Below is every ingredient in Anua Retinol 0 3 Niacin Renewing 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.
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%.
Castanea Crenata (Japanese chestnut) shell extract is a botanical ingredient rich in polyphenols and tannins, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is studied for potential brightening, anti-inflammatory, and free-radical scavenging effects.
Diospyros Kaki (persimmon) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It is also studied for skin-brightening and anti-aging benefits due to its free-radical scavenging activity.
Coptis Japonica Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in alkaloids such as berberine, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly included to help calm irritation and may support brightening and protection against oxidative stress.
Potentilla Anserina (silverweed) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in tannins and flavonoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is typically included to help soothe and protect the skin.
Avena Sativa (oat) Kernel Extract is derived from oat seeds and is used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier-supporting properties, largely attributed to avenanthramides, beta-glucans, and saponins. It is commonly incorporated to calm irritation, reduce itching, and improve hydration in sensitive or compromised skin.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness or barrier disruption with excessive contact | Uncommon | Frequent or prolonged exposure to water, especially hot or hard water, can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to transepidermal water loss. |
| Irritation from impurities or hard water minerals | Rare | Reactions are attributed to contaminants, chlorine, or mineral content rather than water itself. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional transient irritation reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization to PEG-derived ingredients is uncommon but documented in isolated cases. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible stinging or irritation upon direct ocular contact. |
| Mild transient flushing or redness | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or in sensitive skin; usually subsides quickly. |
| Tingling, stinging, or burning sensation | Uncommon | Often associated with higher percentages or compromised barrier. |
| Contact irritation or itching | Rare | Generally dose-dependent and resolves with discontinuation. |
| Contact irritation (redness, stinging) | Rare | Possible in sensitive skin, often related to formulation rather than the extract itself. |
| Itching or mild burning | Very rare | Transient and typically resolves with discontinuation. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Glycereth-26 Humectant/emollient | Glycereth-26 is a polyethylene glycol ether of glycerin used in skincare and cosmetic formulations as a water-soluble humectant and emollient. It helps attract and retain moisture, solubilize ingredients, and improve product texture. |
| 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%. |
| Malus Domestica Fruit Extract Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Malus Domestica Fruit Extract is derived from apple fruit and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, humectant, and skin-conditioning properties, often marketed in stem-cell-derived forms claiming anti-aging benefits. Evidence for significant active effects is limited, and it is generally well tolerated. |
| 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. |
| 1,2-Hexanediol Humectant / preservative booster | 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic diol used in skincare as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, often allowing reduced or preservative-free systems. It helps maintain product stability while contributing mild moisturizing 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. |
| Castanea Crenata Shell Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning agent | Castanea Crenata (Japanese chestnut) shell extract is a botanical ingredient rich in polyphenols and tannins, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is studied for potential brightening, anti-inflammatory, and free-radical scavenging effects. |
| Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate is a glycerin-derived ester blend used as a non-ionic oil-in-water emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent in creams and lotions. It helps stabilize emulsions while imparting a smooth, moisturizing feel and supporting skin barrier function. |
| Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory | Diospyros Kaki (persimmon) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It is also studied for skin-brightening and anti-aging benefits due to its free-radical scavenging activity. |
| Coptis Japonica Root Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Coptis Japonica Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in alkaloids such as berberine, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly included to help calm irritation and may support brightening and protection against oxidative stress. |
| Potentilla Anserina Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Potentilla Anserina (silverweed) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in tannins and flavonoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is typically included to help soothe and protect the skin. |
| Avena Sativa Kernel Extract Key active Soothing / anti-irritant | Avena Sativa (oat) Kernel Extract is derived from oat seeds and is used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier-supporting properties, largely attributed to avenanthramides, beta-glucans, and saponins. It is commonly incorporated to calm irritation, reduce itching, and improve hydration in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Cynara Scolymus (artichoke) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols such as cynarin and chlorogenic acid, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included for its purported soothing and pore-refining benefits. |
