Below is every ingredient in Matra 2 5Percent Retinol Night Serum With Vitamin C 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.
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.
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is an ester of retinoic acid that binds directly to retinoid receptors without conversion, offering anti-aging and skin-renewal benefits. It is generally considered gentler than traditional retinoids while remaining biologically active.
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.
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol is a synthetic chroman-derived antioxidant (a vitamin E-related molecule) used in cosmetic formulations to neutralize free radicals and protect skin and product stability against oxidative damage. It is marketed for both lipophilic and hydrophilic environments, offering broad-spectrum protection against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
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 transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on compromised or sensitive skin, often due to its penetration-enhancing properties |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic sensitization | Rare | Glycol-type ingredients are generally low sensitizers but reactions are occasionally reported |
| Redness or dryness | Rare | Typically associated with high concentrations or already irritated skin |
| Mild irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Transient sensation typically on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization has been documented in patch-test and case reports. |
| Redness or itching | Uncommon | Localized and usually resolves with discontinuation. |
| Photosensitivity-related reaction | Very rare | Limited anecdotal reports; not well established in research. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible at higher concentrations, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Enhanced irritation from co-formulated actives | Uncommon | By increasing penetration, it may intensify the effects or irritation potential of other ingredients. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Can occur with accidental contact in concentrated form. |
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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ethoxydiglycol Solvent / penetration enhancer | Ethoxydiglycol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether) is a glycol ether used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and viscosity reducer that helps dissolve active ingredients and improve their skin penetration. It is considered a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Dimethyl Isosorbide Solvent / penetration enhancer | Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI) is a small, polar solvent derived from isosorbide used in cosmetic formulations to dissolve active ingredients and enhance their penetration into the skin. It functions as a vehicle and carrier rather than a therapeutic active itself. |
| Trimethylsiloxysilicate Film-former/silicone resin | Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a silicone-based film-forming resin used in cosmetics to impart water resistance, transfer resistance, and long-wear properties to products like sunscreens, foundations, and lip products. It forms a flexible, breathable film on the skin surface. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxyethylcellulose Thickener/viscosity modifier | Hydroxyethylcellulose is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose derivative used to thicken, stabilize, and adjust the texture of aqueous cosmetic formulations. It functions as a gelling and film-forming agent rather than providing a direct biological skin benefit. |
| Chlorphenesin Preservative / antimicrobial | Chlorphenesin is a synthetic antimicrobial agent used in cosmetics and skincare as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is also occasionally used for its mild muscle-relaxant and antifungal properties in topical formulations. |
| 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. |
| Milk Protein Conditioning/moisturizing agent | Milk protein is a naturally derived ingredient used in skincare for its film-forming and humectant properties, helping to soften, smooth, and condition the skin. It is typically included to improve skin feel and surface hydration rather than to deliver a specific therapeutic effect. |
| 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. |
| Tetrasodium EDTA Chelating agent | Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in skincare formulations to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preserving efficacy, and enhancing the performance of preservatives and surfactants. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate Key active Retinoid (next-generation ester) | Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is an ester of retinoic acid that binds directly to retinoid receptors without conversion, offering anti-aging and skin-renewal benefits. It is generally considered gentler than traditional retinoids while remaining biologically active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ethylhexyl Cocoate Emollient/skin-conditioning ester | Ethylhexyl Cocoate is a lightweight ester derived from coconut-derived fatty acids and 2-ethylhexanol, used as an emollient and spreading agent that gives a smooth, non-greasy skin feel. It functions primarily as a texture-enhancing and conditioning ingredient in lotions, sunscreens, and color cosmetics. |
| Dimethiconol Emollient/silicone conditioning agent | Dimethiconol is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare and haircare to provide smoothing, conditioning, and a soft, non-greasy emollient feel. It forms a thin, breathable film that reduces moisture loss and improves spreadability of 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. |
| Soybean (Glycine Soja) Oil Emollient / antioxidant | Soybean (Glycine Soja) oil is a plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols, used in skincare as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent that helps soften skin and reinforce the skin barrier. It also provides mild antioxidant activity due to its vitamin E and isoflavone content. |
| 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. |
| Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol Key active Antioxidant | Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol is a synthetic chroman-derived antioxidant (a vitamin E-related molecule) used in cosmetic formulations to neutralize free radicals and protect skin and product stability against oxidative damage. It is marketed for both lipophilic and hydrophilic environments, offering broad-spectrum protection against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. |
| Lactose Humectant/moisturizing agent | Lactose is a disaccharide sugar derived from milk, used in skincare primarily as a humectant and mild moisturizing agent that helps attract and retain water in the stratum corneum. It may also serve as a bulking agent or carrier in certain formulations. |
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.