Below is every ingredient in The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Intense Moisturiser 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.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a stable, oil-soluble derivative of vitamin C used as an antioxidant that can be converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, supporting collagen synthesis and helping reduce signs of photoaging and hyperpigmentation. It is favored for its stability and ability to penetrate the skin's lipid barrier compared with pure ascorbic acid.
Myrciaria Dubia (camu camu) fruit extract is derived from an Amazonian fruit exceptionally rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, used in topical formulations for its antioxidant and skin-brightening properties. It may help neutralize free radicals and support a more even skin tone.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity.
Malic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from fruits such as apples, used in skincare to exfoliate the skin surface, improve texture, and promote cell turnover. It is often combined with other AHAs and acts as both an exfoliant and a humectant.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
| Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
| Skin dryness | Common | High concentrations can strip natural oils and reduce skin hydration. |
| Irritation or stinging | Common | Especially on compromised, sensitive, or freshly exfoliated skin. |
| Disruption of skin barrier | Uncommon | Repeated exposure may impair barrier function with frequent use. |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Irritant or allergic reactions reported in susceptible individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol itself | Very rare | True ethanol allergy is uncommon and documented in isolated cases. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
| Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
| Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
| 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. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| Alcohol Denat Solvent/penetration enhancer | Alcohol Denat (denatured ethanol) is a volatile solvent used in skincare to dissolve other ingredients, improve product spreadability and absorption, and create a quick-drying, lightweight feel. It is 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ethyl Macadamiate Emollient/skin-conditioning ester | Ethyl Macadamiate is a lightweight ester derived from macadamia oil fatty acids, used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It imparts a silky, non-greasy feel and helps soften and smooth the skin while supporting spreadability in formulations. |
| Isostearyl Lactate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Isostearyl Lactate is an ester of isostearyl alcohol and lactic acid used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It improves spreadability, texture, and pigment dispersion, and helps soften skin without significant active dermatologic effect. |
| 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. |
| Isopropyl Alcohol Solvent/antimicrobial | Isopropyl alcohol is a clear, volatile solvent used in skincare and cosmetic formulations as a solvent, antiseptic, and to aid rapid drying. It dissolves oils and other ingredients and is commonly found in toners, astringents, and disinfecting products. |
| Parfum Fragrance | 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 serves a sensory/formulation purpose rather than providing any skin benefit. |
| Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil Emollient/occlusive | Sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil is a plant-derived oil rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It also contains antioxidant compounds such as sesamol and tocopherols. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin to improve hydration and surface plumpness. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than native hyaluronic acid. |
| Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a stable, oil-soluble derivative of vitamin C used as an antioxidant that can be converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, supporting collagen synthesis and helping reduce signs of photoaging and hyperpigmentation. It is favored for its stability and ability to penetrate the skin's lipid barrier compared with pure ascorbic acid. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hexyl Cinnamal Fragrance ingredient | Hexyl Cinnamal is a synthetic aromatic compound used as a fragrance and masking agent in cosmetic and skincare formulations, valued for its mild floral, jasmine-like scent. It is one of the 26 fragrance allergens required to be labeled in the EU. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant / brightening | Myrciaria Dubia (camu camu) fruit extract is derived from an Amazonian fruit exceptionally rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, used in topical formulations for its antioxidant and skin-brightening properties. It may help neutralize free radicals and support a more even skin tone. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| Malic Acid Key active Alpha hydroxy acid exfoliant | Malic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from fruits such as apples, used in skincare to exfoliate the skin surface, improve texture, and promote cell turnover. It is often combined with other AHAs and acts as both an exfoliant and a humectant. |
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.