Below is every ingredient in Hand & Foot Cream - Kokum & Honey with Mountain Rosemary 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.
Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry/amla) extract is a tannin-rich botanical used as an antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting agent in skincare, primarily to reduce hyperpigmentation and provide free-radical protection. It is considered a relatively stable, non-acidic alternative to other brightening actives.
Hemidesmus indicus (Indian sarsaparilla) is a plant-derived extract used in skincare for its reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties attributed to phenolic and saponin constituents. It is sometimes included in formulations targeting hyperpigmentation and irritation.
L-lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid used to exfoliate the skin by loosening the bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover. At lower concentrations it also acts as a humectant, helping to hydrate and improve skin texture, tone, and barrier function.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in curcuminoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and to help brighten and even skin tone. It can also impart a yellow tint to formulations.
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. |
| Comedogenicity (pore-clogging) | Uncommon | May aggravate acne in oil-prone or acne-prone skin due to its fatty acid content. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Localized redness, itching, or irritation in sensitized individuals. |
| Cross-reactivity in nut/Prunus-allergic individuals | Rare | Theoretical risk for those with tree nut or stone-fruit allergies; clinical reactions uncommon. |
| Folliculitis or mild irritation | Very rare | Occasional reports with heavy occlusive application. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores/breakouts) | Uncommon | Moderately comedogenic due to oleic acid content; may aggravate acne-prone skin in some users. |
| Skin irritation or contact urticaria | Rare | Mild stinging or hives reported, more likely in those with sesame food allergy. |
| Systemic anaphylaxis from topical exposure | Very rare | Isolated case reports in highly sesame-allergic individuals; topical use generally lower risk than ingestion. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores, acne) | Common | Considered moderately to highly comedogenic; may aggravate acne-prone or oily skin. |
| Skin irritation or folliculitis | Uncommon | Occlusive nature may trap debris and provoke follicular irritation in susceptible individuals. |
| Contact urticaria | Rare | Immediate hypersensitivity reactions have been occasionally reported. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity | Uncommon | May contribute to follicle blockage in acne-prone individuals at higher concentrations. |
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. |
| Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Apricot kernel oil is a lightweight plant-derived emollient rich in oleic and linoleic acids that softens skin and helps reduce water loss. It is commonly used as a carrier and conditioning agent in creams, lotions, and massage oils. |
| Sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acid) and antioxidants like sesamol and sesamin, used to soften skin and reinforce the skin barrier. It is commonly employed as an occlusive and carrier oil in moisturizers, massage oils, and emulsions. |
| Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil Emollient/occlusive | Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil is a plant-derived lipid used as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is rich in saturated fatty acids, predominantly lauric acid. |
| Glycerol mono stearate Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl monostearate is a non-ionic emulsifier and thickening agent widely used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in creams and lotions. It also functions as an emollient that imparts a smooth, soft skin feel. |
| 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. |
| Coco-caprylate/caprate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester emollient derived from coconut-sourced fatty alcohols and caprylic/capric acids, used to provide a smooth, dry, non-greasy skin feel and to act as a silicone alternative. It functions primarily as a spreading agent and texture enhancer in lotions, creams, and sunscreens. |
| Glycerine Humectant | Glycerine (glycerol) is a humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Emblica officinalis Key active Antioxidant / skin-brightening agent | Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry/amla) extract is a tannin-rich botanical used as an antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting agent in skincare, primarily to reduce hyperpigmentation and provide free-radical protection. It is considered a relatively stable, non-acidic alternative to other brightening actives. |
| 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. |
| Garcinia indica (kokum) butter Emollient / occlusive | Kokum butter is a hard plant fat derived from the seeds of Garcinia indica, rich in stearic and oleic acids. It is used in skincare as a non-greasy emollient and occlusive to soften skin and restore the lipid barrier. |
| Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) juice Soothing humectant/emollient base | Aloe barbadensis juice is a water-rich plant extract used to hydrate, soothe, and provide mild anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning benefits in topical formulations. It is most often used as a base or solvent rather than a clinically potent treatment active. |
| Hemidesmus indicus Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Hemidesmus indicus (Indian sarsaparilla) is a plant-derived extract used in skincare for its reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties attributed to phenolic and saponin constituents. It is sometimes included in formulations targeting hyperpigmentation and irritation. |
| 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. |
| Sodium stearoyl glutamate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is a mild, amino-acid-derived (glutamic acid and stearic acid) anionic surfactant used primarily as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations. It is well tolerated and often chosen for gentle, naturally derived cosmetic systems. |
| Mel (honey) Humectant / emollient / antimicrobial | Honey (Mel) is a natural sugar-rich substance used in skincare as a humectant and soothing agent, valued for its moisturizing, mild antibacterial, and wound-healing properties. It is sometimes incorporated for its antioxidant content and skin-conditioning effects. |
| L-lactic acid Key active Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliant/humectant | L-lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid used to exfoliate the skin by loosening the bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover. At lower concentrations it also acts as a humectant, helping to hydrate and improve skin texture, tone, and barrier function. |
| 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. |
| Prunus amygdalus dulcis (almond) oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Almond) Oil is a fatty oil expressed from sweet almond kernels, rich in oleic and linoleic acids, used as an emollient and occlusive to soften skin and reduce moisture loss. It functions as a base/carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Potassium sorbate Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
| Curcuma longa (turmeric) extract Key active Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory | Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in curcuminoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and to help brighten and even skin tone. It can also impart a yellow tint to formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.