Below is every ingredient in Innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule 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%.
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.
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.
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.
Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) Extract is a botanical derived from carrot root or seed, rich in carotenoids and vitamins, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It may support skin tone and protect against oxidative stress.
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%).
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 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. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-test studies but considered a relatively weak sensitizer. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive skin. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Possible if product contacts the eyes during application. |
| 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. |
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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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%. |
| Dibutyl Adipate Emollient / solvent | Dibutyl Adipate is a synthetic ester of adipic acid and butanol used in cosmetics as an emollient, solvent, and skin-conditioning agent. It imparts a light, non-greasy feel and helps spread and dissolve UV filters and other oil-soluble ingredients. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ammonium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/VP Copolymer Thickener / stabilizer | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic copolymer used in skincare formulations as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E, used to soften skin and support the skin barrier. It is widely used as a base oil in moisturizers and cosmetic formulations. |
| Cholesterol Skin barrier lipid / emollient | Cholesterol is a naturally occurring lipid found in the skin's stratum corneum that, alongside ceramides and fatty acids, helps maintain the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss. In skincare formulations it functions as an emollient and barrier-repair agent that improves hydration and skin resilience. |
| 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. |
| Glycine Soja Oil Emollient / antioxidant | Glycine Soja (soybean) Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols, used in skincare as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It helps soften skin, support the moisture barrier, and provides mild antioxidant benefits. |
| 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. |
| 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 Methyl Stearoyl Taurate Surfactant / cleansing agent | Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate is a mild anionic taurate-derived surfactant used in cleansers and facial washes to provide foaming and emulsifying properties. It is valued for being gentler on the skin barrier than harsher sulfate surfactants. |
| 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. |
| Daucus Carota Sativa Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) Extract is a botanical derived from carrot root or seed, rich in carotenoids and vitamins, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It may support skin tone and protect against oxidative stress. |
| 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%). |
| Asiaticoside Key active Wound healing / soothing active | Asiaticoside is a triterpenoid saponin derived from Centella asiatica, valued for stimulating collagen synthesis and promoting wound healing and skin barrier repair. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in topical formulations. |
| Madecassic Acid Key active Anti-inflammatory / soothing active | Madecassic acid is a triterpenoid compound derived from Centella asiatica, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-supporting properties. It is often used in formulations targeting irritation, redness, and wound healing. |
| Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant / emollient | Camellia Sinensis (green tea) Seed Extract is derived from tea plant seeds and is used in skincare for its antioxidant polyphenols and emollient, conditioning oils. It helps protect skin from oxidative stress and supports the skin barrier. |
| Asiatic Acid Key active Antioxidant / soothing active | Asiatic acid is a triterpenoid derived from Centella asiatica, valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-stimulating properties in skincare. It is used to support wound healing, calm irritation, and improve skin barrier function. |
| 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. |
| Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate Key active Soothing / anti-inflammatory agent | Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate is an ester of glycyrrhetinic acid (derived from licorice root) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. It helps calm irritation, redness, and reactive skin while also functioning as an emollient. |
| 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. |
| Mannitol Humectant/antioxidant | Mannitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used in skincare primarily as a humectant and texture-enhancing agent, and it also functions as a free-radical scavenger. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Beta-Carotene Key active Antioxidant / provitamin A colorant | Beta-carotene is a carotenoid pigment and provitamin A antioxidant used in skincare to help neutralize free radicals and provide mild orange-yellow coloration. It can be converted to retinol in the body and is also valued for supporting skin defense against oxidative stress. |
| Phytosphingosine Key active Skin-conditioning agent / barrier-supporting lipid | Phytosphingosine is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps maintain the skin barrier and also exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly incorporated into moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations to support ceramide synthesis and skin integrity. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 Key active Anti-aging signal peptide | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 is a synthetic peptide marketed to support skin firmness by stimulating syndecan-1 and collagen-anchoring proteins, helping reinforce the dermal-epidermal junction. It is typically used in leave-on cosmetic formulations at low concentrations for firming and elasticity claims. |
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.