Below is every ingredient in Fabessentials Vitamin E Calendula Face Cream 100G Qgtp_Cd3Zc 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.
Urea is a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor that hydrates by attracting and retaining water; at higher concentrations it also softens and exfoliates thickened or scaly skin. It is widely used to treat dry skin conditions such as xerosis, ichthyosis, and hyperkeratosis.
Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products.
Calendula officinalis (marigold) extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and mild wound-healing properties, attributed to flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids. It is commonly incorporated into creams, balms, and after-sun products to calm irritated skin.
Borage seed oil is a plant oil exceptionally rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid used in topical formulations to support the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is valued for its emollient and soothing properties, particularly in products aimed at dry, sensitive, or inflamed skin.
Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol (vitamin A) and palmitic acid used in skincare as a relatively mild, stable retinoid that converts to retinol and then retinoic acid in the skin. It is employed for antioxidant benefits and anti-aging effects, though it is less potent than retinol or prescription retinoids.
Ascorbyl palmitate is a lipid-soluble, more stable ester of vitamin C used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It can help protect formulas from oxidation and may offer mild antioxidant benefits to skin, though it is generally considered less potent than L-ascorbic acid.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient stinging or burning on application | Uncommon | More likely on compromised or irritated skin, especially with humectants like glycerin or urea. |
| Contact irritation or redness | Uncommon | Often due to associated fragrances, preservatives, or specific actives rather than the humectant itself. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Linked to certain emollients, lanolin, or added fragrances/preservatives. |
| Acne or folliculitis (comedogenicity) | Rare | More associated with heavy occlusive ingredients in acne-prone individuals. |
| Worsening dryness in low-humidity environments | Rare | Humectants can draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive when ambient humidity is very low. |
| 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. |
| Stinging or burning sensation | Common | Transient, especially on broken, cracked, or freshly shaved skin and at higher concentrations. |
| Redness or erythema | Common | Mild local irritation, often subsides with continued use. |
| Itching or tingling | Uncommon | Localized to application site. |
| Dryness or peeling | Uncommon | More likely with higher keratolytic concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Irritant more often than true allergic reaction. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| moisturizes Humectant/emollient (skin hydration) | Moisturizing ingredients hydrate the skin by attracting water (humectants), sealing in moisture (occlusives), or softening the skin surface (emollients). They support barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss. |
| 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. |
| Urea Key active Humectant / keratolytic | Urea is a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor that hydrates by attracting and retaining water; at higher concentrations it also softens and exfoliates thickened or scaly skin. It is widely used to treat dry skin conditions such as xerosis, ichthyosis, and hyperkeratosis. |
| Isopropyl Myristate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Isopropyl myristate is a synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid used as an emollient, thickening reducer, and penetration enhancer in cosmetic and topical formulations. It imparts a smooth, non-greasy feel and improves spreadability of products. |
| 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. |
| Isopropyl Palmitate Emollient / Thickener | Isopropyl Palmitate is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid used as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent, and texture enhancer that improves spreadability and reduces greasiness in creams, lotions, and cosmetics. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic 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. |
| 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. |
| Polysorbate 60 Emulsifier / surfactant | Polysorbate 60 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Carbomer Thickener / gelling agent | Carbomer is a synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid used to thicken, stabilize, and control the viscosity of gels, creams, and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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 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. |
| Allantoin Key active Soothing/skin-conditioning agent | Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products. |
| Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Extract Key active Soothing botanical / anti-inflammatory | Calendula officinalis (marigold) extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and mild wound-healing properties, attributed to flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids. It is commonly incorporated into creams, balms, and after-sun products to calm irritated skin. |
| Di -Sodium Edta Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent added to skincare formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preservative efficacy, and preventing discoloration or rancidity. It is used in low concentrations as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil Key active Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Borage seed oil is a plant oil exceptionally rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid used in topical formulations to support the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is valued for its emollient and soothing properties, particularly in products aimed at dry, sensitive, or inflamed skin. |
| Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A) Key active Antioxidant / vitamin A derivative (retinoid) | Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol (vitamin A) and palmitic acid used in skincare as a relatively mild, stable retinoid that converts to retinol and then retinoic acid in the skin. It is employed for antioxidant benefits and anti-aging effects, though it is less potent than retinol or prescription retinoids. |
| Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C) Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Ascorbyl palmitate is a lipid-soluble, more stable ester of vitamin C used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. It can help protect formulas from oxidation and may offer mild antioxidant benefits to skin, though it is generally considered less potent than L-ascorbic acid. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin-E) Linalool Antioxidant / emollient | Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, ester form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent, while linalool is a fragrance component often present in the same formulations. Together they provide antioxidant protection and scent but linalool can oxidize and become sensitizing. |
| 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. |
| Gamma-Methyl Ionone Fragrance | Gamma-Methyl Ionone is a synthetic aroma chemical with a violet, woody-floral scent used to fragrance cosmetic and skincare formulations. It functions purely as a fragrance/scent ingredient rather than a skin-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. |
| 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. |
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.