Below is every ingredient in The Face Shop Calendula Essential Moisture Serum 40 Ml 31/Reviews 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.
Borago Officinalis (borage) Extract is derived from the borage plant and is valued for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid. It is used in skincare to support the skin barrier, provide emollient softening, and help soothe dry or irritated skin.
Chamomilla Recutita (German chamomile) flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, attributed to compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and flavonoids. It is commonly added to formulations intended to calm sensitive, irritated, or reddened skin.
Aspalathus Linearis (rooibos) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and flavonoids such as aspalathin, used in skincare for its antioxidant and soothing properties. It is commonly included to help protect skin against oxidative stress and reduce visible irritation.
Salvia Officinalis (sage) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and antimicrobial properties. It may help soothe skin, reduce sebum, and provide mild preservative-boosting effects.
Morinda Citrifolia (noni) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is typically included to help protect against free-radical damage and soothe the skin.
Morinda Citrifolia (noni) Extract is a botanical ingredient rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, and iridoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is intended to help protect skin from oxidative stress and provide soothing, moisturizing benefits.
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. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | More likely in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae/Compositae family plants (e.g., ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums). |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild localized irritation occasionally reported, sometimes related to other formulation components. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate hives-type reaction in sensitized individuals. |
| 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 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 | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Contact allergy/sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are low-allergenicity; documented allergic reactions are exceptional. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging if product enters the eyes. |
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. |
| Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its purported soothing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-supporting properties. It is commonly included in products marketed for sensitive, irritated, or compromised 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. |
| 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. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| Polysorbate 60 Emulsifier / surfactant | Polysorbate 60 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| 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. |
| Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Centaurea Cyanus (cornflower) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient traditionally used for its soothing, mildly astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties, often included in eye and facial products to calm irritation and reduce puffiness. It also provides minor antioxidant activity from flavonoids and anthocyanins. |
| Borago Officinalis Extract Key active Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Borago Officinalis (borage) Extract is derived from the borage plant and is valued for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid. It is used in skincare to support the skin barrier, provide emollient softening, and help soothe dry or irritated skin. |
| Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Chamomilla Recutita (German chamomile) flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, attributed to compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and flavonoids. It is commonly added to formulations intended to calm sensitive, irritated, or reddened skin. |
| Lilium Candidum Flower Extract Skin conditioning / botanical extract | Lilium Candidum (Madonna lily) flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its purported soothing, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties. It is typically included as a conditioning and emollient botanical additive rather than a clinically proven active. |
| Aspalathus Linearis Extract Key active Antioxidant | Aspalathus Linearis (rooibos) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and flavonoids such as aspalathin, used in skincare for its antioxidant and soothing properties. It is commonly included to help protect skin against oxidative stress and reduce visible irritation. |
| Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant/antimicrobial botanical extract | Salvia Officinalis (sage) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and antimicrobial properties. It may help soothe skin, reduce sebum, and provide mild preservative-boosting effects. |
| 1,2-Hexanediol Humectant / preservative booster | 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic diol used in skincare as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, often allowing reduced or preservative-free systems. It helps maintain product stability while contributing mild moisturizing properties. |
| 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. |
| Squalane Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Squalane is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon derived from squalene (sourced from plants like olives or sugarcane, or shark liver) used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic for most users, and serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Octyldodecyl Myristate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Octyldodecyl Myristate is an ester of myristic acid and octyldodecanol used as an emollient and spreading agent in cosmetics. It softens skin, improves product texture and glide, and acts as a solvent for pigments in color cosmetics. |
| Glyceryl Stearate SE Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl Stearate SE is a self-emulsifying form of glyceryl stearate used to blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions, also providing a softening, conditioning effect on skin. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Betaine Humectant / osmolyte | Betaine is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (trimethylglycine) used in skincare as a humectant and osmoprotectant that attracts and retains moisture while helping stabilize skin barrier function. It also improves the texture and mildness of 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate is a citric acid ester of fatty alcohols used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient that imparts a smooth, lightweight feel and helps soften the skin. It functions as a formulation/texture component rather than a treatment 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Citrus Grandis Extract Skin-conditioning / antioxidant | Citrus Grandis (grapefruit) Extract is derived from grapefruit and is used in cosmetics for its antioxidant, soothing, and conditioning properties. It contains vitamin C, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals. |
| 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. |
| Disodium Ethane Chelating agent | Disodium Ethane (commonly Disodium EDTA) is a chelating agent that binds metal ions in formulations, improving stability, preventing discoloration, and enhancing preservative efficacy. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Morinda Citrifolia Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning botanical extract | Morinda Citrifolia (noni) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is typically included to help protect against free-radical damage and soothe the skin. |
| Morinda Citrifolia Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Morinda Citrifolia (noni) Extract is a botanical ingredient rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, and iridoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is intended to help protect skin from oxidative stress and provide soothing, moisturizing benefits. |
| Curcuma Longa Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory | Curcuma Longa (turmeric) Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in curcuminoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce signs of oxidative stress and soothe irritated skin. |
| Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract Antioxidant/antimicrobial botanical extract | Ocimum Basilicum (basil) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient containing essential oils, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds used in skincare for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing properties. It is often included for its potential to combat free radical damage and as a natural preservative-boosting or fragrance component. |
| 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. |
| Corallina Officinalis Extract Antioxidant / mineral-rich conditioning agent | Corallina Officinalis Extract is derived from a red coralline algae and is used in skincare for its mineral content (calcium, magnesium) and antioxidant properties, often as a conditioning and soothing agent. It is valued for hydrating and protective effects in cosmetic formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.