Below is every ingredient in Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream All Skin Types 50 Ml 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.
Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the Kalanchoe pinnata plant and is used in skincare for its purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties attributed to its flavonoid and phenolic content. It is typically included as a soothing or conditioning botanical agent in topical formulations.
Mitracarpus scaber extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its harpagoside and related compounds, which inhibit tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin production. It is used in cosmetic formulations targeting hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or dryness from excessive washing | Rare | Related to overexposure or impurities rather than water itself; prolonged wet contact can disrupt the skin barrier. |
| Allergic or sensitivity reaction | Very rare | Pure water is non-allergenic; reactions are attributable to contaminants or other formulation components. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional transient redness or irritation in sensitive individuals. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Isolated reports; considered a low-sensitizing ingredient. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Low comedogenic potential, but possible in acne-prone skin at high concentrations. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation reported infrequently in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; the ester is considered a low sensitizer. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores) | Rare | Considered low to non-comedogenic, but possible in acne-prone skin depending on formulation. |
| Mild contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua/Water/Eau Solvent/base | Water is the most common ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent and carrier that dissolves water-soluble ingredients and forms the base of emulsions. It is physiologically inert and well-tolerated on 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. |
| Dicaprylyl Carbonate Emollient / texture enhancer | Dicaprylyl Carbonate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut-based fatty alcohols and carbonic acid, used to improve skin feel and spreadability in cosmetic formulations. It also acts as a solvent and helps distribute pigments and other ingredients evenly. |
| Isononyl Isononanoate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Isononyl Isononanoate is a synthetic ester emollient used in cosmetics to impart a light, silky, non-greasy skin feel and to aid the spreadability of formulations. It functions as a base/texture ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight emollient derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, used to soften skin, improve spreadability, and act as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients. It is well-tolerated and serves primarily as a base ingredient rather than an active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer Thickener/stabilizer | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic copolymer used in skincare to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions, providing viscosity control and a smooth texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film former rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Peg-100 Stearate Emulsifier/surfactant | PEG-100 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Cetearyl Glucoside Emulsifier | Cetearyl Glucoside is a plant-derived (glucose and fatty alcohol) nonionic emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize creams and lotions. It is valued for being mild and well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations. |
| Parfum/Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | 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 provides no skincare benefit and is one of the most common causes of cosmetic-related skin reactions. |
| Anigozanthos Flavidus Extract Skin-conditioning / botanical extract | Anigozanthos Flavidus Extract is derived from the Australian kangaroo paw plant and is used in cosmetic formulations as a skin-conditioning and moisturizing agent, often promoted for its content of sugars and amino acids intended to support skin hydration and softness. It is typically included as a botanical additive rather than a clinically validated treatment active. |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Caprylhydroxamic Acid Preservative / chelating agent | Caprylhydroxamic acid is a glycine-derived hydroxamic acid used primarily as a preservative and chelating agent in cosmetic formulations, where it helps control microbial growth (especially fungi) and stabilizes products by binding trace metal ions. It is typically used in combination with other preservatives such as glycols and is effective across a relatively wide pH range. |
| 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. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Betaine Humectant / osmolyte | Betaine is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (trimethylglycine) used in skincare as a humectant and osmoprotectant that attracts and retains moisture while helping stabilize skin barrier function. It also improves the texture and mildness of formulations. |
| Sorbitol Humectant | Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used in skincare as a humectant and texture enhancer, drawing moisture into the skin and improving product spreadability. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Tetrasodium Edta Chelating agent | Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in skincare formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preserving efficacy, and enhancing the performance of preservatives and surfactants. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract Key active Botanical extract (antioxidant/soothing) | Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the Kalanchoe pinnata plant and is used in skincare for its purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties attributed to its flavonoid and phenolic content. It is typically included as a soothing or conditioning botanical agent in topical formulations. |
| Phenoxyethanol Preservative | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used broad-spectrum preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and serves as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Balanites Roxburghii Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Balanites Roxburghii Seed Oil is a plant-derived lipid used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, providing fatty acids that help soften skin and support the surface barrier. It functions primarily as a base oil rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Mitracarpus Scaber Extract Key active Skin-brightening agent | Mitracarpus scaber extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its harpagoside and related compounds, which inhibit tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin production. It is used in cosmetic formulations targeting hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. |
| 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. |
| Citric Acid pH adjuster / AHA exfoliant | Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from citrus fruits, used primarily to adjust and buffer formulation pH and as a chelating agent, and at higher concentrations as a mild chemical exfoliant. It can promote surface cell turnover and is sometimes included in antioxidant or brightening products. |
| Hydrated Silica Abrasive/absorbent | Hydrated silica is a porous form of silicon dioxide used in skincare and toothpaste as a mild abrasive, absorbent, and viscosity-controlling agent. It helps with gentle exfoliation, oil absorption, and texture improvement in formulations. |
| Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract Marine algae extract / film-forming hydrator | Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract is derived from a red seaweed and is used in skincare primarily as a hydrating, film-forming and texturizing agent due to its polysaccharide (carrageenan-like) content. It provides skin conditioning, moisture retention and a smoothing surface feel. |
| Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. |
| 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. |
| Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract Botanical extract / skin conditioning | Lapsana Communis (nipplewort) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare primarily as a skin-conditioning and soothing agent, traditionally associated with mild emollient and skin-calming properties. It functions mainly as a supportive botanical rather than a clinically proven treatment active. |
| Maris Sal/Sea Salt/Sel Marin [V3188A] Mineral exfoliant/bulking & viscosity agent | Maris Sal (sea salt) is a naturally derived mineral ingredient used in skincare as a physical exfoliant, bulking agent, and to adjust viscosity in cleansers and scrubs. It can also provide trace minerals and act as a mild abrasive in body and bath products. |
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.