Below is every ingredient in Novology 2 Stearic Acid Palmitic Acid Face Cleanser 180 G 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.
Bisabolol is a naturally derived (typically from chamomile) or synthetic terpene alcohol used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is also reported to enhance penetration of other ingredients and offers mild antimicrobial activity.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Folliculitis or acneiform eruptions | Uncommon | Heavy occlusion may trap sebum and bacteria, particularly on acne-prone or oily skin. |
| Comedogenicity concerns | Rare | Highly refined, USP-grade petrolatum is generally considered non-comedogenic; issues are mostly anecdotal. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | True allergy is exceptionally uncommon; reactions are usually attributed to impurities in poorly refined grades. |
| Greasy or occlusive feel/cosmetic intolerance | Common | Not a true adverse health effect, but the heavy texture is frequently disliked or poorly tolerated by users. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive skin or at high concentrations. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Uncommon | May contribute to follicular occlusion in acne-prone individuals, though risk is formulation-dependent. |
| Comedogenic reactions (clogged pores/acne) | Uncommon | Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is generally low on the comedogenic scale; reports vary and largely depend on formulation and individual skin type. |
| Folliculitis | Rare | Occasionally reported with heavy occlusive use, particularly under hot or humid conditions. |
| Contact irritation or skin sensitivity | Rare | Mineral oil is largely inert; irritation is uncommon and often attributable to other formulation components. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Possible stinging on direct eye contact, relevant in rinse-off cleansers. |
| Concerns over trace 1,4-dioxane/ethylene oxide impurities | Very rare | Theoretical risk tied to manufacturing byproducts; mitigated by purification in regulated products. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild redness or stinging, more likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin. |
| Dryness or barrier disruption | Rare | Possible with prolonged or high-concentration exposure. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Petrolatum Occlusive emollient/moisturizer | Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, widely used as an occlusive agent that forms a protective barrier on the skin to reduce transepidermal water loss. It is considered one of the most effective and inert moisturizing ingredients in dermatology. |
| Stearic Acid (and) Palmitic Acid Emollient / emulsifier | A blend of two saturated fatty acids commonly used in skincare to thicken formulations, stabilize emulsions, and provide a smooth, conditioning feel to the skin. They function as base or texture ingredients rather than therapeutic actives. |
| Mineral Oil Occlusive emollient | Mineral oil is a highly refined, inert petroleum-derived hydrocarbon used in skincare as an occlusive agent that forms a barrier on the skin to reduce transepidermal water loss. It is widely used in moisturizers, ointments, and baby products due to its stability and low reactivity. |
| Glycol Stearate (and) Stearamide AMP Pearlescent/opacifying agent | Glycol Stearate (and) Stearamide AMP is a blended emulsifier and pearlizing agent used to give creams, shampoos, and lotions an opaque, pearly appearance while contributing emollient and viscosity-building properties. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| PEG-8 Dilaurate Emulsifier / surfactant | PEG-8 Dilaurate is a polyethylene glycol diester of lauric acid used in cosmetic formulations as a nonionic emulsifier, emollient, and surfactant to stabilize oil-in-water systems. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Triethanolamine pH adjuster / emulsifier | Triethanolamine is an organic compound used in cosmetic formulations primarily to adjust pH and to act as an emulsifying agent, helping to stabilize mixtures of oil and water. It is typically present in small concentrations as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Thickener/viscosity controller | Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is a naturally derived clay mineral used in cosmetics as a thickening, suspending, and stabilizing agent. It helps create smooth, uniform textures and prevents separation in creams, lotions, and masks. |
| Pentylene glycol Humectant / solvent / preservative-booster | Pentylene glycol is a glycol used in cosmetics as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, helping reduce reliance on traditional preservatives. It improves skin hydration and aids the delivery and stability of other ingredients. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract Fragrance/skin-conditioning extract | Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract is a botanical extract used in skincare primarily as a fragrance and skin-conditioning agent, valued for its aromatic and purported soothing and antioxidant properties. It is most often included at low concentrations for scent and marketing appeal rather than as a primary therapeutic active. |
| Bisabolol Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory agent | Bisabolol is a naturally derived (typically from chamomile) or synthetic terpene alcohol used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is also reported to enhance penetration of other ingredients and offers mild antimicrobial activity. |
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.