Below is every ingredient in Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream 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%.
Hydrolyzed yeast extract is a yeast-derived ingredient broken down into smaller peptides, amino acids, beta-glucans, and minerals, used in skincare for its conditioning, hydrating, and antioxidant properties. It may support skin barrier function and reduce visible signs of irritation.
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.
Retinyl Propionate is an ester of vitamin A (retinol) that is converted in the skin to retinoic acid, supporting cell turnover and collagen production. It is considered a milder, more stable retinoid used to improve signs of photoaging.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in isoflavones, proteins, and fatty acids used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is also studied for potential effects on pigmentation and skin barrier support.
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.
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 | Occasional transient redness or stinging, generally in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated sensitization reports; esters of this type are considered low-allergenicity. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Uncommon | Possible in acne-prone individuals given its occlusive, oily nature. |
| 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. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| 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. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild redness or stinging possible in sensitive individuals, generally well tolerated. |
| Contact allergy/sensitization | Rare | Fatty alcohols can occasionally act as contact allergens, confirmed by patch testing. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores) | Uncommon | Longer-chain fatty alcohols may contribute to pore congestion in acne-prone skin, though risk is considered low. |
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. |
| Isostearyl Hydroxystearate Emollient/Skin-conditioning ester | Isostearyl Hydroxystearate is a branched-chain fatty acid ester used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent that imparts smoothness and a non-greasy feel in creams, lotions, and color cosmetics. It functions primarily as a texture and spreadability enhancer rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| 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%. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| C14-22 Alcohols Emulsifier/emollient | C14-22 Alcohols is a blend of fatty alcohols (with carbon chains from 14 to 22) used in skincare as a co-emulsifier, thickener, and emollient to stabilize emulsions and improve skin feel. It is typically paired with C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside to form a self-emulsifying system. |
| Polymethylsilsesquioxane Texture enhancer / mattifying agent | Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone-based spherical powder used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, soft-focus, mattifying feel and improve spreadability. It is a formulation/texture ingredient 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. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| 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. |
| Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract Key active Skin conditioning / soothing agent | Hydrolyzed yeast extract is a yeast-derived ingredient broken down into smaller peptides, amino acids, beta-glucans, and minerals, used in skincare for its conditioning, hydrating, and antioxidant properties. It may support skin barrier function and reduce visible signs of irritation. |
| Isopropyl Palmitate Emollient / Thickener | Isopropyl Palmitate is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid used as an emollient, skin-conditioning agent, and texture enhancer that improves spreadability and reduces greasiness in creams, lotions, and cosmetics. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic 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. |
| Retinyl Propionate Key active Retinoid (anti-aging active) | Retinyl Propionate is an ester of vitamin A (retinol) that is converted in the skin to retinoic acid, supporting cell turnover and collagen production. It is considered a milder, more stable retinoid used to improve signs of photoaging. |
| Oleyl Alcohol Emollient / co-emulsifier | Oleyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from oleic acid, used in skincare as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier to improve texture and stability. It softens skin and helps blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions. |
| 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. |
| Serine Humectant / amino acid | Serine is a naturally occurring amino acid and component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), used in skincare to support hydration and help maintain the skin barrier. It is typically incorporated as a conditioning and water-binding agent rather than a clinical treatment active. |
| Hexyldecanol Emollient / fatty alcohol | Hexyldecanol is a branched-chain fatty alcohol used in skincare as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent that softens skin and helps stabilize emulsions. It contributes to texture and spreadability in cosmetic formulations. |
| Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in isoflavones, proteins, and fatty acids used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is also studied for potential effects on pigmentation and skin barrier support. |
| 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. |
| Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols Emollient/skin-conditioning agent | Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols are plant-derived phytosterols used to soften skin, support the lipid barrier, and provide emollient and emulsion-stabilizing properties. They function primarily as a conditioning and formulation ingredient rather than a high-potency active. |
| Urea Key active Humectant / keratolytic | Urea is a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor that hydrates by attracting and retaining water; at higher concentrations it also softens and exfoliates thickened or scaly skin. It is widely used to treat dry skin conditions such as xerosis, ichthyosis, and hyperkeratosis. |
| Yeast Amino Acids Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Yeast Amino Acids are a blend of amino acids derived from yeast fermentation, used to hydrate, condition, and support the skin's natural moisturizing factor. They help improve skin softness and may contribute to barrier support in topical formulations. |
| Trehalose Humectant / moisturizer | Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide used in skincare as a humectant and protective agent, helping retain moisture and stabilize cell membranes and proteins against dehydration and oxidative stress. It is well tolerated and commonly used to support skin barrier hydration. |
| Inositol Humectant / conditioning agent | Inositol is a sugar alcohol (carbocyclic polyol) used in skincare as a moisturizing and conditioning ingredient that supports skin hydration and barrier function. It is generally considered mild and well tolerated in topical formulations. |
