Below is every ingredient in Olay Age Protect Anti Ageing Cream 18 G 1 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.
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.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (octinoxate) is a widely used organic UVB-absorbing sunscreen agent that protects skin from ultraviolet radiation. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily cosmetics with SPF claims.
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 skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive skin or at high concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis/allergic sensitization | Very rare | Isolated reports; PPG ethers are generally considered low-sensitizing. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Possible in acne-prone skin given its emollient nature, though not strongly established. |
| 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. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Reported as a contact allergen, particularly in individuals with stasis dermatitis or leg ulcers; patch testing may confirm sensitization. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild localized irritation can occur in sensitive individuals. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild redness or itching, generally low irritancy potential. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible upon direct contact with eyes in concentrated formulations. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Clogged pores / comedogenic-related breakouts | Uncommon | Often anecdotal; dimethicone is largely regarded as non-comedogenic but may trap debris if skin is not cleansed well. |
| Eye irritation on accidental contact | Rare | Transient stinging or discomfort if product enters the eyes. |
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. |
| PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Emollient/Skin-conditioning | PPG-15 Stearyl Ether is a polypropylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a smooth, conditioning feel and helps spread oils and other ingredients across the skin. |
| 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. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| Stearyl Alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent to improve texture and prevent ingredient separation. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency of creams and lotions. |
| Polyacrylamide Thickener/film-former | Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics primarily as a thickening agent, film former, and stabilizer that improves texture and viscosity of formulations. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| C13-14 Isoparaffin Emollient/thickener | C13-14 Isoparaffin is a synthetic hydrocarbon used in skincare primarily as an emollient and as a thickening or gelling agent, often paired with polyacrylamide-based systems to stabilize emulsions. It helps improve spreadability and texture but provides no active treatment benefit. |
| Steareth-21 Emulsifier/surfactant | Steareth-21 is a polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol used as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture in skincare formulations. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| Laureth-7 Emulsifier/surfactant | Laureth-7 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol used in cosmetics as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer to stabilize formulations and disperse oils. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Dimethiconol Emollient/silicone conditioning agent | Dimethiconol is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare and haircare to provide smoothing, conditioning, and a soft, non-greasy emollient feel. It forms a thin, breathable film that reduces moisture loss and improves spreadability of formulations. |
| Steareth-2 Emulsifier / surfactant | Steareth-2 is a polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol used as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant to blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Butylphenyl Methylpropional Fragrance/synthetic fragrance ingredient | Butylphenyl Methylpropional (also known as Lilial) is a synthetic fragrance compound historically used to impart a floral, lily-of-the-valley scent to cosmetics and personal care products. It has been restricted or banned in some markets (e.g., the EU) due to safety concerns regarding skin sensitization and reproductive toxicity. |
| 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. |
| Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Fragrance ingredient | Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a synthetic fragrance compound with a sweet, violet-like floral scent used to impart or enhance aroma in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It has no therapeutic skin benefit and serves purely an olfactory/sensory role. |
| 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. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde Fragrance ingredient | Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde (also known as Lyral) is a synthetic fragrance compound formerly widely used in perfumes and cosmetics for its floral, lily-of-the-valley scent. Due to its high sensitizing potential, it has been restricted or banned in cosmetic products in the European Union. |
| 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. |
| Limonene Fragrance/solvent | Limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene derived from citrus peel oils, commonly used as a fragrance component and solvent in cosmetic formulations. On exposure to air it oxidizes, forming compounds with greater sensitizing potential. |
| Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate Key active UV filter (UVB sunscreen) | Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (octinoxate) is a widely used organic UVB-absorbing sunscreen agent that protects skin from ultraviolet radiation. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily cosmetics with SPF claims. |
| 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. |
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.