L'Occitane Verbena Cooling Hand Cream Gel
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This hand cream contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin and tocopherol, which provide hydration and antioxidant protection. However, the presence of alcohol, phenoxyethanol, and chlorphenesin raises concerns due to their potential for irritation and barrier disruption. Additionally, the inclusion of fragrance can be problematic for sensitive skin, impacting the overall safety profile of the product.
Key ingredients 25
TocopherolVery Good
Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing and protective properties. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and helps maintain skin health.
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGood
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It is used as an emollient and helps to smooth and soften the skin. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause breakouts in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a lightweight, non-greasy barrier that helps retain moisture.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It is widely used in skincare for its hydrating properties. It helps maintain the skin's moisture balance.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though excessive use can lead to a sticky feel.
Benefits
It effectively hydrates the skin, improving its smoothness and suppleness.
Vegetable Oil/Olus OilGood
Vegetable Oil, or Olus Oil, is used as an emollient to moisturize and soften the skin. It is derived from natural sources and is generally well-tolerated. It helps to form a protective barrier on the skin.
Risks
There is a low risk of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides essential fatty acids that nourish and protect the skin.
Lippia Citriodora Leaf ExtractGood
Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract, also known as lemon verbena, is used for its soothing and aromatic properties. It has antioxidant benefits that can help protect the skin. It is generally considered safe for topical use.
Risks
There is a low risk of skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides a refreshing scent and potential antioxidant benefits.
Aqua/WaterNeutral
Aqua, or water, is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It is essential for the formulation of creams and gels. It does not provide direct benefits or risks.
Risks
There are no inherent risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
Water helps in the application and absorption of the product.
AlcoholNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
It can cause dryness and irritation, particularly with frequent use.
Benefits
It can enhance the absorption of other ingredients.
Tapioca StarchNeutral
Tapioca Starch is used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It provides a smooth texture and helps absorb excess oil. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps improve the texture and feel of the product.
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) OilNeutral
Thyme Oil is known for its antimicrobial properties. It is used in cosmetics for its potential to reduce bacteria on the skin. It is generally safe in low concentrations.
Risks
It can cause irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
It may help in reducing skin bacteria and improving skin health.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) OilNeutral
Peppermint Oil is used for its cooling and refreshing properties. It can provide a soothing sensation on the skin. It is generally safe when used in moderation.
Risks
It can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a cooling effect and a pleasant aroma.
Sodium PolyacrylateNeutral
Sodium Polyacrylate is used as a thickening agent and film-former in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and consistency of the product.
Glyceryl PolymethacrylateNeutral
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate is used as a film-forming agent in cosmetics. It helps to create a smooth, even application. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It improves the application and feel of the product on the skin.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. It helps to improve the efficacy of other preservatives.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It enhances the preservation of the product and conditions the skin.
GeraniolNeutral
Geraniol is a fragrance ingredient with a rose-like scent. It is used to enhance the aroma of cosmetics. It is generally safe but can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Risks
It can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a floral scent to the product.
Hexyl CinnamalNeutral
Hexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a jasmine-like scent. It is used to enhance the aroma of cosmetics. It is generally safe but can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Risks
It can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a floral scent to the product.
CitronellolNeutral
Citronellol is a fragrance ingredient with a rose-like scent. It is used to enhance the aroma of cosmetics. It is generally safe but can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Risks
It can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a floral scent to the product.
Benzyl BenzoateNeutral
Benzyl Benzoate is used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent in cosmetics. It is generally safe but can be irritating to sensitive skin. It helps to dissolve other fragrance ingredients.
Risks
It can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It enhances the fragrance profile of the product.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation in some individuals. It is considered a moderate risk ingredient.
Risks
It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and extend its shelf life.
ChlorphenesinBad
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is considered a moderate risk ingredient.
Risks
It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and prevent spoilage.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It effectively preserves the product and prevents spoilage.
LimoneneBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
It can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a fresh, citrus scent to the product.
CitralBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
It can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a fresh, lemon scent to the product.
LinaloolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
It can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a floral scent to the product.
Benzyl AlcoholBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
It can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and enhance its fragrance.
Parfum/FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetics. However, it can cause irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is considered a high-risk ingredient for those with sensitive skin.
Risks
It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
It provides a pleasant scent to the product.
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