate oxidative stress and support skin barrier comfort. |
| Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Boerhavia diffusa root extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant and soothing properties, traditionally sourced from the punarnava plant. It is incorporated into formulations to help mitigate oxidative stress and support skin barrier function. |
| Trigonella Foenum Graecum Extract Key active Conditioning/antioxidant botanical extract | Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (fenugreek) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in saponins, flavonoids, and mucilage, used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is included in formulations to support hydration and may have mild emollient effects. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Milk Key active Soothing/exfoliating agent | Milk contains lactic acid, proteins, fats, and vitamins, and is used in skincare as a mild exfoliant and emollient. It can provide gentle moisturizing and surface smoothing through its naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid content. |
| 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. |
| Ghee Emollient / occlusive | Ghee (clarified butter) is a lipid-rich emollient used in traditional and some modern formulations to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. Its high saturated-fat content provides occlusive and moisturizing properties. |
| 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. |
| Persea Gratissima Butter Emollient/occlusive | Persea Gratissima Butter is a hydrogenated avocado-derived butter used as a rich emollient and occlusive agent in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It softens skin, reduces transepidermal water loss, and provides a smooth texture to creams, balms, and lip products. |
| 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. |
| Zinc Oxide Key active UV filter / skin protectant | Zinc oxide is a mineral (inorganic) UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation by scattering and absorbing light. It also has mild astringent and soothing properties and is used in sunscreens, diaper creams, and barrier preparations. |
| Colloidal Gold Key active Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory agent | Colloidal gold consists of suspended gold nanoparticles used in skincare for purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effects. Evidence for cosmetic benefit is limited, and it is often included as a marketing-driven luxury ingredient. |
| 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. |
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.