Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Heals Softens Hand Cream

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Heals Softens Hand Cream
6.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
8.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Heals Softens Hand Cream:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Heals Softens Hand Cream:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Highly moisturizing: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Heals Softens Hand Cream has a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 4.2 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%), and a very high occlusivity of 8.5 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Petrolatum (est. ≈6.0%) and Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (est. ≈2.5%).

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Heals Softens Hand Cream has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Ascorbyl Palmitate and Retinyl Palmitate, two ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Heals Softens Hand Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract (est. ≈9.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
Water
9
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
6
Petrolatum
4
Propylene Glycol Stearate
3
Cetyl Alcohol
2.5
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
2
Propylene Glycol
1.5
Glyceryl Stearate
1.3
Glycerin
1
Mineral Oil
0.3
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
0.3
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
0.3
Dimethicone
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
0.3
Hydroxyethylcellulose
0.3
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
0.3
Stearalkonium Chloride
0.3
PEG-8 Stearate
0.3
Myristyl Alcohol
0.3
Butylene Glycol
0.3
Sodium Acetate
0.3
Fragrance
0.3
Cellulose
0.3
Stearyl Alcohol
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
0.3
Orange 4 (CI 15510)
0.3
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Petrolatum
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Mineral Oil
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Function:
Origin:
Stearalkonium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Myristyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:
Orange 4 (CI 15510)
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.2
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
17.0
6.0 x 2
2.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.2 10
4.2
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 17.0 20
8.5
6.0 x 2
2.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.2 10
4.2
All humectants
4.2
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6 x 2
2.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 17.0 20
8.5
All occlusives
17.0
6.0 x 2
2.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
9
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 9.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
9.6
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
9
Tocopherol
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract

An extract from cocoa beans or cocoa powder with lots of beneficial compounds such as stimulant caffeine, antioxidant and astringent flavanols, and tannins – which are responsible for its bitter taste.

Petrolatum
Est. %6
Function
Origin
PetrolatumAlso known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic.
Propylene Glycol Stearate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Propylene Glycol StearateAn emollient and emulsifying blend of propylene glycol and stearic acid.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilA famous occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil. It is derived from coconuts and may give a product a lovely coconut scent. Coconut oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Mineral Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Mineral OilAlso known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed ButterAlso known as cocoa seed butter, it is a popular emollient and occlusive moisturizer. Skincare products with cocoa butter as their main ingredient have a sweet, chocolatey scent. Cocoa butter is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) OilA fatty oil expressed from the pulp of the oil palm fruits. It is mostly composed of occlusive and emollient saturated fatty acids. The unrefined oil has a large amount of antioxidant carotenoids.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behentrimonium MethosulfateDescription is coming soon
Stearalkonium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearalkonium ChlorideDescription is coming soon
PEG-8 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 StearateDescription is coming soon
Myristyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristyl AlcoholA naturally derived fatty alcohol that thickens and stabilizes emulsions.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.
Sodium Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium AcetateA sodium salt that can increase the basicity of a product.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CelluloseA natural ingredient that can create water-based gels, absorb oils, and exfoliate the skin. One of the main functions of cellulose is as a bulking and viscosity controlling agent. Cellulose can also modify the slip aesthetics and act as an opacifying agent.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.
Orange 4 (CI 15510)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Orange 4 (CI 15510)Description is coming soon
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl AlcoholA multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.