Below is every ingredient in Retinol Night Cream with Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi (bearberry) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in arbutin, a naturally occurring hydroquinone derivative used in skincare to inhibit tyrosinase and reduce hyperpigmentation. It also provides antioxidant and mild astringent properties.
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (cranberry) Fruit Extract is derived from cranberries and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C. It is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent to help protect against free-radical damage and provide mild hydration.
Morus Alba (white mulberry) extract is a botanical ingredient rich in arbutin, flavonoids, and other polyphenols that inhibits tyrosinase activity, helping to reduce melanin production and even skin tone. It also provides antioxidant effects that help protect skin from free-radical and UV-related oxidative stress.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
Punica Granatum (pomegranate) Flower Extract is a botanical ingredient rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in skincare formulations. It is used to help protect skin from oxidative stress and support a soothing effect.
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that converts to retinoic acid in the skin, promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen synthesis. It is widely used to address fine lines, photoaging, and acne.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Reported mainly in individuals with tree nut sensitivity or pre-existing dermatitis. |
| Comedogenicity / acne flare | Uncommon | Oleic-acid-rich oils may clog pores in acne-prone or oily skin. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation occasionally reported. |
| Anaphylaxis | Very rare | Theoretical risk in severely nut-allergic individuals, primarily from ingestion rather than topical use. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely on sensitive or compromised skin or at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic sensitization | Rare | Possible in individuals sensitive to plant extracts or hydroquinone derivatives. |
| Erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Usually transient and concentration-dependent. |
| Paradoxical hyperpigmentation | Very rare | Theoretical concern linked to hydroquinone release from arbutin with prolonged or high-dose use. |
| Mild contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
| Mild transient skin irritation | Rare | Occasional stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging or irritation if products contact the eyes. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Possible in individuals with sensitive skin, typically transient. |
| Stinging on application | Rare | May occur on compromised or broken skin barriers due to acidic fruit components. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (sweet almond oil) is a non-volatile plant oil rich in oleic and linoleic acids used to soften, soothe, and reduce transepidermal water loss in skincare formulations. It functions primarily as an emollient and occlusive base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract Key active Skin brightener / antioxidant | Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi (bearberry) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in arbutin, a naturally occurring hydroquinone derivative used in skincare to inhibit tyrosinase and reduce hyperpigmentation. It also provides antioxidant and mild astringent properties. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight emollient derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, used to soften skin, improve spreadability, and act as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients. It is well-tolerated and serves primarily as a base ingredient rather than an active. |
| Carbomer Thickener / gelling agent | Carbomer is a synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid used to thicken, stabilize, and control the viscosity of gels, creams, and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Vaccinium Macrocarpon (cranberry) Fruit Extract is derived from cranberries and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C. It is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent to help protect against free-radical damage and provide mild hydration. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
| Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid (commonly derived from soybean or egg) used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and penetration enhancer. It helps stabilize oil-and-water formulations and supports the skin barrier by mimicking natural lipids. |
| Maltodextrin Carrier/film-forming agent | Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide derived from starch hydrolysis, used in skincare primarily as a carrier, bulking agent, film former, and stabilizer for active ingredients and powders. It also helps improve texture and can act as a mild thickening or emulsion-stabilizing aid. |
| Morus Alba Extract Key active Skin-brightening / antioxidant agent | Morus Alba (white mulberry) extract is a botanical ingredient rich in arbutin, flavonoids, and other polyphenols that inhibits tyrosinase activity, helping to reduce melanin production and even skin tone. It also provides antioxidant effects that help protect skin from free-radical and UV-related oxidative stress. |
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| Parfum Fragrance | Parfum (fragrance) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to cosmetic products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the base odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory/formulation purpose rather than providing any skin benefit. |
| Phenoxyethanol Preservative | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used broad-spectrum preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and serves as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Punica Granatum Flower Extract Key active Antioxidant | Punica Granatum (pomegranate) Flower Extract is a botanical ingredient rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in skincare formulations. It is used to help protect skin from oxidative stress and support a soothing effect. |
| Potassium Sorbate Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
| Water Solvent/vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in cosmetic formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves other ingredients and forms the bulk of emulsions and aqueous solutions. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. |
| Retinol Key active Vitamin A derivative / anti-aging active | Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that converts to retinoic acid in the skin, promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen synthesis. It is widely used to address fine lines, photoaging, and acne. |
| Rosa Damascena Flower Extract Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Rosa Damascena Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from damask rose petals, valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties as well as its fragrance. It is commonly included in toners, serums, and creams to soothe and hydrate the skin. |
| Sodium Acrylates Copolymer Thickener / film-forming stabilizer | Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is a synthetic anionic polymer used to thicken, stabilize, and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations, often forming a smooth film on the skin. It functions primarily as a rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Ascorbate Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Sodium ascorbate is a mineral (sodium) salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) used as a more pH-neutral, less irritating antioxidant in skincare. It functions to neutralize free radicals, support collagen synthesis, and brighten skin tone. |
| Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Key active Vitamin C derivative / antioxidant | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that is converted to active ascorbic acid in the skin. It provides antioxidant protection, supports collagen synthesis, and is also studied for its brightening and anti-acne (antibacterial) effects. |
| Sodium Benzoate Preservative | Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, particularly in acidic products. It is most effective at a pH below 5. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin to improve hydration and surface plumpness. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than native hyaluronic acid. |
| Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning extract | Fragaria Vesca (wild strawberry) Fruit Extract is a botanical ingredient rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, ellagic acid, and fruit acids, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and mild brightening properties. It is typically included to support skin conditioning and protect against oxidative stress. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Saccharum Officinarum Extract Key active Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Saccharum Officinarum Extract is derived from sugarcane and is often marketed as a natural source of glycolic acid and other alpha-hydroxy acids, though actual AHA content in extracts is typically low. It is used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate Key active Antioxidant | Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, esterified form of vitamin E used in skincare as an antioxidant and conditioning agent. It is converted to active tocopherol in the skin, helping protect against oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.