Below is every ingredient in Palmer S Skin Success Extra Strength Tone Correcting Face Cream 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%.
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.
Tricholoma Matsutake Extract is derived from the matsutake mushroom and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties, with some studies suggesting anti-aging and skin-brightening effects. It is typically incorporated to support skin barrier function and combat oxidative stress.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is enzymatically converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and skin brightening. It is generally considered milder and more stable than pure L-ascorbic acid.
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.
Ethylhexyl Salicylate (octisalate) is an oil-soluble organic UVB filter used in sunscreens to absorb ultraviolet radiation in the 295-315 nm range. It is also valued as a solvent that helps stabilize and dissolve other UV filters in formulations.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness or barrier disruption with excessive contact | Uncommon | Frequent or prolonged exposure to water, especially hot or hard water, can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to transepidermal water loss. |
| Irritation from impurities or hard water minerals | Rare | Reactions are attributed to contaminants, chlorine, or mineral content rather than water itself. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional transient redness or stinging in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; uncommon as a primary sensitizer. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Uncommon | Low comedogenic potential, but may contribute to congestion in acne-prone skin at higher concentrations. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores/acne) | Uncommon | Highly refined cosmetic-grade mineral oil is generally low risk, but less refined grades may aggravate acne-prone skin. |
| Folliculitis | Rare | Occasional follicular irritation reported with occlusive use. |
| Skin irritation | Very rare | Generally well tolerated and often used in sensitive-skin formulations. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Possible in acne-prone skin due to its waxy, occlusive nature. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Common | More likely at higher concentrations or on compromised/sensitive skin |
| Irritant contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Non-allergic irritation, often dose-dependent |
| Worsening of pre-existing eczema or barrier-impaired skin | Rare | Penetration-enhancing effect may increase reactivity |
| Systemic toxicity from topical use | Very rare | Reported mainly with extensive application on broken skin, especially in infants or burn patients |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water Solvent/vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in cosmetic formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves other ingredients and forms the bulk of emulsions and aqueous solutions. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. |
| 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. |
| Paraffinum Liquidum Emollient/occlusive | Paraffinum Liquidum (mineral oil) is a highly refined petroleum-derived liquid hydrocarbon used as an emollient and occlusive agent. It forms a protective barrier on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss and helps soften and smooth the skin. |
| Stearyl Stearate Emollient / thickener | Stearyl stearate is a wax ester formed from stearyl alcohol and stearic acid, used in cosmetics as an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It conditions the skin surface and provides a smooth, non-greasy feel in creams and lotions. |
| 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%. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered 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. |
| PEG-75 Lanolin Emollient / emulsifier | PEG-75 Lanolin is a polyethylene glycol-modified derivative of lanolin used in skincare and cosmetics as a water-soluble emollient, emulsifier, and skin-conditioning agent. It helps soften skin and stabilize formulations rather than acting as a treatment 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Tricholoma Matsutake Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Tricholoma Matsutake Extract is derived from the matsutake mushroom and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties, with some studies suggesting anti-aging and skin-brightening effects. It is typically incorporated to support skin barrier function and combat oxidative stress. |
| Ascorbyl Glucoside Key active Antioxidant / vitamin C derivative | Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is enzymatically converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and skin brightening. It is generally considered milder and more stable than pure L-ascorbic acid. |
| 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. |
| Ethylhexyl Salicylate Key active UV filter (UVB sunscreen) | Ethylhexyl Salicylate (octisalate) is an oil-soluble organic UVB filter used in sunscreens to absorb ultraviolet radiation in the 295-315 nm range. It is also valued as a solvent that helps stabilize and dissolve other UV filters in formulations. |
| Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate Natural preservative | Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a fermentation-derived ingredient produced by culturing Leuconostoc bacteria on radish roots, yielding antimicrobial peptides used as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. It helps protect water-based cosmetic formulations from microbial growth while sometimes contributing mild conditioning properties. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| 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. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Sulfite Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium sulfite is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of products. It is generally considered a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Metabisulfite Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium metabisulfite is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and topical formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of products. It releases sulfur dioxide, which helps stabilize sensitive ingredients. |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Surfactant / cleansing agent | Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant widely used in cleansers, shampoos, and toothpastes to remove oil and debris and to produce foam. It is also used in patch testing as a standard skin irritant. |
| BHT Antioxidant/preservative | BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used in small amounts to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fragrances, and other unstable components, helping maintain product stability and shelf life. |
| 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. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxycitronellal Fragrance ingredient | Hydroxycitronellal is a synthetic aromatic aldehyde used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products, valued for its sweet, floral, lily-of-the-valley scent. It serves no skin-treatment purpose and functions purely to add fragrance. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.