Below is every ingredient in Palmer S Cocoa Butter Formula Moisture Rich Night Cream 75 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.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract is derived from cocoa beans and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and methylxanthines, providing antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits in topical formulations. It is commonly used to help protect skin against oxidative stress and to improve hydration and texture.
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that converts to retinoic acid in the skin, promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen synthesis. It is widely used to address fine lines, photoaging, and acne.
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.
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is a palmitic acid-conjugated peptide used in cosmetics to signal fibroblasts and stimulate collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan production, aiming to improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines. The palmitoyl moiety enhances lipophilicity and skin penetration.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a palmitoylated synthetic peptide used in cosmetic formulations, primarily marketed to help reduce inflammatory signaling and support a more even, firmer skin appearance. It is commonly paired with other peptides such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in anti-aging products.
Chrysin is a naturally occurring flavonoid (found in honey, propolis, and certain plants) used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also studied for potentially reducing under-eye puffiness and inflammation.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Reported as a contact sensitizer, particularly in patients with leg ulcers or stasis dermatitis; included in some patch-test series. |
| 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. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores) | Rare | Reported mainly with cocoa butter-rich preparations rather than purified extracts; relevance to the extract itself is limited. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Contact allergy/sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are low-allergenicity; documented allergic reactions are exceptional. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging if product enters the eyes. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Uncommon | Low comedogenic potential, but may contribute to congestion in acne-prone skin at higher concentrations. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated case reports of immediate-type reactions. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores, acne) | Uncommon | Considered moderately comedogenic; may aggravate acne-prone or oily skin. |
| Folliculitis | Rare | Possible with heavy occlusive use on susceptible skin. |
| Irritation or rash | Very rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation occasionally noted. |
| Contact irritation | Rare | Mild transient irritation possible, generally in sensitive skin. |
| Comedogenicity | Rare | Low comedogenic potential, but may contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract Key active Antioxidant/emollient | Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract is derived from cocoa beans and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and methylxanthines, providing antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits in topical formulations. It is commonly used to help protect skin against oxidative stress and to improve hydration and texture. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| Cyclohexasiloxane Emollient / silicone solvent | Cyclohexasiloxane (D6) is a cyclic silicone used in cosmetics as a volatile carrier and emollient that imparts a smooth, silky feel and helps spread other ingredients before evaporating. It is a formulation aid 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. |
| Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter Emollient / occlusive | Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter is a plant-derived fat used as an emollient and occlusive agent in skincare. It softens skin and reduces transepidermal water loss, and is commonly found in balms, lotions, and lip products. |
| Glycereth-26 Humectant/emollient | Glycereth-26 is a polyethylene glycol ether of glycerin used in skincare and cosmetic formulations as a water-soluble humectant and emollient. It helps attract and retain moisture, solubilize ingredients, and improve product texture. |
| Diethylhexyl Sebacate Emollient | Diethylhexyl Sebacate is a lightweight synthetic ester (the diester of sebacic acid and 2-ethylhexanol) used as an emollient and solvent in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It improves spreadability, imparts a smooth non-greasy feel, and helps solubilize other ingredients such as UV filters. |
| Ceteareth-20 Emulsifier/surfactant | Ceteareth-20 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of cetearyl alcohol used primarily as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant to stabilize oil-in-water formulations. It is a formulation base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Retinol Key active Vitamin A derivative / anti-aging active | Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that converts to retinoic acid in the skin, promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen synthesis. It is widely used to address fine lines, photoaging, and acne. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hydrolyzed Milk Protein Conditioning agent / film-former | Hydrolyzed milk protein is a mixture of peptides and amino acids derived from the enzymatic or acid breakdown of milk proteins, used in skincare and haircare to condition, hydrate, and form a smoothing film on skin and hair. It functions primarily as a humectant and surface conditioner rather than as a clinically proven active treatment. |
| Palmitoyl Oligopeptide Key active Signal peptide / anti-aging active | Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is a palmitic acid-conjugated peptide used in cosmetics to signal fibroblasts and stimulate collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan production, aiming to improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines. The palmitoyl moiety enhances lipophilicity and skin penetration. |
| Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 Key active Anti-aging signal peptide | Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a palmitoylated synthetic peptide used in cosmetic formulations, primarily marketed to help reduce inflammatory signaling and support a more even, firmer skin appearance. It is commonly paired with other peptides such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in anti-aging products. |
| Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Root Extract Skin-conditioning / soothing botanical extract | Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning and antioxidant properties. It is valued for fatty acids and phytosterols that may help support the skin barrier and reduce the appearance of irritation. |
| Lactose Humectant/moisturizing agent | Lactose is a disaccharide sugar derived from milk, used in skincare primarily as a humectant and mild moisturizing agent that helps attract and retain water in the stratum corneum. It may also serve as a bulking agent or carrier in certain 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. |
| Methylisothiazolinone Preservative | Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a synthetic isothiazolinone preservative used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent microbial growth. It is effective at low concentrations but is recognized as a significant contact allergen. |
| Sodium Polyacrylate Thickener / absorbent | Sodium polyacrylate is a superabsorbent acrylic-acid polymer used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and water-binding agent that can hold large amounts of liquid to create gel-like textures. It functions as a formulation and texture-enhancing ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| 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. |
| Steareth-20 Emulsifier / surfactant | Steareth-20 is a polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol used as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant to blend oil and water phases and stabilize creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Chrysin Key active Antioxidant / flavonoid | Chrysin is a naturally occurring flavonoid (found in honey, propolis, and certain plants) used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also studied for potentially reducing under-eye puffiness and inflammation. |
| N-Hydroxysuccinimide Coupling/cross-linking agent | N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) is a reactive chemical primarily used in formulation chemistry as a coupling reagent to activate carboxylic acids for amide bond formation, often in peptide conjugation and cross-linking applications. In skincare contexts it functions as a processing/formulation aid rather than a direct skin-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. |
| Fragrance (Parfum) Sensory/masking agent | Fragrance (Parfum) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the base odor of raw materials. It provides no skin-treatment benefit and is one of the most common causes of cosmetic-related skin reactions. |
| Butylphenyl Methylpropional Fragrance/synthetic fragrance ingredient | Butylphenyl Methylpropional (also known as Lilial) is a synthetic fragrance compound historically used to impart a floral, lily-of-the-valley scent to cosmetics and personal care products. It has been restricted or banned in some markets (e.g., the EU) due to safety concerns regarding skin sensitization and reproductive toxicity. |
| Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Fragrance ingredient | Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a synthetic fragrance compound with a sweet, violet-like floral scent used to impart or enhance aroma in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It has no therapeutic skin benefit and serves purely an olfactory/sensory role. |
| Benzyl Salicylate Fragrance/UV-absorber | Benzyl salicylate is an aromatic ester used primarily as a fragrance ingredient and, to a lesser extent, as a UV-light absorber in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a faint floral, balsamic scent and helps stabilize fragrance compositions. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde Fragrance ingredient | Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde (also known as Lyral) is a synthetic fragrance compound formerly widely used in perfumes and cosmetics for its floral, lily-of-the-valley scent. Due to its high sensitizing potential, it has been restricted or banned in cosmetic products in the European Union. |
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.