Below is every ingredient in Chantecaille Retinol Intense Cream 50 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.
Stabilized vitamin C is a derivative or formulation of ascorbic acid (e.g., sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) designed to resist oxidation. It provides antioxidant protection, supports collagen synthesis, and helps reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
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%.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in isoflavones, proteins, and fatty acids used in skincare for antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-tone-evening effects. It is also studied for inhibiting protease activity, which may help reduce hair regrowth and improve skin texture.
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), valued for emollient and skin-barrier-supporting properties. It is used in moisturizers and treatments aimed at dry, irritated, or inflammation-prone skin.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mild stinging or tingling | Common | More likely at higher concentrations or low pH formulations, usually transient. |
| Skin dryness or irritation | Uncommon | Can occur in sensitive skin or with overuse. |
| Erythema (redness) | Uncommon | Typically mild and resolves after discontinuation. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Rare | Reported in individuals sensitive to the specific derivative or other formulation components. |
| Yellowish skin staining | Rare | Associated with oxidized product; cosmetic and temporary. |
| Irritation or dryness from excessive washing | Rare | Related to overexposure or impurities rather than water itself; prolonged wet contact can disrupt the skin barrier. |
| Allergic or sensitivity reaction | Very rare | Pure water is non-allergenic; reactions are attributable to contaminants or other formulation components. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Possible in sensitive individuals, generally well tolerated |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Very rare | Uncommon allergic reactions reported with PEG-derived emulsifiers |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Mainly with direct contact in surfactant-containing products |
| 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. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| stabilized vitamin C Key active Antioxidant / brightening active | Stabilized vitamin C is a derivative or formulation of ascorbic acid (e.g., sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) designed to resist oxidation. It provides antioxidant protection, supports collagen synthesis, and helps reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. |
| Aqua/Water/Eau Solvent/base | Water is the most common ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent and carrier that dissolves water-soluble ingredients and forms the base of emulsions. It is physiologically inert and well-tolerated on skin. |
| C12-20 Acid Peg-8 Ester Emulsifier / surfactant | C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester is a PEG-based ester emulsifier and surfactant used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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%. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester emollient derived from coconut-sourced fatty alcohols and caprylic/capric acids, used to provide a smooth, dry, non-greasy skin feel and to act as a silicone alternative. It functions primarily as a spreading agent and texture enhancer in lotions, creams, and sunscreens. |
| Dicaprylyl Carbonate Emollient / texture enhancer | Dicaprylyl Carbonate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut-based fatty alcohols and carbonic acid, used to improve skin feel and spreadability in cosmetic formulations. It also acts as a solvent and helps distribute pigments and other ingredients evenly. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Peg-8 Humectant / solvent | PEG-8 (polyethylene glycol 8) is a water-soluble polyether used in cosmetics as a humectant, solvent, and emollient that helps retain moisture and stabilize formulations. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Carbomer Thickener / gelling agent | Carbomer is a synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid used to thicken, stabilize, and control the viscosity of gels, creams, and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Saccharide Isomerate Humectant / moisturizer | Saccharide Isomerate is a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that binds to the skin's keratin to provide long-lasting hydration and improve moisture retention. It is structurally similar to carbohydrates naturally found in the skin's upper layers. |
| Potassium Cetyl Phosphate Emulsifier | Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an anionic emulsifier and surfactant used in oil-in-water formulations to stabilize emulsions and improve texture. It is considered a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in isoflavones, proteins, and fatty acids used in skincare for antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-tone-evening effects. It is also studied for inhibiting protease activity, which may help reduce hair regrowth and improve skin texture. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil Key active Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), valued for emollient and skin-barrier-supporting properties. It is used in moisturizers and treatments aimed at dry, irritated, or inflammation-prone skin. |
| Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil Emollient / moisturizer | Jojoba seed oil is a liquid wax ester derived from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis, valued for its skin-compatible composition resembling human sebum. It functions primarily as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. |
| Sorbitan Caprylate Preservative / emulsifier | Sorbitan Caprylate is an ester of sorbitol and caprylic acid used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a mild antimicrobial booster and as a co-emulsifier. It is often combined with other preservation systems to support product stability. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid (commonly derived from soybean or egg) used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and penetration enhancer. It helps stabilize oil-and-water formulations and supports the skin barrier by mimicking natural lipids. |
| 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. |
| Chondrus Crispus Powder (Carrageenan) Thickener/film-former | Chondrus Crispus (Irish moss) Powder is a red algae-derived ingredient rich in carrageenan, used in skincare primarily as a natural thickener, gelling agent, and film former that also provides a humectant, conditioning feel. It can carry trace minerals and polysaccharides marketed for hydration and skin-soothing benefits. |
| Phytic Acid Chelating agent / antioxidant exfoliant | Phytic acid is a plant-derived compound that chelates metal ions and provides mild antioxidant and gentle exfoliating effects, often used in formulations to brighten skin and stabilize products. It is sometimes included in peels and serums as a milder alternative to traditional alpha hydroxy acids. |
| 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. |
| Glycyrrhetinic Acid Key active Anti-inflammatory / soothing agent | Glycyrrhetinic acid is a triterpenoid derived from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and skin-barrier-supporting properties. It is commonly included to calm redness and irritation in sensitive or inflamed skin. |
| Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, linolenic) used in cosmetics as an emollient and occlusive to soften skin and reduce moisture loss. It functions primarily as a base/carrier ingredient rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Acacia Dealbata Flower Wax Emollient / texture enhancer | Acacia Dealbata (mimosa) flower wax is a plant-derived wax used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emollient, thickening agent, and to provide structure and a soft skin feel. It is generally considered a non-active, base/formulation ingredient. |
| Jasminum Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Wax Emollient/fragrance | Jasminum Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Wax is a semi-solid, waxy botanical extract obtained during jasmine concrete and absolute production, used in skincare for its occlusive, emollient texturizing properties and natural floral scent. It functions primarily as a thickener, skin-conditioning agent, and fragrance component rather than as an active treatment. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Polyacrylate Thickener / absorbent | Sodium polyacrylate is a superabsorbent acrylic-acid polymer used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and water-binding agent that can hold large amounts of liquid to create gel-like textures. It functions as a formulation and texture-enhancing ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| Jasminum Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Extract Fragrance/skin-conditioning botanical extract | Jasminum Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Extract is a plant-derived extract used in cosmetics primarily for its aromatic fragrance and as a skin-conditioning agent. It contains volatile aromatic compounds and is generally added for scent and marketing appeal rather than proven clinical activity. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant | Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and polyphenols used in skincare for its antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties. It is also included for purported anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning benefits. |
| Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / botanical extract | Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly added to help protect formulations and skin from oxidative stress. |
| Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Key active Vitamin C derivative / antioxidant | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that is converted to active ascorbic acid in the skin. It provides antioxidant protection, supports collagen synthesis, and is also studied for its brightening and anti-acne (antibacterial) effects. |
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.