Nykaa · 🇮🇳 India

Dot Key Glow Night Reset Retinol Ceramide Cream

32 ingredients
What's in it

Below is every ingredient in Dot Key Glow Night Reset Retinol Ceramide Cream explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.

Suitability at a glance — for Indian skin

🍄 May trigger fungal acne
3 ingredient(s) can feed Malassezia — relevant in humid Indian weather
Pore-clogging risk: Low
Highest comedogenic rating 1/5 — matters for oily, acne-prone skin
Contains fragrance / allergens
Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum
Contains drying alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol
Pregnancy: use caution
Retinyl Palmitate — discuss with a doctor

Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.

Your questions, answered from the ingredient list

Is Dot Key Glow Night Reset Retinol Ceramide Cream fungal-acne safe?
Based on its listed ingredients, Dot Key Glow Night Reset Retinol Ceramide Cream contains 3 ingredient(s) reported to feed Malassezia (the yeast behind fungal acne): Oenothera Biennis Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Retinyl Palmitate. If you are fungal-acne prone, you may want to avoid these.
Does Dot Key Glow Night Reset Retinol Ceramide Cream contain fragrance?
Yes — Dot Key Glow Night Reset Retinol Ceramide Cream lists Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum, which are fragrance ingredients or EU-declared allergens. Relevant if your skin is sensitive or reactive.
Will Dot Key Glow Night Reset Retinol Ceramide Cream clog pores?
The highest comedogenic rating among its listed ingredients is 1/5 (low). Comedogenicity matters most for oily, acne-prone skin in humid Indian weather; it is a property of ingredients in lab tests, not a guarantee either way.
Is Dot Key Glow Night Reset Retinol Ceramide Cream safe to use in pregnancy?
Dot Key Glow Night Reset Retinol Ceramide Cream contains 1 ingredient(s) commonly flagged for caution in pregnancy in published guidance: Retinyl Palmitate. Discuss with your doctor before using it while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Does Dot Key Glow Night Reset Retinol Ceramide Cream contain drying alcohol?
Yes — it lists Benzyl Alcohol, volatile alcohol(s) that can dehydrate the skin barrier with frequent use.

Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.

Key actives

Methylsilanol Mannuronate
Hydrating/conditioning agent

Methylsilanol Mannuronate is an organosilicon compound combining silanol with mannuronic acid (derived from algae), used in skincare for its humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is marketed to support hydration and skin firmness, though robust clinical evidence is limited.

Retinyl Palmitate
Antioxidant / retinoid (vitamin A derivative)

Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol and palmitic acid used as a vitamin A source and antioxidant in skincare. It is converted in the skin to retinol and then retinoic acid, offering milder anti-aging and skin-conditioning effects than stronger retinoids.

Silanetriol
Silicon-based hydration/conditioning agent

Silanetriol is an organic silicon compound used in skincare as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, often included to support hydration and as a carrier for silicon delivery in anti-aging formulations. It is generally considered well tolerated at typical cosmetic concentrations.

Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant / hydrating agent

Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types.

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Antioxidant / anti-aging

Hibiscus Sabdariffa flower extract is rich in anthocyanins, organic acids (including hibiscus acid), and flavonoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant and mild exfoliating properties. It is sometimes referred to as a 'botanical Botox' due to claimed effects on skin elasticity, though robust clinical evidence is limited.

Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient / skin-conditioning oil

Oenothera Biennis (evening primrose) oil is a plant-derived lipid rich in linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) used to soften skin and support the skin barrier. It is studied for soothing dry, inflamed, or atopic-prone skin.

Side effects reported in research

Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.

Reported effectHow oftenNotes
Irritation or sensitivityVery rarePurified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water.
Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skinRareEvaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent.
Sticky or tacky skin feelCommonCosmetic sensation at higher concentrations, not a health concern.
Mild transient stinging or irritationUncommonMore likely on broken or compromised skin or with high concentrations.
Skin dryness or moisture-wicking in very low humidityUncommonCan theoretically draw water from skin in extremely dry environments if not paired with occlusives.
Allergic contact dermatitisRareSensitization to glycerine is uncommon but has been documented in patch-test studies.
Mild skin irritationRareOccasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive or compromised skin.
Contact dermatitis/allergic sensitizationVery rareAllergic reactions are uncommon; the ingredient is generally considered low-sensitizing.
Eye irritationRarePossible mild stinging on direct ocular contact.
Mild skin irritation or rednessRareGenerally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported.
Clogged pores / comedogenic-related breakoutsUncommonOften anecdotal; dimethicone is largely regarded as non-comedogenic but may trap debris if skin is not cleansed well.
Eye irritation on accidental contactRareTransient stinging or discomfort if product enters the eyes.
Mild irritation or sensitivityRareGenerally considered non-irritating; occasional reactions in highly sensitive individuals.
Acneiform breakouts/clogged poresRareSilicones are largely non-comedogenic, but rare clogging reports exist, often linked to overall formulation or inadequate cleansing.

Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.

