Below is every ingredient in Vlcc Honey 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.
Honey is a natural humectant with mild antibacterial and antioxidant properties, used in skincare to attract moisture, soothe, and support wound healing. It is composed primarily of sugars along with trace enzymes, organic acids, and phenolic compounds.
Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (fenugreek) Seed Extract is a botanical derived from fenugreek seeds, used in skincare for its emollient, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties attributed to its content of saponins, flavonoids, and mucilage. It is commonly included for hydration support and soothing effects.
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. |
| 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. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | True sensitization to purified mineral oil is exceptionally uncommon; it is widely considered non-sensitizing. |
| Skin irritation | Very rare | Generally well tolerated and often used in sensitive-skin formulations. |
| 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 | Occasional transient redness or stinging, more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / pore clogging | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals depending on concentration and formulation. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Uncommon | Low comedogenic potential, but may contribute to congestion in acne-prone skin at higher concentrations. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild localized irritation can occur in sensitive individuals. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Generally considered low risk, but may contribute to clogged pores in some acne-prone users. |
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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient 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. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 2-Phenoxyethanol Preservative | 2-Phenoxyethanol is a broad-spectrum preservative used in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and helps extend product shelf life and ensure microbial safety. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Emollient/occlusive | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (shea butter) is a plant-derived fat used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is rich in fatty acids and unsaponifiables that condition and help maintain the skin barrier. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E, used to soften skin and support the skin barrier. It is widely used as a base oil in moisturizers and cosmetic formulations. |
| Triethanolamine pH adjuster / emulsifier | Triethanolamine is an organic compound used in cosmetic formulations primarily to adjust pH and to act as an emulsifying agent, helping to stabilize mixtures of oil and water. It is typically present in small concentrations as a formulation aid 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. |
| 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. |
| Honey Key active Humectant / antimicrobial | Honey is a natural humectant with mild antibacterial and antioxidant properties, used in skincare to attract moisture, soothe, and support wound healing. It is composed primarily of sugars along with trace enzymes, organic acids, and phenolic compounds. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Soothing/moisturizing agent | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is derived from the aloe vera plant and is used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly included as a supportive base ingredient rather than a primary treatment active. |
| Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract Skin conditioning / soothing | Triticum Vulgare (wheat) Germ Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants used in skincare for its emollient, conditioning, and reparative properties. It is often included to support skin barrier function and soothe irritation. |
| Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract Key active Conditioning/antioxidant extract | Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (fenugreek) Seed Extract is a botanical derived from fenugreek seeds, used in skincare for its emollient, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties attributed to its content of saponins, flavonoids, and mucilage. It is commonly included for hydration support and soothing effects. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.