Below is every ingredient in Phyto-retinol Advanced Serum Moisturiser 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.
Bidens Pilosa Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and phytic compounds, used in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and retinol-like skin-conditioning effects. It is sometimes marketed as a gentler botanical alternative to retinoids for improving skin texture and tone.
Rosehip seed oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in essential fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid), carotenoids, and trace tretinoin-like compounds. It is used to soften skin, support the barrier, and is studied for improving the appearance of scars and photoaged skin.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived meroterpene from Psoralea corylifolia seeds that functions as a retinol-like active, supporting collagen production and reducing signs of photoaging while generally being better tolerated than retinoids. It also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties used in anti-aging and acne formulations.
Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or rash in sensitized individuals. |
| Mild stinging or burning | Uncommon | Transient irritation, more likely on compromised or broken skin. |
| Contact urticaria | Rare | Hives at application site reported in isolated cases. |
| Photosensitivity-related reactions | Very rare | Rarely reported; preparation purity and anthraquinone content may be factors. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional transient redness or irritation in sensitive individuals. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Isolated reports; considered a low-sensitizing ingredient. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Low comedogenic potential, but possible in acne-prone skin at high concentrations. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation occasionally reported. |
| Acneiform breakouts / comedones | Very rare | Considered low on the comedogenic scale, but individual clogging responses are possible. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging if formulations contact the eyes, as with most surfactants. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Low comedogenic potential, but possible in acne-prone individuals. |
| Comedogenic reaction | Rare | Possible pore congestion in acne-prone individuals depending on overall formulation. |
| Contact irritation or mild redness | Rare | Occasional sensitivity in individuals with reactive skin. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores/breakouts) | Uncommon | Higher-oleic oils may aggravate acne-prone skin in some users. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Soothing/humectant | Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice is a plant-derived extract used in skincare for its hydrating, soothing, and emollient properties. It is commonly included as a base or supporting ingredient to calm and moisturize the skin. |
| Dicaprylyl Carbonate Emollient / texture enhancer | Dicaprylyl Carbonate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut-based fatty alcohols and carbonic acid, used to improve skin feel and spreadability in cosmetic formulations. It also acts as a solvent and helps distribute pigments and other ingredients evenly. |
| Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil Emollient / moisturizer | Jojoba seed oil is a liquid wax ester derived from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis, valued for its skin-compatible composition resembling human sebum. It functions primarily as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. |
| Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate is a polyglycerol ester of isostearic acid used as a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant, primarily to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions and improve texture in creams, cleansers, and makeup. It is considered a mild, plant-derived alternative to PEG-based emulsifiers. |
| Cetearyl Olivate Emulsifier / emollient | Cetearyl Olivate is an olive oil-derived emulsifier and emollient, typically used with Sorbitan Olivate, that helps blend oil and water phases while conditioning and softening the skin. It supports the skin barrier and gives formulations a light, non-greasy feel. |
| Sorbitan Olivate Emulsifier | Sorbitan Olivate is an olive-derived ester of sorbitol and olive oil fatty acids used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient. It is often paired with Cetearyl Olivate (as Olivem 1000) to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and impart a soft skin feel. |
| Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Seed Oil Emollient / antioxidant oil | Moringa Oleifera seed oil is a lightweight plant oil rich in oleic acid and antioxidant compounds, used to moisturize, soften skin, and provide a protective barrier in cosmetic formulations. It also has reported mild anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning properties. |
| Octyldodecanol Emollient/solvent | Octyldodecanol is a branched fatty alcohol used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, solvent, and skin-conditioning agent that improves spreadability and texture. It helps soften skin and dissolve other ingredients without functioning as a treatment 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. |
| Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter Emollient/occlusive | Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter is a rich plant-derived fat extracted from the Amazonian murumuru palm, used in skincare and haircare as an emollient and occlusive agent. It softens skin, reinforces the skin barrier, and helps reduce transepidermal water loss. |
| Bidens Pilosa Extract Key active Botanical antioxidant/soothing extract | Bidens Pilosa Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and phytic compounds, used in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and retinol-like skin-conditioning effects. It is sometimes marketed as a gentler botanical alternative to retinoids for improving skin texture and tone. |
| Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids (notably linoleic and palmitic acids) and vitamin E used in skincare to soften, condition, and provide an occlusive emollient layer that reduces transepidermal water loss. It functions primarily as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed/Flaxseed) Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), used in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent to soften skin and support the lipid barrier. It is valued for its fatty acid profile but is prone to oxidation, which can affect stability and irritancy. |
| Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil Antioxidant/fragrance | Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil is an essential oil derived from rosemary leaves, used in skincare for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. It contains volatile compounds such as 1,8-cineole, camphor, and rosmarinic acid. |
| Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil Key active Emollient / antioxidant oil | Rosehip seed oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in essential fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid), carotenoids, and trace tretinoin-like compounds. It is used to soften skin, support the barrier, and is studied for improving the appearance of scars and photoaged skin. |
| Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil Fragrance/masking agent | Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil is a cold-pressed essential oil derived from grapefruit peel, used primarily as a natural fragrance and masking ingredient in cosmetic formulations. It contains limonene and other terpenes along with phototoxic furanocoumarins. |
| Psoralea Corylifolia (Bakuchiol) Seed Oil Key active Antioxidant / retinol-alternative active | Bakuchiol is a plant-derived meroterpene from Psoralea corylifolia seeds that functions as a retinol-like active, supporting collagen production and reducing signs of photoaging while generally being better tolerated than retinoids. It also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties used in anti-aging and acne formulations. |
| 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. |
| Benzyl Alcohol Preservative / solvent | Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used primarily as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and it also provides mild fragrance and viscosity-reducing properties. It is approved for use as a preservative at concentrations up to about 1% in leave-on and rinse-off products. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| 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. |
| Sorbic Acid Preservative | Sorbic acid is a weak organic acid used in cosmetics primarily as an antimicrobial preservative, especially effective against molds and yeasts at acidic pH. It is typically used at low concentrations (around 0.1-0.2%) to extend product shelf life. |
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.