Below is every ingredient in The Body Shop Guarana And Coffee Energising Moisturiser For Men 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.
Paullinia Cupana (guarana) seed extract is a botanical rich in caffeine, tannins, and polyphenols used in skincare for its antioxidant and stimulating properties, often marketed for reducing puffiness, improving microcirculation, and supporting anti-cellulite or firming formulations. Its caffeine content makes it a topical vasoconstrictor and free-radical scavenger.
Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root is an enzymatically broken-down extract of maca root used in cosmetics for its conditioning, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties. It is included in formulations to support skin vitality and provide phytonutrients and amino acids.
Coffea Arabica (coffee) seed extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols (such as chlorogenic acid) and caffeine, valued in skincare for its antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties. It is commonly included to help protect skin from oxidative stress and is sometimes used for temporary smoothing or soothing effects.
Capryloyl Glycine is a lipoamino acid formed from caprylic acid and glycine, used in skincare for its mild antimicrobial, sebum-regulating, and conditioning properties. It is commonly included in formulations targeting oily or acne-prone skin and as a deodorizing or preservative-boosting agent.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent; propanediol is generally considered low-risk for allergy. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild redness or stinging may occur, typically in sensitive individuals. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Low comedogenic potential but possible in acne-prone skin. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Possible in sensitive individuals or with impure/oxidized oil. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores) | Uncommon | May contribute to breakouts in acne-prone skin due to its occlusive fatty acid content. |
| Anaphylaxis | Very rare | Theoretical risk in highly nut-allergic individuals if residual proteins remain. |
| Contact dermatitis / skin irritation | Rare | Occasional sensitivity reactions reported in susceptible individuals. |
| Allergic reaction | Very rare | Isolated hypersensitivity cases possible, as with most plant-derived oils. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Hives at site of application, reported mainly in people with wheat protein allergy. |
| Comedogenicity / breakouts | Uncommon | Rich, occlusive oil that may clog pores or aggravate acne-prone skin. |
| Mild irritation or stinging | Rare | Occasionally reported in sensitive individuals, typically transient. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Isolated cases; the polymer is generally considered low-risk and well-tolerated. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate Emollient | Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate is a synthetic diester emollient used in skincare and cosmetics to provide a light, non-greasy skin feel and to soften and smooth the skin. It functions as a base/texture ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil (Brazil nut oil) is a plant-derived oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids and selenium, used in skincare to soften, condition, and provide a protective emollient layer. It is valued for its moisturizing properties and as a carrier oil in formulations. |
| Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in lauric and myristic fatty acids, used to soften skin, reduce moisture loss, and improve texture in cosmetic formulations. It is solid at room temperature but melts on contact with skin, giving a light, non-greasy feel. |
| Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil/Wheat Germ Oil Emollient / antioxidant | Wheat germ oil is a nutrient-rich plant oil pressed from the wheat kernel germ, valued in skincare as an emollient and antioxidant due to its high content of vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and phytosterols. It softens and conditions skin and helps reinforce the skin barrier in moisturizing formulations. |
| Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Thickener / stabilizer | Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic-based polymer used as a rheology modifier, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps create smooth, stable gels and creams without contributing active treatment benefits to the skin. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Isohexadecane Emollient / solvent | Isohexadecane is a synthetic, branched-chain hydrocarbon (saturated isoparaffin) used as a lightweight emollient, solvent, and spreading agent in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a silky, non-greasy feel and helps disperse pigments and other ingredients. |
| Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil/Safflower Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Safflower seed oil is a plant-derived oil rich in linoleic and oleic fatty acids used to soften skin, reduce transepidermal water loss, and support the skin barrier. It serves mainly as an emollient and carrier base in cosmetic 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. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder Soothing humectant | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder is a concentrated, water-soluble dried form of aloe vera leaf juice used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild antioxidant properties. It is commonly incorporated into gels, creams, and serums as a calming and moisturizing agent. |
| 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. |
| Silica Silylate Absorbent / mattifying agent | Silica Silylate is a hydrophobic, silylated form of silica used in cosmetics as an oil-absorbing, texture-modifying, and matting agent. It helps control shine, improves slip and powder feel, and stabilizes formulations. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| Polysorbate 80 Emulsifier / surfactant / solubilizer | Polysorbate 80 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to emulsify oil and water phases and solubilize fragrances and oils in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic 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. |
| Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant / stimulating active (guarana extract) | Paullinia Cupana (guarana) seed extract is a botanical rich in caffeine, tannins, and polyphenols used in skincare for its antioxidant and stimulating properties, often marketed for reducing puffiness, improving microcirculation, and supporting anti-cellulite or firming formulations. Its caffeine content makes it a topical vasoconstrictor and free-radical scavenger. |
| 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. |
| Sorbitan Oleate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sorbitan Oleate is a nonionic surfactant and lipophilic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to stabilize oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions in creams, lotions, and other cosmetic formulations. It is generally regarded as safe and well-tolerated at typical use concentrations. |
| Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Chelating agent | Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate (Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, or HEDTA-type biodegradable chelator) is a biodegradable chelating agent used to bind metal ions in cosmetic formulations. By sequestering trace metals, it helps stabilize products, prevent discoloration and rancidity, and enhance the efficacy of preservatives and antioxidants. |
| Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root Key active Skin conditioning / antioxidant | Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root is an enzymatically broken-down extract of maca root used in cosmetics for its conditioning, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties. It is included in formulations to support skin vitality and provide phytonutrients and amino acids. |
| 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. |
| T-Butyl Alcohol Solvent/denaturant | T-Butyl Alcohol (tert-butanol) is a small alcohol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and as a denaturant for ethanol, helping dissolve ingredients and reduce product palatability. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 2-Hexanediol Humectant/preservative-booster | 1,2-Hexanediol (commonly written 2-hexanediol) is a multifunctional diol used in skincare primarily as a humectant, solvent, and preservative-enhancing agent that improves the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations. It is generally well tolerated and considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Coffea Arabica Seed Extract/Coffee Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant | Coffea Arabica (coffee) seed extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols (such as chlorogenic acid) and caffeine, valued in skincare for its antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties. It is commonly included to help protect skin from oxidative stress and is sometimes used for temporary smoothing or soothing effects. |
| 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. |
| Capryloyl Glycine Key active Antimicrobial/sebum-regulating amino acid derivative | Capryloyl Glycine is a lipoamino acid formed from caprylic acid and glycine, used in skincare for its mild antimicrobial, sebum-regulating, and conditioning properties. It is commonly included in formulations targeting oily or acne-prone skin and as a deodorizing or preservative-boosting agent. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.