| Taurine Key active Antioxidant / osmolyte | Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid used in skincare as an antioxidant and cell-volume-regulating osmolyte that helps maintain hydration and protect cells from oxidative and osmotic stress. It is generally well tolerated and serves a supportive, conditioning role in formulations. |
| Betaine Humectant / osmolyte | Betaine is a naturally derived amino acid derivative (trimethylglycine) used in skincare as a humectant and osmoprotectant that attracts and retains moisture while helping stabilize skin barrier function. It also improves the texture and mildness of formulations. |
| 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. |
| Polyglucuronic Acid Humectant / hydrating agent | Polyglucuronic acid is a polysaccharide composed of glucuronic acid units, used in skincare as a lightweight film-forming humectant that attracts and retains moisture and helps support the skin barrier. It is often described as having a smaller molecular profile than hyaluronic acid, allowing surface hydration and a smoothing effect. |
| C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside Emulsifier / surfactant | C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside is a non-ionic, sugar-derived (glucose plus fatty alcohol) emulsifier and mild surfactant used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture. It is generally well tolerated and considered gentle, often used in formulations marketed for sensitive skin. |
| Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract Soothing/skin-conditioning botanical extract | Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient containing diosgenin and saponins, used in topical formulations for its claimed soothing, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties. Despite popular marketing, topical wild yam does not convert to progesterone or other hormones in the skin. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Polyacrylate Hydrating film-former / thickener | Glyceryl Polyacrylate is a cross-linked polymer of acrylic acid and glycerin used in skincare to form a moisturizing film on the skin and to thicken or stabilize gel-based formulations. It functions primarily as a humectant and texture enhancer rather than as a treatment active. |
| Algin Thickener/film-former | Algin (sodium alginate) is a polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and film-forming agent. It helps stabilize emulsions and provides a hydrating, smooth texture, commonly featured in peel-off masks. |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Swertia Chirata Extract Key active Botanical extract / antioxidant | Swertia Chirata Extract is derived from the Swertia chirata plant and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and reputed skin-conditioning and circulation-enhancing properties. It is sometimes included in anti-aging and soothing formulations. |
| Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid (commonly derived from soybean or egg) used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and penetration enhancer. It helps stabilize oil-and-water formulations and supports the skin barrier by mimicking natural lipids. |
| Pullulan Film-forming agent / texturizer | Pullulan is a naturally derived polysaccharide produced by fermentation of starch by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. In skincare it forms a thin, breathable film on the skin, providing a temporary tightening or smoothing effect and helping to stabilize formulations. |
| Disodium Phosphate Buffering/pH adjuster | Disodium Phosphate is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and skincare formulations primarily as a buffering agent and pH adjuster. It helps stabilize product pH and acts as an emulsifying or sequestering aid in various topical preparations. |
| Potassium Phosphate pH adjuster / buffering agent | Potassium phosphate is a salt used in cosmetic and skincare formulations primarily as a buffering agent and pH stabilizer, helping maintain product stability and skin compatibility. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| PEG-75 Stearate Emulsifier/surfactant | PEG-75 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier, surfactant, and emollient in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps blend oil and water phases and improves product texture. |
| Ceteth-20 Surfactant/emulsifier | Ceteth-20 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of cetyl alcohol used as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer to stabilize oil-in-water formulations. It helps blend water and oil phases and improve product texture rather than providing a therapeutic skin benefit. |
| Steareth-20 Emulsifier / surfactant | Steareth-20 is a polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol used as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant to blend oil and water phases and stabilize creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Thickener/film-former | Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose is a cellulose-derived polymer modified with a cetyl group, used in skincare and cosmetics as a thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming agent. It helps adjust viscosity and improve texture in emulsions, gels, and cleansers. |
| Phenoxyethanol Preservative | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used broad-spectrum preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and serves as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| 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. |
| Nicotinamide Key active Cell-communicating active / barrier-supporting agent | Nicotinamide (niacinamide) is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 used topically to support the skin barrier, regulate sebum, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve signs of aging. It is generally well tolerated across a range of concentrations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hexylene Glycol Solvent / humectant | Hexylene glycol is a small glycol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent, viscosity-reducer, and mild humectant. It helps dissolve other ingredients and improve product texture rather than providing a direct therapeutic skin benefit. |
| Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate UV filter / photostabilizer | Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate is a water-soluble benzotriazole-based UV absorber used in sunscreens and cosmetic formulations to absorb UVA/UVB radiation and help photostabilize other UV filters and formula components. It is sometimes marketed under trade names such as Neo Heliopan AP. |
| 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. |
| Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Fragrance ingredient | Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a synthetic fragrance compound with a sweet, violet-like floral scent used to impart or enhance aroma in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It has no therapeutic skin benefit and serves purely an olfactory/sensory role. |
| Citronellol Fragrance ingredient | Citronellol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol used as a fragrance and flavoring agent, providing a rose-like, citrusy scent in cosmetics and personal care products. It is found in essential oils such as rose, geranium, and citronella. |
| 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.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.