Below is every ingredient in Nourish Skin Smoothing Body Scrub 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.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid are water-soluble acids that loosen bonds between surface skin cells, promoting exfoliation, smoother texture, and improved appearance of fine lines and pigmentation. They are commonly used in concentrations from about 5% to 10% in over-the-counter products and higher in professional peels.
Safranal is a volatile aromatic compound derived from saffron (Crocus sativus) that contributes to its scent and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In skincare it is studied for free-radical scavenging and potential protective effects against UV-induced oxidative stress.
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. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Isolated case reports of sensitization to jojoba oil or jojoba wax. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation occasionally reported. |
| Acneiform breakouts / comedones | Very rare | Considered low on the comedogenic scale, but individual clogging responses are possible. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Very few reported cases of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. |
| Comedogenicity (pore-clogging) | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores or breakouts in acne-prone or oily skin, though shea is generally low on the comedogenic scale. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Common | As an alpha-hydroxy acid derivative it can heighten sensitivity to UV; sunscreen use is advised. |
| Skin irritation, stinging or burning | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on compromised/sensitive skin. |
| Redness or dryness | Uncommon | Paradoxical irritation possible in some individuals despite its humectant role. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive individuals or at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis (irritant or allergic) | Uncommon | Reported in patch-test studies, more often with leave-on or high-concentration products. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis with eczematous reaction | Rare | Documented sensitization to vitamin E derivatives in case reports. |
| Erythema multiforme-like or widespread eruptions | Very rare | Isolated case reports following topical application. |
| Folliculitis or comedogenic reactions | Rare | Possible in acne-prone individuals due to oily vehicle. |
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. |
| Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil Emollient / moisturizer | Jojoba seed oil is a liquid wax ester derived from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis, valued for its skin-compatible composition resembling human sebum. It functions primarily as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables. It is widely used in skincare to soften, smooth, and condition the skin while forming an occlusive barrier that reduces water loss. |
| 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 Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation 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. |
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids Mild surfactant/cleanser | Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids is a gentle, plant-derived anionic surfactant made from coconut fatty acids and apple-derived amino acids, used in cleansers and shampoos for low-irritation foaming and cleansing. It is valued for its skin-compatibility and ability to cleanse without significantly disrupting the skin barrier. |
| Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (argan oil) is a plant-derived emollient rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, tocopherols, and polyphenols, used to soften skin, support the skin barrier, and provide antioxidant activity. It functions primarily as a moisturizing and conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. |
| Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil is a plant-derived fixed oil rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids used to soften, moisturize, and condition the skin. It functions as an occlusive-emollient base ingredient that helps reduce transepidermal water loss and improve skin smoothness. |
| Hydrogenated Castor Oil Emollient / emulsifier | Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a waxy, saturated derivative of castor oil produced by hydrogenation, used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It improves texture, provides skin conditioning, and helps stabilize formulations. |
| Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil Emollient / thickener | Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil is a hydrogenated derivative of jojoba seed oil, producing a waxy, solid material used as an emollient, thickener, and texture enhancer in cosmetic formulations. It helps soften skin, stabilize emulsions, and impart a smooth feel to creams, balms, and sticks. |
| 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. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| AHA Key active Chemical exfoliant | Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid are water-soluble acids that loosen bonds between surface skin cells, promoting exfoliation, smoother texture, and improved appearance of fine lines and pigmentation. They are commonly used in concentrations from about 5% to 10% in over-the-counter products and higher in professional peels. |
| Phospholipids Emollient / skin-conditioning agent and liposome-forming emulsifier | Phospholipids are amphiphilic lipids (commonly derived from soy or egg lecithin) used in skincare to form liposomes, stabilize emulsions, and reinforce the skin barrier. They also enhance penetration and delivery of other actives. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Xylitylglucoside Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitylglucoside is a sugar-derived humectant, typically used in combination with anhydroxylitol and xylitol, that helps attract and retain water in the skin and supports the skin barrier. It is valued for its skin-hydrating and moisturizing properties in cosmetic formulations. |
| 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. |
| Safranal Key active Antioxidant | Safranal is a volatile aromatic compound derived from saffron (Crocus sativus) that contributes to its scent and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In skincare it is studied for free-radical scavenging and potential protective effects against UV-induced oxidative stress. |
| Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Oil Fragrance/antioxidant | Vanilla Planifolia fruit oil is a plant-derived ingredient used primarily for its aromatic properties and as a natural scent component in skincare formulations. It also provides mild antioxidant activity due to vanillin and related phenolic compounds. |
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.