Below is every ingredient in Lotus Botanicals Bio Retinol Youth Radiance Ultra Cream Spf 25 Pa Preservative Fre 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%.
Enteromorpha Compressa Extract is derived from a green marine algae and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included to help protect against environmental stress and support a more even skin tone.
Silybum Marianum (milk thistle) Fruit Extract is rich in silymarin flavonolignans and is used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping protect skin from free-radical and UV-induced oxidative stress. It is also studied for soothing and barrier-supportive effects.
Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil/Tulsi) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, attributed to compounds such as eugenol, ursolic acid, and rosmarinic acid. It is used in skincare to help soothe skin, reduce oxidative stress, and address blemish-prone skin.
Psoralea Corylifolia (Babchi) extract is a botanical source of bakuchiol, a phytochemical used as a plant-derived retinol alternative valued for antioxidant and skin-rejuvenating properties. It is applied in cosmetic formulations to support firmness, even tone, and reduction of fine lines.
Pisum Sativum (pea) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in proteins, peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants used in skincare for conditioning, soothing, and protective effects. It is often included for its purported firming and anti-aging properties.
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 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. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Documented in isolated case reports; true sensitization is unusual. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Subjective greasy or occlusive feel | Uncommon | Cosmetic tolerability complaint rather than a true adverse reaction. |
| Mild transient stinging or tingling | Uncommon | More likely on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally well tolerated at typical use concentrations |
| Contact allergy/sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are low-allergenicity; documented allergic reactions are exceptional. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging if product enters the eyes. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally well-tolerated; transient irritation possible in sensitive individuals. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Considered low on comedogenicity scales, 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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%. |
| Heptyl Undecylenate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Heptyl undecylenate is a lightweight ester derived from undecylenic acid and heptyl alcohol, used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient and dry-feel skin-conditioning agent. It imparts a smooth, non-greasy texture and can serve as a natural-derived alternative to silicones. |
| Hydroxyethyl Urea Humectant / moisturizer | Hydroxyethyl Urea is a water-soluble humectant derived from urea that attracts and binds moisture to the skin, helping improve hydration and softness. It is commonly used in moisturizers and leave-on formulations as a gentle alternative to urea. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| Caprylic Capric Triglycerides 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 carrier for oil-soluble ingredients. It is widely regarded as well-tolerated and non-comedogenic in most 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. |
| 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. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| 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. |
| Vinyl Dimethicone Silicone emollient/film-former | Vinyl Dimethicone is a vinyl-functionalized silicone polymer used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, conditioning agent, and film-former that imparts a smooth, silky feel and can act as a crosslinker in silicone elastomer systems. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Alkane Emollient/solvent | Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbon compounds (such as C13-15 alkane or undecane/tridecane blends) used in skincare as lightweight emollients and solvents that spread easily, condition the skin, and improve product texture. They are typically derived from petroleum or, increasingly, from plant sources as more sustainable alternatives to silicones and mineral oil. |
| C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside Surfactant / Emulsifier | C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside is a mild nonionic surfactant derived from coconut/palm fatty alcohols and glucose, used to cleanse, foam, and stabilize emulsions in skincare formulations. It is generally well tolerated and considered gentle compared to harsher anionic surfactants. |
| Enteromorpha Compressa Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical extract | Enteromorpha Compressa Extract is derived from a green marine algae and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included to help protect against environmental stress and support a more even skin tone. |
| Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant | Silybum Marianum (milk thistle) Fruit Extract is rich in silymarin flavonolignans and is used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping protect skin from free-radical and UV-induced oxidative stress. It is also studied for soothing and barrier-supportive effects. |
| Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil/Tulsi) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, attributed to compounds such as eugenol, ursolic acid, and rosmarinic acid. It is used in skincare to help soothe skin, reduce oxidative stress, and address blemish-prone skin. |
