Below is every ingredient in Night Knight - 2% VitAlease Retinol Serum for Face 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.
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.
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.
BHA (beta hydroxy acid), most commonly salicylic acid, is an oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and to improve skin texture and oiliness.
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.
Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide derived from sources such as oats, yeast, and mushrooms that functions as a humectant and skin-soothing ingredient. It supports hydration, helps reinforce the skin barrier, and has been studied for antioxidant and wound-healing properties.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract is derived from grapes and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and resveratrol, providing antioxidant activity that helps protect skin from free radical damage. It is used in skincare for its protective and conditioning properties.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sticky or tacky skin feel | Common | Cosmetic sensation at higher concentrations, not a health concern. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or with high concentrations. |
| Skin dryness or moisture-wicking in very low humidity | Uncommon | Can theoretically draw water from skin in extremely dry environments if not paired with occlusives. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to glycerine is uncommon but has been documented in patch-test studies. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| 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. |
| Contact irritation | Rare | Mild irritation possible, generally considered low-risk and well tolerated. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Low comedogenic potential; may contribute in heavy occlusive formulations. |
| Dryness and flaking | Common | Often occurs during the initial adjustment period as skin acclimates. |
| Erythema (redness) | Common | Mild irritation and redness, especially at higher concentrations. |
| Stinging or burning sensation | Common | Typically transient upon application. |
| Increased photosensitivity | Common | Skin becomes more susceptible to UV damage; daytime sunscreen recommended. |
| Peeling or scaling | Uncommon | More likely with frequent use or higher strengths. |
| Retinoid dermatitis | Uncommon | Contact dermatitis-like reaction with persistent irritation. |
| Purging (temporary breakouts) | Uncommon | Transient acne flare attributed to accelerated cell turnover. |
| Severe allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Hypersensitivity reaction requiring discontinuation. |
| Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation | Rare | More frequently reported in darker skin tones following irritation. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Glycerine Humectant | Glycerine (glycerol) is a humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Copernica Cerifera Cera Emollient/film-former (plant wax) | Copernicia Cerifera Cera (carnauba wax) is a hard plant-derived wax obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm. It is used in cosmetics as a thickener, emollient, film-forming agent, and gloss enhancer that helps structure and stabilize products such as lipsticks, balms, and creams. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Cocoamphoacetate Mild amphoteric surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium cocoamphoacetate is a coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle cleansing, foaming, and to reduce the irritation potential of harsher anionic surfactants. It is valued for its mildness and is commonly found in baby and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| 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. |
| BHT Antioxidant/preservative | BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used in small amounts to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fragrances, and other unstable components, helping maintain product stability and shelf life. |
| BHA Key active Chemical exfoliant | BHA (beta hydroxy acid), most commonly salicylic acid, is an oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and to improve skin texture and oiliness. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Beta Glucan Key active Hydrating soothing agent | Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide derived from sources such as oats, yeast, and mushrooms that functions as a humectant and skin-soothing ingredient. It supports hydration, helps reinforce the skin barrier, and has been studied for antioxidant and wound-healing properties. |
| Squalane Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Squalane is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon derived from squalene (sourced from plants like olives or sugarcane, or shark liver) used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic for most users, and serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant | Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract is derived from grapes and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and resveratrol, providing antioxidant activity that helps protect skin from free radical damage. It is used in skincare for its protective and conditioning properties. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sophora flavescens Root Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Sophora Flavescens Root Extract is derived from the root of Sophora flavescens and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, often to calm irritation and address sensitive or acne-prone skin. It contains alkaloids such as matrine and oxymatrine along with flavonoids. |
| Glycyrrhiza inflata Root Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory & brightening agent | Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract is a licorice-derived botanical extract rich in licochalcone A, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pigment-modulating properties. It is commonly used to calm sensitive or redness-prone skin and to support an even skin tone. |
| Scutellaria baicalensis Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical | Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It is commonly used to help calm irritation and protect skin against environmental oxidative stress. |
| Sodium Acrylates Copolymer (and) Lecithin Film former / emulsion stabilizer | Sodium Acrylates Copolymer (and) Lecithin is a delivery and texture-modifying blend in which a synthetic anionic acrylate polymer is paired with lecithin, a natural phospholipid emulsifier, to thicken formulations, stabilize emulsions, and form encapsulating films that can help carry active ingredients onto the skin. It functions primarily as a formulation and delivery aid rather than as a therapeutic active. |
