Below is every ingredient in The Skin Story Holistic Night Cream 45G 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.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C used as an antioxidant and skin-brightening active. It is converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, supporting collagen synthesis and reducing hyperpigmentation.
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient flushing or redness | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or in sensitive skin; usually subsides quickly. |
| Tingling, stinging, or burning sensation | Uncommon | Often associated with higher percentages or compromised barrier. |
| Contact irritation or itching | Rare | Generally dose-dependent and resolves with discontinuation. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Documented in isolated case reports; true sensitization is unusual. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated; occasional sensitivity in reactive skin. |
| Oxidation-related skin sensitivity | Very rare | Rancid or oxidized oil may increase irritation potential. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores) | Uncommon | May contribute to follicular occlusion in acne-prone individuals depending on formulation. |
| Comedogenicity / pore congestion | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals due to its occlusive, lipid-rich nature. |
| Irritation or rash | Rare | Occasional redness or irritation, often related to impurities or other formulation components rather than shea itself. |
| Skin irritation or dryness | Uncommon | Witch hazel's tannins and any residual alcohol may cause tightness or dryness, especially with frequent use. |
| Stinging or burning on application | Uncommon | More likely on compromised, broken, or sensitive skin. |
| Non-immunologic contact urticaria | Rare | Benzoic acid is a known cause of transient stinging and erythema, particularly around the face. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| 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. |
| Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is a lightweight, non-psychoactive oil derived from hemp seeds, rich in essential fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid). It functions primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent that supports the skin barrier and provides antioxidant benefits. |
| Glyceryl Stearate And Peg-100 Stearate Emulsifier | Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate is a commonly used self-emulsifying blend that combines oil and water phases to create stable, smooth emulsions in creams and lotions. It also imparts emollient and texture-improving properties without providing direct therapeutic activity. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Emollient/Moisturizer | Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, used in skincare as an occlusive emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier. It is rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables such as triterpenes and tocopherols. |
| Methyl Gluceth 20 Humectant/moisturizer | Methyl Gluceth-20 is a water-soluble humectant derived from glucose and methyl glucose, used to attract and retain moisture in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It also functions as a skin-conditioning agent and helps improve product texture and spreadability. |
| Hamamelis Virginiana Extract And Benzoic Acid Astringent/preservative blend | A combination of Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract, valued for its astringent and antioxidant tannins, and benzoic acid, used primarily as a preservative and mild antimicrobial agent. The blend is commonly found in toners and topical formulations for its soothing and product-stabilizing properties. |
| Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil Emollient / antioxidant | Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in oleic acid and tocopherols used in skincare for its emollient, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties. It helps soften skin, reinforce the skin barrier, and may provide mild protection against oxidative stress. |
| Polysorbate 20 Emulsifier / solubilizer | Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, used in skincare to solubilize fragrances and essential oils and to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Biosaccharide Gum 1 Humectant / skin-conditioning film former | Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a naturally derived polysaccharide (produced via fermentation of sorbitol) used to hydrate, soothe, and form a smoothing protective film on the skin. It is valued for its moisturizing and skin-softening properties and is generally considered well tolerated. |
| Phenoxyethanol And Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative system | A widely used combination preservative in which phenoxyethanol provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection and ethylhexylglycerin acts as a co-preservative and skin-conditioning agent that boosts antimicrobial efficacy. It is added to prevent microbial growth and extend product shelf life rather than to treat skin. |
| Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C used as an antioxidant and skin-brightening active. It is converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, supporting collagen synthesis and reducing hyperpigmentation. |
| Propanediol And Sophora Japonica Flower Extract Humectant/soothing botanical blend | A combination of propanediol, a glycol-based humectant and solvent, with Sophora japonica flower extract, which provides antioxidant and soothing flavonoid compounds such as rutin. It is typically used to enhance hydration and deliver botanical actives 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. |
| Perfume Fragrance | Perfume (fragrance) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to cosmetic products to impart a desired scent or to mask the base odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation role rather than a skin-treating function. |
| D-Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | D-Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin and acts as a humectant and emollient, helping retain moisture and support barrier repair. It is commonly included in skincare for its hydrating and soothing properties. |
| Butylated Hydroxytoluene Antioxidant/preservative | Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant used in cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils and fats, helping maintain product stability and shelf life. It functions as a stabilizer 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. |
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.