Below is every ingredient in Deconstruct Retinol Night Cream 0 1 Retinol 1 Beta Glucan Complex 50G 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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent; propanediol is generally considered low-risk for allergy. |
| Enhanced penetration of co-formulated irritants | Uncommon | As a penetration enhancer it may increase absorption and irritation potential of other actives. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Low comedogenic potential, but possible in acne-prone individuals. |
| Comedogenic reaction | Rare | Possible pore congestion in acne-prone individuals depending on overall formulation. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Allergy to this inert hydrocarbon is uncommon and poorly documented. |
| Acneiform breakouts (clogged pores) | Rare | Considered low comedogenicity, but heavy occlusive feel may contribute in acne-prone users. |
| Comedogenicity (acne/clogged pores) | Common | Considered a moderately to highly comedogenic ingredient; may worsen acne or cause breakouts in acne-prone individuals. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild irritation or stinging reported, particularly on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Folliculitis | Rare | Follicular irritation linked to its occlusive and pore-clogging tendency. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Cetearyl Olivate Emulsifier / emollient | Cetearyl Olivate is an olive oil-derived emulsifier and emollient, typically used with Sorbitan Olivate, that helps blend oil and water phases while conditioning and softening the skin. It supports the skin barrier and gives formulations a light, non-greasy feel. |
| Sorbitan Olivate Emulsifier | Sorbitan Olivate is an olive-derived ester of sorbitol and olive oil fatty acids used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient. It is often paired with Cetearyl Olivate (as Olivem 1000) to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and impart a soft skin feel. |
| C15-19 Alkane Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | C15-19 Alkane is a lightweight, plant-derived (often sugarcane-based) liquid hydrocarbon used as a silicone alternative emollient and solvent in cosmetic formulations. It provides slip, spreadability, and a smooth, non-greasy skin feel without adding active treatment benefits. |
| Isopropyl Myristate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Isopropyl myristate is a synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid used as an emollient, thickening reducer, and penetration enhancer in cosmetic and topical formulations. It imparts a smooth, non-greasy feel and improves spreadability of products. |
| 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%. |
| 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. |
| Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer Thickener/stabilizer | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic copolymer used in skincare to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions, providing viscosity control and a smooth texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film former rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Ceto Stearyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetostearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols used in skincare and topical formulations as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent. It helps maintain product texture and supports the skin barrier rather than acting as a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Linolenic Acid Key active Skin-conditioning / barrier-repair fatty acid | Linolenic acid is an omega-3 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid used in skincare to support the skin's lipid barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss, and provide emollient and soothing benefits. It is also studied for mild anti-inflammatory and comedolytic effects. |
| 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. |
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.