No fungal-acne, pore-clogging, fragrance, drying-alcohol or pregnancy flags in The Derma Co Skin Renew Peptide Retinol Serum's listed ingredients.
Below is every ingredient in The Derma Co Skin Renew Peptide Retinol 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.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable, water-soluble ethylated derivative of vitamin C that converts to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and pigmentation control. It is valued for greater stability than pure L-ascorbic acid while delivering similar brightening and anti-aging benefits.
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%.
Ferulic acid is a plant-derived phenolic antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps protect skin from UV-induced oxidative damage. It is frequently combined with vitamins C and E to enhance their stability and photoprotective effect.
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 | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent; propanediol is generally considered low-risk for allergy. |
Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
Mild stinging or tingling | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive or compromised skin. |
Transient erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Usually temporary and resolves after discontinuation or lowering concentration. |
Dryness or irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with frequent use or in combination with other actives. |
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. |
Skin dryness | Uncommon | Its solvent action may contribute to dryness with repeated use in some individuals. |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause irritation on direct ocular contact, relevant in eye-area products. |
Systemic toxicity | Very rare | Of theoretical concern with large-scale ingestion or extreme exposure; not associated with normal topical cosmetic use. |
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. |
| 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. |
| 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening vitamin C derivative | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable, water-soluble ethylated derivative of vitamin C that converts to ascorbic acid in the skin, providing antioxidant protection and supporting collagen synthesis and pigmentation control. It is valued for greater stability than pure L-ascorbic acid while delivering similar brightening and anti-aging benefits. |
| 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%. |
| Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Solvent / penetration enhancer | Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (ethoxydiglycol) is a versatile solvent and penetration enhancer used in cosmetic and topical formulations to dissolve active ingredients and improve their absorption into the skin. It also functions as a viscosity reducer and coupling agent in mixed-phase products. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ferulic Acid Key active Antioxidant | Ferulic acid is a plant-derived phenolic antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps protect skin from UV-induced oxidative damage. It is frequently combined with vitamins C and E to enhance their stability and photoprotective effect. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation 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. |
| 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. |
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.