| Portulaca Oleracea Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and flavonoids used in topical formulations for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It is commonly included to calm irritation and support skin barrier comfort. |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia Extract Key active Antimicrobial/antiseptic | Melaleuca Alternifolia Extract, derived from the tea tree plant, is used in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly targeting acne and minor skin infections. It contains terpinen-4-ol as a primary active component. |
| Ficus Carica Fruit Extract Skin conditioning/emollient | Ficus Carica (fig) fruit extract is a botanical ingredient used in skincare for its conditioning, humectant, and antioxidant properties, owing to its sugars, vitamins, and polyphenols. It is most often included as a supportive botanical rather than a primary clinical active. |
| Centella Asiatica Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant active | Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also valued for antioxidant and collagen-supporting properties in topical formulations. |
| Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea extract) is derived from the leaves of the tea plant and is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. |
| Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant botanical extract | Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties, often included to calm irritation and provide protective benefits. It contains compounds such as scoparone and chlorogenic acid that contribute to its activity. |
| Arnica Montana Flower Extract Key active Anti-inflammatory / soothing botanical | Arnica Montana Flower Extract is a plant-derived extract traditionally used in topical skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bruise-soothing properties, attributed to sesquiterpene lactones (notably helenalin) and flavonoids. It is commonly included in formulations targeting redness, irritation, and post-procedure skin recovery. |
| Houttuynia Cordata Extract Key active Soothing antioxidant | Houttuynia Cordata Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is often included to calm sensitive or acne-prone skin and reduce redness. |
| Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract Key active Soothing/antimicrobial botanical extract | Melia Azadirachta (neem) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, often used in skincare for soothing and conditioning effects. It contains bioactive compounds such as nimbidin and flavonoids. |
| Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract Fragrance/soothing botanical | Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its aromatic, antioxidant, and traditionally soothing properties. It contains volatile compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate that contribute scent but also carry sensitization potential. |
| Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Chamomilla Recutita (German chamomile) Flower/Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, attributed to constituents such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and flavonoids like apigenin. It is commonly used in skincare to reduce irritation, redness, and sensitivity. |
| Borago Officinalis Extract Key active Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Borago Officinalis (borage) Extract is derived from the borage plant and is valued for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid. It is used in skincare to support the skin barrier, provide emollient softening, and help soothe dry or irritated skin. |
| Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Centaurea Cyanus (cornflower) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient traditionally used for its soothing, mildly astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties, often included in eye and facial products to calm irritation and reduce puffiness. It also provides minor antioxidant activity from flavonoids and anthocyanins. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid derived from lecithin through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. It also helps stabilize formulations and form liposomes that can aid delivery of other ingredients. |
| Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water Antioxidant / soothing botanical water | Camellia Sinensis (green tea) Leaf Water is the aqueous extract of green tea leaves, used in skincare as a soothing, antioxidant-rich base or auxiliary ingredient. It contains polyphenols (catechins) that may help reduce free-radical damage and calm the skin. |
| Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water Soothing / toner | Centaurea Cyanus (cornflower) flower water is a botanical distillate traditionally used as a skin-soothing toner and mild astringent, valued for its calming and refreshing properties, especially around the eye area. It functions mainly as a hydrating, low-irritant aqueous base rather than a potent active. |
| 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. |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil Key active Antimicrobial/antiseptic | Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, commonly known as tea tree oil, is an essential oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties often used in skincare to target acne and minor skin infections. |
| Carapa Guianensis Seed Oil Emollient/skin-conditioning oil | Carapa Guianensis Seed Oil (andiroba oil) is a plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids and limonoids, used in skincare for its emollient, moisturizing, and soothing properties. It is also studied for anti-inflammatory and insect-repellent effects. |
| Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil Key active Emollient/antioxidant | Hippophae Rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) Fruit Oil is a plant-derived lipid rich in carotenoids, tocopherols, and unsaturated fatty acids, used in skincare as an emollient and antioxidant. It is also valued for purported soothing and skin-conditioning properties. |
| 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. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Emollient / skin-conditioning ester | Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is a lightweight synthetic ester (cetyl alcohol combined with 2-ethylhexanoic acid) widely used as an emollient and spreading agent in skincare and cosmetics. It provides a smooth, non-greasy feel, improves texture, and helps soften and condition the skin. |
| Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer Thickener/stabilizer | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic copolymer used in skincare to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions, providing viscosity control and a smooth texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film former rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Antioxidant/stabilizer | Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is a hindered-phenol antioxidant (also known as the industrial stabilizer Irganox 1010) used in cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fats, and other ingredients. It functions primarily as a formulation stabilizer rather than a skin-active treatment. |
| 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. |
| Methylpropanediol Humectant/solvent | Methylpropanediol is a small glycol-type ingredient used in skincare as a humectant and solvent that helps hydrate skin and enhance the penetration of other actives. It also contributes to product texture and can support preservative efficacy. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Polysorbate 20 Emulsifier / solubilizer | Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, used in skincare to solubilize fragrances and essential oils and to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Ceramide NP Skin-barrier replenishing lipid / emollient | Ceramide NP (formerly ceramide 3) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| Pentylene Glycol Humectant / solvent / preservative-booster | Pentylene glycol is a glycol used in cosmetics as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, helping reduce reliance on traditional preservatives. It improves skin hydration and aids the delivery and stability of other ingredients. |
| 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. |
| Tromethamine pH adjuster / buffering agent | Tromethamine (trometamol, TRIS) is an organic amine base used in cosmetic and topical formulations to neutralize acidic components and stabilize pH. It functions primarily as a buffering and neutralizing agent rather than as a therapeutic active. |
| Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Key active Anti-inflammatory/soothing agent | Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a water-soluble salt derived from licorice root (glycyrrhizic acid) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to calm irritation, redness, and sensitivity. |
| 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. |
| Adenosine Key active Anti-aging/soothing active | Adenosine is a nucleoside that signals through cell-surface receptors to promote dermal fibroblast activity and collagen/elastin production, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties at low concentrations commonly used in cosmetics (around 0.04-0.1%). |
| Disodium EDTA Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Polyquaternium-51 Humectant / moisturizer | Polyquaternium-51 (also known as Lipidure) is a synthetic phospholipid-mimicking polymer used in cosmetics to attract and bind water to the skin, enhancing hydration and providing a smooth, conditioned feel. It is valued for its strong moisture-retention and skin-compatibility, and is often included in moisturizers, serums, and hair care products. |
| Beta-Glucan Key active Hydrating soothing agent | Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide derived from sources such as oats, yeast, and mushrooms that functions as a humectant and skin-soothing ingredient. It supports hydration, helps reinforce the skin barrier, and has been studied for antioxidant and wound-healing properties. |
| Squalane Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Squalane is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon derived from squalene (sourced from plants like olives or sugarcane, or shark liver) used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic for most users, and serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrating agent | Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate is an enzymatically or chemically fragmented, low-molecular-weight form of sodium hyaluronate used in skincare to attract and bind water. Its smaller size allows better penetration into the upper layers of the skin compared to high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, supporting surface hydration and a smoother appearance. |
| 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. |
| Oleic Acid Emollient / penetration enhancer | Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid used in skincare as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent that softens skin and can enhance the penetration of other compounds. It is naturally present in many plant oils and in human sebum. |
| Dipropylene Glycol Solvent/humectant | Dipropylene glycol is a clear, low-viscosity glycol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity-reducing agent. It helps dissolve fragrances and other ingredients while contributing mild moisture-retention properties. |
| BHA Key active Chemical exfoliant | BHA (beta hydroxy acid), most commonly salicylic acid, is an oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and to improve skin texture and oiliness. |
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.