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Palmers Shea Formula Raw Shea Hand Cream
Palmers

Palmers Shea Formula Raw Shea Hand Cream

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 12 more
Works
What the product description says
“Palmer's® Shea Formula™ Hand Cream is a rich, deeply moisturizing hand cream that creates a glove-like protective barrier to seal in moisture, soothe cracks and soften skin.”
Source: Supderdrug

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.

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: butyrospermum parkii butter, dimethicone.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.9–5.9%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: 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~3.8–5.6%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~2.2–3.4%
Hydrogenated vegetable oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.8–2.6%
Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~1.4–2.1%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~0.95–1.4%
Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.4–0.9%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.35–0.85%
Isopropyl myristateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic~0.35–0.8%
Avena sativa meal extractKey activeEffect: HighA type of oatmeal extract. Helps restore skin barrier and has antioxidant properties~0.35–0.8%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~2.1–3.1%
Di-ppg-3 myristyl ether adipate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1.4–2.1%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.7%
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilUnder-dosedAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.~0.4–0.95%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Parfum, Benzyl benzoate + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.
Benzyl salicylateA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Hexyl cinnamalA fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehydeA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~1.4–2.1%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.55–1.25%est.
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.Medium~0.4–0.95%est.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Tetrasodium edtaHelps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Comedogenic
4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
4 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
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 radicals3/5~3.8–5.6%est.
Isopropyl myristateAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.35–0.8%est.
Hydrogenated vegetable oilAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~1.8–2.6%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~1.4–2.1%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~3.9–5.9%
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
Butyrospermum parkii butter~3.8–5.6%
Key activeComedogenic 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
Cetyl alcohol~2.2–3.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Glyceryl stearate~2.1–3.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Hydrogenated vegetable oil~1.8–2.6%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated vegetable oil
Glycine soja oil~1.4–2.1%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil
Di-ppg-3 myristyl ether adipate~1.4–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Di-ppg-3 myristyl ether adipate
Peg-100 stearate~1.2–1.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate
Dimethicone~0.95–1.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Tocopheryl acetate~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Avena sativa meal extract~0.35–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of oatmeal extract. Helps restore skin barrier and has antioxidant properties

More about Avena sativa meal extract
Sclerocarya birrea seed oil~0.4–0.95%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.

More about Sclerocarya birrea seed oil
Vitis vinifera seed oil~0.4–0.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.35–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Sodium polyacrylate~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate
Isopropyl myristate~0.35–0.8%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic

More about Isopropyl myristate
Tetrasodium edta~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium edta
Lecithin~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Parfum~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Benzyl benzoate~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate
Benzyl salicylate~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Benzyl salicylate
Hexyl cinnamal~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

More about Hexyl cinnamal
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Glycine soja oil, Di-ppg-3 myristyl ether adipate, Peg-100 stearate, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl acetate, Avena sativa meal extract, Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Sodium polyacrylate, Isopropyl myristate, Tetrasodium edta, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Benzyl alcohol, Benzyl benzoate, Benzyl salicylate, Hexyl cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/13 15:28 GMT
$4.64
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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
PalmersShea Formula Raw Shea Hand CreamYOUR PRODUCTevolutionofsmoothVanilla Cashmere Hand CreamStriVectinSD Hand CreamHey HoneyHands On Honey & Propolis Hand Cream
Match—44%42%42%
Price$4.64$4.99$34.39+$29.75$39.00+$34.36
Shared key ingredients—5 of 94 of 94 of 9
Key difference—Butyrospermum Parkii OilLinoleic AcidKnotgrass Extract
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"Palmers - Shea Formula Raw Shea Hand Cream" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (glycerin 3.90% - 5.90%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 1.66£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  3. 3
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  4. 4
    Anti-aging potential of extracts from Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst and its chemical profiling by UPLC-Q-TOF-MSncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Physico-chemical composition and characterisation of the seed and seed oil of Sclerocarya birreapubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Assessment of the potential irritancy of oleic acid on human skin: Evaluation in vitro and in vivosciencedirect.com
Palmers Shea Formula Raw Shea Hand Cream
PalmersShea Formula Raw Shea Hand Cream
Buy on Amazon$4.64 · as of 11/13 15:28 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$4.64 · as of 11/13 15:28 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.