Bath & Body Works Christmas Shop Vanilla Bean Noel Ultra Shea Body Cream 8 Oz
Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This body cream contains beneficial ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and sodium hyaluronate, which provide moisturizing and skin-replenishing benefits. However, the presence of synthetic fragrance, which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, and the inclusion of PEG compounds and acrylates, which are associated with potential health concerns, lower its overall safety profile. The product's formulation is a mix of natural and synthetic components, leading to a moderate processing level.
Key ingredients 29
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterVery Good
Shea Butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids.
Risks
Rarely, it can cause allergic reactions in individuals with nut allergies.
Benefits
Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin, improving elasticity.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed ButterVery Good
Cocoa Butter is a natural fat derived from cocoa beans, known for its emollient properties. It helps to hydrate and improve skin texture.
Risks
Generally safe, but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides deep hydration and improves skin smoothness.
TocopherolVery Good
Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It also has moisturizing properties.
Risks
Generally safe, but can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Protects skin from oxidative stress and improves moisture retention.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceVery Good
Aloe Vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and provides hydration.
Risks
Generally safe, but can cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
Benefits
Soothes and hydrates the skin, reducing redness and irritation.
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.
Risks
Rarely, it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Excellent for maintaining skin hydration and improving skin barrier function.
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGood
This ingredient is an emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin, known for its skin-replenishing properties. It helps to smooth and soften the skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizing effect.
Hydrogenated Rapeseed OilGood
Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil is used as an emollient and skin conditioning agent. It helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
Risks
Generally safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides moisturizing benefits and improves skin texture.
Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to retain moisture and hydrate the skin. It helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Risks
Generally safe, but can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Deeply hydrates the skin and enhances its plumpness and elasticity.
Water (Aqua, Eau)Neutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not provide direct benefits or risks.
Benefits
Essential for dissolving and mixing other ingredients.
IsohexadecaneNeutral
Isohexadecane is used as a skin conditioning agent and emollient. It provides a silky feel and helps to spread the product evenly.
Benefits
Improves texture and spreadability of the product.
Cetyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. It helps to soften the skin and stabilize emulsions.
Risks
Generally safe, but can cause minor irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
Contributes to the creamy texture and moisturizing properties of the product.
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateNeutral
This ingredient is used as an emollient and texture enhancer. It provides a silky feel and helps to reduce greasiness.
Risks
Low risk of irritation; generally considered safe.
Benefits
Improves product feel and reduces oily residue.
Glyceryl Stearate SENeutral
Glyceryl Stearate SE is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components. It also acts as a skin conditioning agent.
Risks
Low risk of irritation; generally safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and provides a smooth application.
Palmitic AcidNeutral
Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and surfactant. It helps to soften the skin and improve texture.
Risks
Generally safe, but can cause minor irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Contributes to skin softness and product consistency.
Stearic AcidNeutral
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture.
Risks
Low risk of irritation; generally considered safe.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and provides a creamy texture.
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneNeutral
This ingredient is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer. It provides a smooth, silky feel to the product.
Risks
Generally considered safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a matte finish.
PEG-100 StearateNeutral
PEG-100 Stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in formulations. It also acts as a skin conditioning agent.
Risks
Low risk of irritation; generally considered safe.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and provides a smooth application.
Sodium DehydroacetateNeutral
Sodium Dehydroacetate is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in low concentrations.
Risks
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps to maintain product safety by preventing contamination.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in low concentrations.
Risks
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps to maintain product safety by preventing contamination.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It helps to improve the efficacy of other preservatives.
Risks
Low risk of irritation; generally considered safe.
Benefits
Enhances preservative effectiveness and provides skin conditioning benefits.
Polyacrylate-13Neutral
Polyacrylate-13 is used as a thickening agent and film-former in cosmetics. It helps to create a gel-like consistency.
Risks
Low risk of irritation; generally considered safe.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and provides a smooth application.
PolyisobuteneNeutral
Polyisobutene is used as a film-forming agent and thickener in cosmetics. It provides a smooth, glossy finish.
Risks
Low risk of irritation; generally considered safe.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a glossy finish.
Polysorbate 20Neutral
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in formulations. It also acts as a solubilizer for fragrances.
Risks
Low risk of irritation; generally considered safe.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and helps to evenly distribute fragrance.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
Generally safe, but can cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.
Benefits
Provides a smooth, silky feel and helps to retain moisture.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Can cause irritation in high concentrations or sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps to maintain product safety by preventing contamination.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Low risk of irritation; generally considered safe.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and texture.
Aminomethyl PropanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Generally safe, but can cause irritation in high concentrations.
Benefits
Ensures product stability by maintaining optimal pH levels.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Generally considered safe, but can cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves product stability and enhances preservative effectiveness.
Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Fragrance is often a mixture of various chemicals and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is a common cause of contact dermatitis.
Risks
Potential allergen and irritant, especially for sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to the product.
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