Below is every ingredient in Face Scrub - Walnut & Turmeric with Cooling Sandalwood 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.
Curcuma aromatica (wild turmeric) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in curcuminoids and essential oils, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It is often applied to address hyperpigmentation, dullness, and minor inflammatory skin conditions.
Azadirachta indica (neem) infusion is a water-based botanical extract traditionally used in skincare for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is often included to support acne-prone or irritated skin.
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.
Pterocarpus Santalinus (red sandalwood) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and pigments used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included in formulations aimed at soothing and brightening the skin.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity.
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. |
| Mechanical irritation or stinging | Common | Result of abrasive rubbing, especially on sensitive or inflamed skin. |
| Microtears or micro-abrasions in the stratum corneum | Uncommon | Associated with irregular or sharp-edged particles; may compromise skin barrier. |
| Erythema and transient redness | Common | Typically short-lived after vigorous exfoliation. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Possible in individuals sensitized to tree nut-derived materials. |
| Aggravation of acne or post-inflammatory changes | Uncommon | Over-exfoliation can worsen active acne lesions. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation or redness possible, generally in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Cross-reactivity with other fatty alcohols | Rare | Individuals sensitized to cetyl or stearyl alcohol may react to the blend. |
| Mild stinging or burning on application | Uncommon | Transient sensation, more likely on broken or sensitive skin. |
| Skin redness or irritation | Rare | Generally mild and self-limiting; may relate to preservatives or anthraquinone content in poorly processed extracts. |
| Delayed wound healing | Very rare | Reported in isolated cases when applied to surgical or deep wounds. |
| Sticky or tacky skin feel | Common | Cosmetic sensation at higher concentrations, not a health concern. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or with high concentrations. |
| Skin dryness or moisture-wicking in very low humidity | Uncommon | Can theoretically draw water from skin in extremely dry environments if not paired with occlusives. |
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. |
| Juglans regia shell grits Physical exfoliant / abrasive | Juglans regia (walnut) shell grits are finely ground walnut shell particles used as a natural mechanical exfoliant in scrubs and cleansers to remove dead surface skin cells. Their efficacy depends on particle size and grind uniformity. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Helianthus annuus oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Helianthus Annuus Oil (sunflower seed oil) is a plant-derived emollient rich in linoleic acid that softens skin and supports the skin barrier. It is widely used as a base oil and carrier in cosmetic formulations. |
| Cocos nucifera oil Emollient/occlusive | Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Oil is a plant-derived fatty oil used in skincare 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 monostearate Emulsifier / emollient | Glycerol monostearate (glyceryl monostearate) is a non-ionic emulsifier and thickening agent used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and provide a smooth, conditioning feel in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation base 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. |
| Vitis vinifera oil Emollient/antioxidant | Vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil is a lightweight plant oil rich in linoleic acid and polyphenolic antioxidants, used in skincare to soften skin and reinforce the skin barrier. It also provides mild antioxidant benefits in topical formulations. |
| 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. |
| Curcuma aromatica extract Key active Antioxidant / brightening botanical | Curcuma aromatica (wild turmeric) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in curcuminoids and essential oils, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It is often applied to address hyperpigmentation, dullness, and minor inflammatory skin conditions. |
| 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. |
| Azadirachta indica infusion Key active Botanical extract / antimicrobial-soothing agent | Azadirachta indica (neem) infusion is a water-based botanical extract traditionally used in skincare for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is often included to support acne-prone or irritated skin. |
| Rosa centifolia petal infusion Soothing/fragrant botanical extract | Rosa centifolia petal infusion is a water-based botanical extract used in skincare for its mild soothing, toning, and aromatic properties. It functions primarily as a supportive or sensory ingredient rather than a clinically proven 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Pterocarpus santalinus extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Pterocarpus Santalinus (red sandalwood) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and pigments used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included in formulations aimed at soothing and brightening the skin. |
| 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. |
| Citrus limonum oil Fragrance / antioxidant | Citrus limonum oil (lemon essential oil) is a cold-pressed volatile oil rich in limonene and citral, used in skincare primarily as a fragrance and natural antioxidant agent. It is also marketed for purported astringent and brightening effects, though evidence for these is limited. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| Sodium cocoyl glutamate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium cocoyl glutamate is a gentle, amino-acid-derived anionic surfactant made from coconut fatty acids and glutamic acid, commonly used in cleansers and shampoos for its mild, low-irritation foaming and cleansing properties. It is favored in skin-friendly and sulfate-free formulations due to its skin-compatible, near-physiologic pH profile. |
| Disodium cocoyl glutamate Mild anionic surfactant / cleansing agent | Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle amino acid-derived (glutamic acid + coconut fatty acid) surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to provide mild foaming and cleansing with low irritation potential. It is well tolerated and suited for sensitive skin formulations. |
| 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. |
| Geraniol Fragrance/aroma compound | Geraniol is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and for its pleasant rose-like scent. It also has mild antioxidant and antimicrobial properties but is included mainly for olfactory rather than therapeutic purposes. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Benzyl alcohol Preservative / solvent | Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used primarily as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and it also provides mild fragrance and viscosity-reducing properties. It is approved for use as a preservative at concentrations up to about 1% in leave-on and rinse-off products. |
| 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. |
| Citral Fragrance/aroma ingredient | Citral is a naturally occurring aldehyde found in citrus and lemongrass oils, used in cosmetics primarily for its fresh, lemon-like scent. It is a recognized fragrance allergen rather than a treatment active. |
| Citronellol Fragrance ingredient | Citronellol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol used as a fragrance and flavoring agent, providing a rose-like, citrusy scent in cosmetics and personal care products. It is found in essential oils such as rose, geranium, and citronella. |
| Coumarin Fragrance ingredient | Coumarin is a naturally occurring aromatic compound used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance and masking agent, valued for its sweet, hay-like scent. It is one of the 26 fragrance allergens that EU regulations require to be declared on product labels. |
| Eugenol Fragrance/flavoring agent | Eugenol is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in clove oil and other essential oils, used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and for its mild antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is a recognized contact allergen and is one of the 26 fragrance allergens requiring declaration under EU regulations. |
| Farnesol Fragrance ingredient / antimicrobial | Farnesol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance component and deodorant agent, and it also exhibits mild antibacterial properties. It is found in essential oils such as rose, neroli, and citronella. |
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.