Below is every ingredient in 0.1% Retinol 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.
Bidens Pilosa Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and phytic compounds, used in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and retinol-like skin-conditioning effects. It is sometimes marketed as a gentler botanical alternative to retinoids for improving skin texture and tone.
Physalis Angulata Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, often included to help calm and protect the skin. It contains compounds such as physalins and flavonoids that may help mitigate oxidative stress.
Methoxyhydroxyphenyl Isopropylnitrone (commercially known as Spin Trap or PBN derivative) is a nitrone-based free radical scavenger used in topical skincare to neutralize reactive oxygen species and reduce oxidative stress. It is marketed for anti-aging and protective benefits against environmental damage.
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.
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 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. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild transient irritation occasionally reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated cases of sensitization reported; generally considered low allergenic potential. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Rarely reported immediate hypersensitivity reaction. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Can cause temporary stinging if formulations contact the eyes. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Hydrocarbon emollients rarely sensitize; reactions are uncommon. |
| Skin dryness with prolonged exposure | Rare | Solvent properties may contribute to mild barrier disruption in some users. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
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. |
| 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. |
| Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene Photostabilizer / UV filter solubilizer | Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene is a synthetic ingredient used in sunscreens to stabilize UV filters such as avobenzone and octinoxate, preventing their photodegradation upon sun exposure. It also acts as a solvent that helps dissolve other UV-absorbing compounds in the formulation. |
| Undecane Emollient / solvent | Undecane is a lightweight branched or linear hydrocarbon (C11 alkane) used in cosmetic formulations as a volatile emollient and solvent, often paired with tridecane to replace silicones and provide spreadability and a smooth skin feel. It functions as a base/carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Tridecane Emollient/solvent | Tridecane is a hydrocarbon (alkane) used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, solvent, and texture-enhancing agent that improves spreadability and provides a smooth skin feel. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Triheptanoin Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Triheptanoin is a triglyceride of heptanoic acid (a medium-chain fatty acid) used in skincare as an emollient and solvent that softens skin and helps deliver lipophilic ingredients. It also serves as a medical-grade lipid in some therapeutic contexts. |
| Bidens Pilosa Extract Key active Botanical antioxidant/soothing extract | Bidens Pilosa Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and phytic compounds, used in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and retinol-like skin-conditioning effects. It is sometimes marketed as a gentler botanical alternative to retinoids for improving skin texture and tone. |
| Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids (palmitic and oleic) and tocopherols/tocotrienols, used in skincare to soften skin and provide an occlusive, emollient effect. It also serves as a base for soaps and a source of vitamin E. |
| Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids (notably linoleic and palmitic acids) and vitamin E used in skincare to soften, condition, and provide an occlusive emollient layer that reduces transepidermal water loss. It functions primarily as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed/Flaxseed) Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), used in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent to soften skin and support the lipid barrier. It is valued for its fatty acid profile but is prone to oxidation, which can affect stability and irritancy. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Octyldodecanol Emollient/solvent | Octyldodecanol is a branched fatty alcohol used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, solvent, and skin-conditioning agent that improves spreadability and texture. It helps soften skin and dissolve other ingredients without functioning as a treatment active. |
| Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Chelating agent | Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate (Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, or HEDTA-type biodegradable chelator) is a biodegradable chelating agent used to bind metal ions in cosmetic formulations. By sequestering trace metals, it helps stabilize products, prevent discoloration and rancidity, and enhance the efficacy of preservatives and antioxidants. |
| Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil is a semi-solid lipid derived from rapeseed (canola) oil through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emollient, texture enhancer, and skin-conditioning agent. It softens and smooths the skin while contributing to product consistency and stability. |
| Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate is a synthetic ester (pentaerythritol esterified with 2-ethylhexanoic acid) used as a lightweight, non-greasy emollient and spreading agent in cosmetics. It softens skin, improves texture and slip, and serves as a solvent for sunscreen filters and other oil-soluble ingredients. |
| Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is a mild, amino-acid-derived (glutamic acid and stearic acid) anionic surfactant used primarily as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water formulations. It is well tolerated and often chosen for gentle, naturally derived cosmetic systems. |
| Behenyl Alcohol Emollient / Thickener | Behenyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from behenic acid that functions as an emollient, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It helps soften the skin and improve product texture and stability. |
| Pentaerythrityl Distearate Emollient / thickener | Pentaerythrityl Distearate is an ester of pentaerythritol and stearic acid used as an emollient, viscosity-modifier and texture enhancer in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a smooth, conditioning feel and helps stabilize emulsions. |
| Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate Emulsifier / emollient | Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate is a glucose-derived nonionic emulsifier used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and impart a smooth, conditioning skin feel. It is considered mild and is widely used as a formulation base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| 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. |
| Physalis Angulata Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Physalis Angulata Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, often included to help calm and protect the skin. It contains compounds such as physalins and flavonoids that may help mitigate oxidative stress. |
| Methoxyhydroxyphenyl Isopropylnitrone Key active Antioxidant | Methoxyhydroxyphenyl Isopropylnitrone (commercially known as Spin Trap or PBN derivative) is a nitrone-based free radical scavenger used in topical skincare to neutralize reactive oxygen species and reduce oxidative stress. It is marketed for anti-aging and protective benefits against environmental damage. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Emulsifier/stabilizer (thickener) | Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a synthetic acrylate-based polymer used to thicken, stabilize, and emulsify cosmetic formulations, creating smooth gel and cream textures. It is widely employed as a rheology modifier and is not a therapeutic active. |
| Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Emulsifier / thickener | Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a synthetic acrylate-based polymer used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps create smooth, gel-like textures and stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions. |
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.