Full ingredient breakdown

IngredientWhat 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.
Glycerine
Humectant
Glycerine (glycerol) is a humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums.
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient/Skin-conditioning agent
Dicaprylyl ether is a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient derived from caprylic alcohol, used to improve skin feel and reduce greasiness in formulations. It functions as a non-occlusive carrier and texture enhancer rather than a treatment active.
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.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Silicone-based texture enhancer/film former
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a crosslinked silicone polymer used in skincare and cosmetics to provide a smooth, silky feel, absorb excess oil, blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, and improve product spreadability. It functions as a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active.
Polyacrylamide
Thickener/film-former
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics primarily as a thickening agent, film former, and stabilizer that improves texture and viscosity of formulations. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active.
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient/thickener
C13-14 Isoparaffin is a synthetic hydrocarbon used in skincare primarily as an emollient and as a thickening or gelling agent, often paired with polyacrylamide-based systems to stabilize emulsions. It helps improve spreadability and texture but provides no active treatment benefit.
Laureth-7
Emulsifier/surfactant
Laureth-7 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol used in cosmetics as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer to stabilize formulations and disperse oils. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active.
Methylsilanol Mannuronate Key active
Hydrating/conditioning agent
Methylsilanol Mannuronate is an organosilicon compound combining silanol with mannuronic acid (derived from algae), used in skincare for its humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is marketed to support hydration and skin firmness, though robust clinical evidence is limited.
Retinyl Palmitate Key active
Antioxidant / retinoid (vitamin A derivative)
Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol and palmitic acid used as a vitamin A source and antioxidant in skincare. It is converted in the skin to retinol and then retinoic acid, offering milder anti-aging and skin-conditioning effects than stronger retinoids.
Silanetriol Key active
Silicon-based hydration/conditioning agent
Silanetriol is an organic silicon compound used in skincare as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, often included to support hydration and as a carrier for silicon delivery in anti-aging formulations. It is generally considered well tolerated at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Hyaluronic Acid Key active
Humectant / hydrating agent
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness and smoothness. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums and is generally well tolerated across skin types.
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract Key active
Antioxidant / anti-aging
Hibiscus Sabdariffa flower extract is rich in anthocyanins, organic acids (including hibiscus acid), and flavonoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant and mild exfoliating properties. It is sometimes referred to as a 'botanical Botox' due to claimed effects on skin elasticity, though robust clinical evidence is limited.
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
Emollient / antioxidant
Punica Granatum (pomegranate) seed oil is a plant-derived oil rich in punicic acid (a conjugated linolenic acid) and tocopherols, used in skincare as an emollient with antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It helps support the skin barrier and provides lipids that improve softness and hydration.
Oenothera Biennis Oil Key active
Emollient / skin-conditioning oil
Oenothera Biennis (evening primrose) oil is a plant-derived lipid rich in linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) used to soften skin and support the skin barrier. It is studied for soothing dry, inflamed, or atopic-prone skin.
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Conditioning/antioxidant
Laminaria Digitata Extract is derived from brown seaweed and is used in skincare for its mineral, polysaccharide, and antioxidant content, providing skin-conditioning, hydrating, and soothing benefits. It is commonly included for its purported moisturizing and protective properties.
Cetyl PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin-conditioning emollient / pseudo-ceramide
Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide is a synthetic pseudo-ceramide used to mimic natural skin ceramides, helping to support the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It functions as an emollient and moisturizing agent commonly found in barrier-repair and dry-skin formulations.
Ceramide 1
Skin barrier lipid / moisturizer
Ceramide 1 (Ceramide EOP) is a naturally occurring epidermal lipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the skin's barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is commonly combined with other ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to mimic the skin's natural lipid matrix.
Ceramide 2
Skin-barrier lipid / moisturizer
Ceramide 2 (Ceramide NS) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is generally well tolerated and biocompatible with the skin's own ceramides.
Ceramide 3
Skin barrier replenisher / emollient
Ceramide 3 (also called Ceramide NP) is a lipid naturally found in the skin's stratum corneum that helps restore and maintain the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations to improve hydration and skin integrity.
Ceramide 4
Skin-barrier lipid / emollient
Ceramide 4 (Ceramide AP) is a naturally occurring skin lipid used in formulations to help restore and reinforce the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It supports the stratum corneum's lipid matrix, improving hydration and skin resilience.
Ceramide 6 II
Skin-barrier lipid / emollient
Ceramide 6 II (a phytosphingosine-based ceramide, also known as ceramide AP) is a naturally occurring skin lipid used in skincare to help restore and reinforce the stratum corneum barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is typically incorporated as part of physiological lipid blends to support hydration and skin barrier function.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Rheology modifier / emulsion stabilizer
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps suspend ingredients and provides a smooth, consistent texture without acting as a treatment active.
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.
Sodium Hydroxide
pH adjuster
Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form.
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.
Allantoin Key active
Soothing/skin-conditioning agent
Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.

From published literature

Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.

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