Below is every ingredient in Aplb Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Facial Cream 55 Ml 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.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water is a water-based extract of the gotu kola plant valued for its soothing, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties attributed to triterpenoid compounds like madecassoside and asiaticoside. It is commonly used to calm irritation and support skin barrier function in topical formulations.
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract is a botanical derived from the fruit of the gardenia plant, rich in iridoid glycosides (such as geniposide and genipin) and crocin pigments that provide antioxidant and soothing properties. It is used in skincare for its potential to protect against oxidative stress and condition the skin.
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a water-soluble salt derived from licorice root (glycyrrhizic acid) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to calm irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
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.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Very rare | Pure water is generally non-irritating; rare reactions are typically due to other formulation components or impurities rather than water itself. |
| Transient skin dryness with frequent exposure | Rare | Repeated wetting and drying can disrupt the skin barrier in susceptible individuals, but this is associated with usage patterns rather than water as an ingredient. |
| Contact allergic dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to Centella triterpenes can cause localized redness or itching in predisposed individuals. |
| Mild stinging or transient irritation | Uncommon | Usually associated with sensitive or compromised skin rather than the extract itself. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated case reports of hive-like reactions. |
| 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. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional irritation reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated sensitization reactions; uncommon as a recognized allergen. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Uncommon | Considered low-to-moderate comedogenic potential; may contribute to breakouts in acne-prone skin. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; minor irritation possible in sensitive individuals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua(Water) Solvent/vehicle | Aqua (Water) is the most common base ingredient in cosmetic formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble ingredients and forms the continuous phase of emulsions. It also acts as a vehicle that hydrates the skin surface and helps distribute other ingredients. |
| Centella Asiatica Leaf Water Key active Soothing/antioxidant botanical | Centella Asiatica Leaf Water is a water-based extract of the gotu kola plant valued for its soothing, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties attributed to triterpenoid compounds like madecassoside and asiaticoside. It is commonly used to calm irritation and support skin barrier function in topical 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. |
| Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Emollient / skin-conditioning ester | Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is a lightweight synthetic ester (cetyl alcohol combined with 2-ethylhexanoic acid) widely used as an emollient and spreading agent in skincare and cosmetics. It provides a smooth, non-greasy feel, improves texture, and helps soften and condition the skin. |
| 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. |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate Emulsifier | Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is a non-ionic, plant-derived emulsifier composed of glycerin, glucose and stearic acid, used to create stable oil-in-water emulsions in creams and lotions. It is valued for its mildness and skin compatibility, often used in natural and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| 2-Hexanediol Humectant/preservative-booster | 1,2-Hexanediol (commonly written 2-hexanediol) is a multifunctional diol used in skincare primarily as a humectant, solvent, and preservative-enhancing agent that improves the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations. It is generally well tolerated and considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Silica Absorbent/texturizer | Silica is a mineral-derived ingredient (silicon dioxide) used in cosmetics to absorb oil and sebum, improve texture, and act as a bulking, anti-caking, or matting agent. It is generally inert and well tolerated on skin. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Beeswax Emollient/Occlusive thickener | Beeswax is a natural wax derived from honeycomb used in skincare as an emollient, thickening agent, and occlusive that helps stabilize emulsions and form a protective barrier on the skin. It is primarily a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant / soothing agent | Hydroxyacetophenone (acetophenone-based compound, often 4'-hydroxyacetophenone) is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that can also enhance the stability and efficacy of preservative systems. It is valued for its soothing properties and helps neutralize free radicals while reducing potential irritation from other formulation components. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables. It is widely used in skincare to soften, smooth, and condition the skin while forming an occlusive barrier that reduces water loss. |
| Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, used to soften, condition, and provide occlusive moisturization to the skin. It functions as a base/carrier ingredient rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Hydrogenated Polydecene Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Hydrogenated Polydecene is a synthetic hydrocarbon emollient derived from hydrogenated polydecene oligomers, used to provide a lightweight, non-greasy occlusive film that softens skin and improves spreadability in cosmetic formulations. It serves as a base or texture-enhancing ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning extract | Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract is a botanical derived from the fruit of the gardenia plant, rich in iridoid glycosides (such as geniposide and genipin) and crocin pigments that provide antioxidant and soothing properties. It is used in skincare for its potential to protect against oxidative stress and condition the skin. |
