Below is every ingredient in Reticuram Serum 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.
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.
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.
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.
Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid and a key component of skin ceramides that helps maintain the epidermal barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is also studied for normalizing sebum composition and reducing comedone formation in acne-prone skin.
Linolenic acid is an omega-3 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid used in skincare to support the skin's lipid barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss, and provide emollient and soothing benefits. It is also studied for mild anti-inflammatory and comedolytic effects.
Poria Cocos Extract, derived from the Wolfiporia extensa fungus, is used in skincare for its soothing, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties. It contains polysaccharides and triterpenes that may support skin barrier function and help reduce visible irritation.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
| Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
| Mild contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; considered a low-sensitizing ingredient. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation or redness possible, generally in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Cross-reactivity with other fatty alcohols | Rare | Individuals sensitized to cetyl or stearyl alcohol may react to the blend. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Very rare | Isolated reports; esters of this type are generally considered low-allergenic. |
| Comedogenicity / pore congestion | Rare | Low comedogenic potential, but possible in acne-prone individuals with occlusive formulations. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Occasional sensitivity, more likely in individuals with pre-existing skin barrier compromise. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores) | Very rare | Generally regarded as low comedogenic potential, but reactions vary individually. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
| Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
| Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| 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. |
| Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend (cetyl and stearyl alcohol) used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent. It helps soften skin and keep oil and water phases blended in creams and lotions. |
| Dicaprylate-Dicaprate Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Dicaprylate/Dicaprate (commonly as Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate) is a lightweight ester emollient derived from caprylic and capric acids. It is used in cosmetic formulations as a non-greasy skin-conditioning agent, spreading agent, and solvent that improves texture and skin feel. |
| Jojoba Esters Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Jojoba Esters are wax esters derived from jojoba oil, used in skincare to soften skin, reduce moisture loss, and improve product texture and spreadability. They are valued for their stability and skin-compatible, non-greasy emollient properties. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Emollient/occlusive | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (shea butter) is a plant-derived fat used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is rich in fatty acids and unsaponifiables that condition and help maintain the skin barrier. |
| Tapioca Starch Absorbent / texture enhancer | Tapioca starch is a plant-derived polysaccharide powder used in cosmetics to absorb excess oil and moisture, impart a soft matte finish, and improve the sensory texture of formulations. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Polymethylsilsesquioxane Texture enhancer / mattifying agent | Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone-based spherical powder used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, soft-focus, mattifying feel and improve spreadability. It is a formulation/texture ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Linoleic Acid Key active Skin-barrier lipid / emollient | Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid and a key component of skin ceramides that helps maintain the epidermal barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is also studied for normalizing sebum composition and reducing comedone formation in acne-prone skin. |
| Linolenic Acid Key active Skin-conditioning / barrier-repair fatty acid | Linolenic acid is an omega-3 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid used in skincare to support the skin's lipid barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss, and provide emollient and soothing benefits. It is also studied for mild anti-inflammatory and comedolytic effects. |
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| Phragmites Communis Extract Soothing/antioxidant botanical extract | Phragmites Communis (common reed) extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and humectant/skin-conditioning properties. It is typically included to help soothe and protect the skin rather than as a primary therapeutic active. |
| Poria Cocos Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant botanical | Poria Cocos Extract, derived from the Wolfiporia extensa fungus, is used in skincare for its soothing, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties. It contains polysaccharides and triterpenes that may support skin barrier function and help reduce visible irritation. |
| Sodium Polyacrylate Thickener / absorbent | Sodium polyacrylate is a superabsorbent acrylic-acid polymer used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and water-binding agent that can hold large amounts of liquid to create gel-like textures. It functions as a formulation and texture-enhancing ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in 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. |
| BHT Antioxidant/preservative | BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used in small amounts to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fragrances, and other unstable components, helping maintain product stability and shelf life. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Film-forming/sensory-enhancing rheology modifier | Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic crosslinked acrylate polymer used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to provide a smooth, silky sensory feel, stabilize emulsions, and help form a light film on the skin. It is a formulation aid rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
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.