| Psoralea Corylifolia Extract Key active Antioxidant / anti-aging active | Psoralea Corylifolia (Babchi) extract is a botanical source of bakuchiol, a phytochemical used as a plant-derived retinol alternative valued for antioxidant and skin-rejuvenating properties. It is applied in cosmetic formulations to support firmness, even tone, and reduction of fine lines. |
| Maltodextrin Carrier/film-forming agent | Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide derived from starch hydrolysis, used in skincare primarily as a carrier, bulking agent, film former, and stabilizer for active ingredients and powders. It also helps improve texture and can act as a mild thickening or emulsion-stabilizing aid. |
| Sucrose Dilaurate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sucrose Dilaurate is a sugar-derived nonionic emulsifier and mild surfactant made from sucrose and lauric acid, used to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered a gentle, biodegradable formulation ingredient. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium cocoyl glutamate is a gentle, amino-acid-derived anionic surfactant made from coconut fatty acids and glutamic acid, commonly used in cleansers and shampoos for its mild, low-irritation foaming and cleansing properties. It is favored in skin-friendly and sulfate-free formulations due to its skin-compatible, near-physiologic pH profile. |
| Pisum Sativum Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Pisum Sativum (pea) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in proteins, peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants used in skincare for conditioning, soothing, and protective effects. It is often included for its purported firming and anti-aging properties. |
| PEG-35 Castor Oil Surfactant/solubilizer | PEG-35 Castor Oil (Polyoxyl 35 castor oil, e.g. Cremophor EL) is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier used to solubilize oils, fragrances, and lipophilic actives in aqueous cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It functions as a base/formulation aid rather than a skin treatment active. |
| Polysorbate 20 Emulsifier / solubilizer | Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, used in skincare to solubilize fragrances and essential oils and to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract Key active Soothing / anti-inflammatory | Aesculus Hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extract is a botanical rich in aescin (escin) and flavonoids, valued in skincare for its vasoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and venotonic properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting redness, puffiness, and the appearance of dark circles or spider veins. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Calcium Pantothenate Key active Skin conditioning / humectant (provitamin B5 derivative) | Calcium pantothenate is the calcium salt of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), used in skincare as a moisturizing and skin-conditioning agent that supports barrier function and hydration. It functions as a precursor to panthenol and is valued for its humectant and soothing properties. |
| Linoleic Acid Key active Skin-barrier lipid / emollient | Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid and a key component of skin ceramides that helps maintain the epidermal barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is also studied for normalizing sebum composition and reducing comedone formation in acne-prone skin. |
| Biotin Key active Conditioning agent / vitamin (B7) | Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin used in topical formulations as a conditioning agent, though evidence for meaningful benefit to skin, hair, or nails when applied topically is limited. It is more commonly associated with oral supplementation claims for hair and nail health. |
| Titanium Dioxide Key active UV filter / mineral sunscreen | Titanium dioxide is an inorganic mineral compound used primarily as a physical (mineral) sunscreen agent that reflects and scatters UV radiation, and also serves as a white pigment and opacifier in cosmetic formulations. It is broadly photostable and considered gentle, making it common in products for sensitive and pediatric skin. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Butylated Hydroxytoluene Antioxidant/preservative | Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant used in cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils and fats, helping maintain product stability and shelf life. It functions as a stabilizer rather than a therapeutic 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. |
| Citric Acid pH adjuster / AHA exfoliant | Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from citrus fruits, used primarily to adjust and buffer formulation pH and as a chelating agent, and at higher concentrations as a mild chemical exfoliant. It can promote surface cell turnover and is sometimes included in antioxidant or brightening products. |
| Menthol Key active Cooling agent / counterirritant | Menthol is a naturally occurring or synthetic compound derived from mint oils that produces a cooling sensation by activating TRPM8 receptors on the skin. It is used in topical products for its soothing, mild analgesic, and antipruritic effects. |
| Caprylhydroxamic Acid Preservative / chelating agent | Caprylhydroxamic acid is a glycine-derived hydroxamic acid used primarily as a preservative and chelating agent in cosmetic formulations, where it helps control microbial growth (especially fungi) and stabilizes products by binding trace metal ions. It is typically used in combination with other preservatives such as glycols and is effective across a relatively wide pH range. |
| Phenethyl Alcohol Preservative / fragrance | Phenethyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, and sometimes as a fragrance component with a mild rose-like scent. It is often combined with other preservatives to broaden antimicrobial coverage. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
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.