| Trideceth-10 Surfactant/emulsifier | Trideceth-10 is a polyethylene glycol ether of tridecyl alcohol used as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions rather than providing a direct skin treatment effect. |
| 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 Citrate pH adjuster / chelating agent | Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent to stabilize formulation pH and as a chelator that binds metal ions to improve product stability. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Key active Anti-inflammatory/soothing agent | Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a water-soluble salt derived from licorice root (glycyrrhizic acid) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to calm irritation, redness, and sensitivity. |
| Dextrin Thickener / absorbent / emulsion stabilizer | Dextrin is a polysaccharide derived from the partial hydrolysis of starch, commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening agent, absorbent, and binder to improve texture and stability of formulations. It is considered a formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin Solubilizer / stabilizer | Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin is a modified cyclic oligosaccharide used in skincare to encapsulate and solubilize poorly water-soluble actives, improve stability, and reduce irritation or odor of certain ingredients. It functions primarily as a formulation aid 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. |
| Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening active | Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen. |
| Dipropylene Glycol Solvent/humectant | Dipropylene glycol is a clear, low-viscosity glycol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity-reducing agent. It helps dissolve fragrances and other ingredients while contributing mild moisture-retention 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. |
| 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. |
| Asiaticoside Key active Wound healing / soothing active | Asiaticoside is a triterpenoid saponin derived from Centella asiatica, valued for stimulating collagen synthesis and promoting wound healing and skin barrier repair. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in topical formulations. |
| Madecassic Acid Key active Anti-inflammatory / soothing active | Madecassic acid is a triterpenoid compound derived from Centella asiatica, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-supporting properties. It is often used in formulations targeting irritation, redness, and wound healing. |
| Asiatic Acid Key active Antioxidant / soothing active | Asiatic acid is a triterpenoid derived from Centella asiatica, valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-stimulating properties in skincare. It is used to support wound healing, calm irritation, and improve skin barrier function. |
| 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. |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract Key active Antimicrobial/antiseptic | Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract is derived from the Australian tea tree and is valued for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in skincare products targeting acne, blemishes, and oily skin. |
| Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant / emollient | Hippophae Rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) Fruit Extract is derived from the berries of the sea buckthorn plant and is rich in carotenoids, vitamins (C and E), flavonoids, and fatty acids. In skincare it functions as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent, valued for its potential to support barrier function and reduce oxidative stress. |
| Hydrolyzed Collagen Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids, used in topical formulations to attract and bind water and improve skin surface smoothness and hydration. It functions primarily as a moisturizer and film-former rather than rebuilding the skin's own collagen. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical extract | Nelumbium Speciosum (sacred lotus) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to flavonoids and polyphenols. It is commonly included to help soothe skin and protect against oxidative stress. |
| Artemisia Annua Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical | Artemisia Annua (sweet wormwood) extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties, largely attributed to flavonoids and artemisinin compounds. It is commonly included to help calm sensitive or irritated skin and provide environmental protection. |
| Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning | Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract is derived from rice and is used in skincare for its antioxidant, brightening, and soothing properties, owing to its content of ferulic acid, vitamins, and amino acids. It is often included to help even skin tone and provide mild moisturizing and barrier-supporting benefits. |
| Saccharomyces Ferment Key active Skin-conditioning / fermentation-derived bioactive | Saccharomyces Ferment is a yeast-derived fermentation filtrate used in skincare for its content of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and peptides that support hydration, barrier function, and a brightening or soothing effect. It is valued as a multifunctional bioactive often featured in 'ferment' or essence-type formulations. |
| Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract Key active Antioxidant | Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins (notably nasunin), used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It may help protect skin from oxidative stress and has been studied topically for actinic keratoses. |
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.