Indie Lee

Indie Lee Essential Body Lotion

Name: Indie Lee - Essential Body Lotion
Brand: Indie Lee

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

16 ingredients credited for this claim

Good support

What the product description says

“Essential Body Lotion”

From product name

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, hydrolyzed quinoa.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, carthamus tinctorius seed oil.

Carthamus tinctorius seed oilKey activeEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~4.4–5.4%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey activeEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~6.3–7.7%

Theobroma cacao seed butterKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~1–1.2%

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.2–0.4%

GlycerinKey activeEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.1–3.8%

Cetearyl alcoholKey activeEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.5–1.9%

Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~2.3–2.8%

Heptyl undecylenateKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from the skin surface over time and create a nice product finish~0.35–0.65%

Cetyl palmitateKey activeEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability~0.25–0.5%

Adansonia digitata seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.7%

Coco-caprylateKey activeEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture~2–2.4%

Hydrolyzed quinoaEffect: LowMight help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.65%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.5–0.75%

Argania spinosa kernel oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.3–0.55%

Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.75–1.15%

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.45–0.65%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains gluconolactone.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.75–1.15%

Exfoliation

Not advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: gluconolactone.

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: gluconolactone

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claim

Moderate support

This product contains antioxidants (gluconolactone) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.2–0.4%

Theobroma cacao seed butterEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~1–1.2%

Carthamus tinctorius seed oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~4.4–5.4%

Argania spinosa kernel oilEffect: Low, below effective doseAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.3–0.55%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

5 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Citrus nobilis peel oil + 3 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 18 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Lavandula angustifolia flower extractEssential oil that can be irritatingHigh~0.55–0.8%est.

Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.45–0.65%est.

Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.25–0.4%est.

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~6.3–7.7%est.

Coco-caprylateAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product textureMedium~2–2.4%est.

Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.6–0.9%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Adansonia digitata seed oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.45–0.65%est.

Heptyl undecylenateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from the skin surface over time and create a nice product finishMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Sorbitan palmitateHelps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

5 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

5 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Theobroma cacao seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect3/5~1–1.2%est.

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~0.75–1.15%est.

Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~2.3–2.8%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.5–1.9%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.3–0.55%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~6.3–7.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~4.4–5.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil

Glycerin~3.1–3.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Glyceryl stearate se~2.3–2.8%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient

More about Glyceryl stearate se

Coco-caprylate~2–2.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture

More about Coco-caprylate

Cetearyl olivate~1.7–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate

Cetearyl alcohol~1.5–1.9%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Sorbitan olivate~1.2–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate

Theobroma cacao seed butter~1–1.2%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-dandruff

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Theobroma cacao seed butter

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.75–1.15%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Cetearyl glucoside~0.6–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder

Lavandula angustifolia flower extract~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Essential oil that can be irritating

More about Lavandula angustifolia flower extract

Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract

Hydrolyzed quinoa~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed quinoa

Hydrolyzed

Not recognized

Adansonia digitata seed oil~0.45–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Adansonia digitata seed oil

Seed protein

Not recognized

Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.45–0.65%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil

Heptyl undecylenate~0.35–0.65%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from the skin surface over time and create a nice product finish

More about Heptyl undecylenate

Sorbitan oleate~0.3–0.55%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate

Sorbitan palmitate~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulation

More about Sorbitan palmitate

Argania spinosa kernel oil~0.3–0.55%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil

Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus nobilis peel oil

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil

Cetyl palmitate~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability

More about Cetyl palmitate

Gluconolactone~0.2–0.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone

Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Limonene~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Linalool~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Ingredient list view

Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Glycerin, Glyceryl stearate se, Coco-caprylate, Cetearyl olivate, Cetearyl alcohol, Sorbitan olivate, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Cetearyl glucoside, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Hydrolyzed quinoa, Unknown, Adansonia digitata seed oil, Unknown, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Heptyl undecylenate, Sorbitan oleate, Sorbitan palmitate, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Cetyl palmitate, Gluconolactone, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Limonene, Linalool

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Indie LeeEssential Body LotionYOUR PRODUCT	Josie MaranWhipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter	Josie Maran CosmeticsWhipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter	CoolaOrganic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion
Match	—	60%	59%	58%
Price	$28.00	$81.97+$53.97	$15.00−$13.00	$37.00+$9.00
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 8	6 of 8	5 of 8
Key difference	—	Panthenol	Panthenol	Caffeine
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Evaluation of Skin Irritation and Acute and Subacute Oral Toxicity of Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oils in Rabbit and Micencbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Assessment report on Lavandula angustifolia Mill., aetheroleum and Lavandula angustifolia Mill., flos ema.europa.eu
5
Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Natural vegetable fats in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Safety Assessment of Citrus-Derived Peel Oils as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
8
Oxidized citrus oil (R-limonene): A frequent skin sensitizer in Europesciencedirect.com
9
Air oxidation increases skin irritation from fragrance terpenesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
10
Oxidized citrus oil (R-limonene): A frequent skin sensitizer in Europesciencedirect.com
11
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acnencbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoagingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
13
Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studydovepress.com
15
A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin
17
Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Alpha-hydroxyacids and carboxylic acidsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
18
An evaluation of a polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen in combination with azelaic acid 15% gel in rosacea patientsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
19
Aging Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Preventionsciencedirect.com
20
Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacidssciencedirect.com
21
Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) Provide Conditioning Effects to Skin Without Increasing Sensitivity to UV Lightneostrata.neogen.gr

Indie LeeEssential Body Lotion

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.