| Tripeptide-1 Key active Signal peptide / collagen-stimulating active | Tripeptide-1 (also known as Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine, GHK) is a signaling peptide used in anti-aging formulations to support collagen and extracellular matrix production. It is studied for improving skin firmness, elasticity, and reducing the appearance of fine lines. |
| Acetyl hexapeptide-8 Key active Anti-wrinkle peptide | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline or acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a synthetic peptide that mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, mildly inhibiting neurotransmitter release to reduce the appearance of expression lines. It is marketed as a topical alternative to injectable neuromodulators, though its effects are subtler. |
| Pentapeptide-3 Key active Anti-wrinkle peptide | Pentapeptide-3 is a synthetic signal peptide used in anti-aging formulations, marketed to mimic the effect of muscle-relaxing agents by interfering with neurotransmitter release and reducing the appearance of expression lines. It is also reported to support collagen synthesis and improve skin smoothness. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Glycerine Humectant | Glycerine (glycerol) is a humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Copernica Cerifera Cera Emollient/film-former (plant wax) | Copernicia Cerifera Cera (carnauba wax) is a hard plant-derived wax obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm. It is used in cosmetics as a thickener, emollient, film-forming agent, and gloss enhancer that helps structure and stabilize products such as lipsticks, balms, and creams. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Cocoamphoacetate Mild amphoteric surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium cocoamphoacetate is a coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle cleansing, foaming, and to reduce the irritation potential of harsher anionic surfactants. It is valued for its mildness and is commonly found in baby and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| 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. |
| BHT Antioxidant/preservative | BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used in small amounts to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fragrances, and other unstable components, helping maintain product stability and shelf life. |
| BHA Key active Chemical exfoliant | BHA (beta hydroxy acid), most commonly salicylic acid, is an oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and to improve skin texture and oiliness. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Beta Glucan Key active Hydrating soothing agent | Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide derived from sources such as oats, yeast, and mushrooms that functions as a humectant and skin-soothing ingredient. It supports hydration, helps reinforce the skin barrier, and has been studied for antioxidant and wound-healing properties. |
| Squalane Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Squalane is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon derived from squalene (sourced from plants like olives or sugarcane, or shark liver) used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic for most users, and serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant | Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract is derived from grapes and is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and resveratrol, providing antioxidant activity that helps protect skin from free radical damage. It is used in skincare for its protective and conditioning properties. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sophora flavescens Root Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Sophora Flavescens Root Extract is derived from the root of Sophora flavescens and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, often to calm irritation and address sensitive or acne-prone skin. It contains alkaloids such as matrine and oxymatrine along with flavonoids. |
| Glycyrrhiza inflata Root Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory & brightening agent | Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract is a licorice-derived botanical extract rich in licochalcone A, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pigment-modulating properties. It is commonly used to calm sensitive or redness-prone skin and to support an even skin tone. |
| Scutellaria baicalensis Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical | Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It is commonly used to help calm irritation and protect skin against environmental oxidative stress. |
| Sodium Acrylates Copolymer (and) Lecithin Film former / emulsion stabilizer | Sodium Acrylates Copolymer (and) Lecithin is a delivery and texture-modifying blend in which a synthetic anionic acrylate polymer is paired with lecithin, a natural phospholipid emulsifier, to thicken formulations, stabilize emulsions, and form encapsulating films that can help carry active ingredients onto the skin. It functions primarily as a formulation and delivery aid rather than as a therapeutic active. |
| Tripeptide-1 Key active Signal peptide / collagen-stimulating active | Tripeptide-1 (also known as Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine, GHK) is a signaling peptide used in anti-aging formulations to support collagen and extracellular matrix production. It is studied for improving skin firmness, elasticity, and reducing the appearance of fine lines. |
| Acetyl hexapeptide-8 Key active Anti-wrinkle peptide | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline or acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a synthetic peptide that mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, mildly inhibiting neurotransmitter release to reduce the appearance of expression lines. It is marketed as a topical alternative to injectable neuromodulators, though its effects are subtler. |
| Pentapeptide-3 Key active Anti-wrinkle peptide | Pentapeptide-3 is a synthetic signal peptide used in anti-aging formulations, marketed to mimic the effect of muscle-relaxing agents by interfering with neurotransmitter release and reducing the appearance of expression lines. It is also reported to support collagen synthesis and improve skin smoothness. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Industrial Focal Point N/A (not a recognized skincare ingredient) | "Industrial Focal Point" is not a recognized dermatological or cosmetic-chemistry ingredient and does not correspond to any known compound, INCI name, or established skincare active. No factual reference data exists for it. |
| Derbassi Unknown / unverified ingredient | "Derbassi" does not correspond to any recognized cosmetic or dermatological ingredient in standard references such as the INCI database or peer-reviewed literature. No verifiable data exists on its function, composition, or safety profile. |
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.