L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream 5.2 oz
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This hand cream contains beneficial ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil, which are known for their moisturizing and skin-soothing properties. However, the presence of fragrance, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, slightly lowers the score. The product has a balanced mix of natural and synthetic ingredients, with a focus on skin hydration and protection.
Key ingredients 32
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterVery Good
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is highly moisturizing and contains vitamins A and E, which are beneficial for skin health. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
Rarely, individuals with nut allergies may experience reactions.
Benefits
Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin, improving elasticity and softness.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilVery Good
Sunflower seed oil is a natural oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E. It is known for its moisturizing and skin-soothing properties. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and provides antioxidant benefits.
Risks
Rarely, may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Moisturizes and nourishes the skin, providing antioxidant protection.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilVery Good
Coconut oil is a natural oil with moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. It is rich in fatty acids that help to nourish and protect the skin. It is widely used in skincare for its emollient benefits.
Risks
May clog pores in acne-prone skin.
Benefits
Deeply moisturizes and protects the skin, with antimicrobial benefits.
TocopherolVery Good
Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It is known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties. It is widely used in skincare for its protective benefits.
Risks
Rarely, may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Protects the skin from oxidative stress and provides moisturizing benefits.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Overuse can lead to a sticky feeling on the skin.
Benefits
Helps maintain skin hydration and smoothness.
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateGood
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is an emollient derived from coconut oil and caprylic acid. It provides a silky feel and enhances the spreadability of products. It is considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves skin texture and provides a smooth application.
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) SterolsGood
Rapeseed sterols are plant-derived compounds that help to condition and protect the skin. They are known for their emollient properties and ability to improve skin barrier function. They are generally safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin barrier and provides conditioning effects.
Beta-GlucanGood
Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide derived from oats or yeast, known for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to improve skin hydration and barrier function. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for sensitive skin.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Soothes and hydrates the skin, enhancing barrier function.
Cananga Odorata Oil/ExtractGood
Cananga Odorata Oil, also known as Ylang Ylang oil, is a natural essential oil with a floral scent. It is known for its calming and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally safe but should be used in moderation.
Risks
May cause irritation or sensitization in high concentrations.
Benefits
Provides a calming scent and skin-conditioning benefits.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel OilGood
Bergamot peel oil is a natural essential oil with a citrus scent, known for its uplifting and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally safe but should be used in moderation due to potential photosensitivity.
Risks
May cause photosensitivity if exposed to sunlight.
Benefits
Provides an uplifting scent and skin-conditioning benefits.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel OilGood
Lemon peel oil is a natural essential oil with a fresh citrus scent, known for its astringent and skin-brightening properties. It is generally safe but should be used in moderation due to potential photosensitivity.
Risks
May cause photosensitivity if exposed to sunlight.
Benefits
Provides a fresh scent and skin-brightening benefits.
Aqua/Water/EauNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in forming emulsions and is essential for hydration. It does not have any direct risks or benefits.
Benefits
Provides a base for other ingredients and aids in hydration.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps stabilize emulsions and provides a creamy texture. It is generally non-irritating and safe for use.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
PEG-100 StearateNeutral
PEG-100 Stearate is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components in formulations. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its stabilizing properties. It is considered safe in low concentrations.
Risks
Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
Improves product consistency and stability.
Glyceryl StearateNeutral
Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier and emollient that helps to form stable emulsions. It is derived from glycerin and stearic acid and is generally considered safe. It provides a smooth texture to products.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and moisturizes the skin.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerNeutral
This copolymer is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
Ceteareth-33Neutral
Ceteareth-33 is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in formulations. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its stabilizing properties. It is considered safe in low concentrations.
Risks
Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
Improves product consistency and stability.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a skin conditioning agent and preservative that helps to improve the shelf life of products. It is known for its antimicrobial properties and is generally considered safe. It is used to enhance the efficacy of other preservatives.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product preservation and skin conditioning.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and skin conditioning agent used in cosmetics. It enhances the efficacy of other preservatives and provides mild antimicrobial effects. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product preservation and skin conditioning.
Sorbitan IsostearateNeutral
Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is derived from sorbitol and isostearic acid and is generally considered safe. It helps to blend oil and water components effectively.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
Pentylene GlycolNeutral
Pentylene Glycol is a humectant and solvent that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It is used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and product preservation.
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeNeutral
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a fragrance ingredient used to impart scent to products. It is commonly used in cosmetics and is generally considered safe. It may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Adds fragrance to the product.
CitronellolNeutral
Citronellol is a fragrance ingredient with a floral scent, commonly used in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is derived from natural essential oils.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Adds a pleasant floral scent to the product.
CoumarinNeutral
Coumarin is a fragrance ingredient with a sweet scent, commonly used in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is naturally found in some plants.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Adds a sweet scent to the product.
GeraniolNeutral
Geraniol is a fragrance ingredient with a rose-like scent, commonly used in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is derived from natural essential oils.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Adds a rose-like scent to the product.
Linalyl AcetateNeutral
Linalyl Acetate is a fragrance ingredient with a floral scent, commonly used in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is derived from natural essential oils.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Adds a floral scent to the product.
Tetramethyl AcetyloctahydronaphthalenesNeutral
Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to impart scent to products. It is generally considered safe but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is used to provide a long-lasting fragrance.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a long-lasting fragrance to the product.
Polysorbate 60Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
Improves product consistency and stability.
LimoneneBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Adds a citrus scent to the product.
LinaloolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Adds a floral scent to the product.
VanillinBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Adds a sweet vanilla scent to the product.
Parfum/FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance is used to impart scent to products but can be a common cause of allergic reactions and skin irritation. It is often a mixture of various chemicals, some of which may be sensitizing. It is generally advised to avoid in sensitive skin products.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to the product.
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