Below is every ingredient in Dr Althea 0 1 Gentle Retinol Serum 30 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.
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.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived (Psoralea corylifolia) compound used as a gentler functional alternative to retinol, promoting collagen production and improving signs of photoaging. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is generally better tolerated than retinoids.
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.
Borago Officinalis (borage) Extract is derived from the borage plant and is valued for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid. It is used in skincare to support the skin barrier, provide emollient softening, and help soothe dry or irritated skin.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and flavonoids, valued for its skin-calming and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used in topical formulations to reduce redness and irritation.
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.
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. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-test studies but considered a relatively weak sensitizer. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive skin. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Possible if product contacts the eyes during application. |
| Mild transient skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on compromised skin barriers. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Rare | Occasional case reports; patch testing can confirm. |
| Eye irritation on accidental contact | Uncommon | Relevant mainly in leave-on or rinse-off products near the eye area. |
| Mild irritation or stinging | Rare | Transient irritation may occur, more often on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate hives following topical exposure. |
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Usually transient and more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
| Comedogenicity / acne aggravation | Uncommon | Has a low-to-moderate comedogenic potential in acne-prone individuals. |
| Contact urticaria in soy-allergic individuals | Very rare | Refined oil contains minimal protein, so reactions are exceptional but theoretically possible in highly sensitized people. |
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. |
| 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. |
| Dibutyl Adipate Emollient / solvent | Dibutyl Adipate is a synthetic ester of adipic acid and butanol used in cosmetics as an emollient, solvent, and skin-conditioning agent. It imparts a light, non-greasy feel and helps spread and dissolve UV filters and other oil-soluble ingredients. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil Emollient / antioxidant | Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in linoleic acid, tocopherols, and phytosterols used in skincare to soften skin, reinforce the barrier, and provide mild antioxidant activity. It functions primarily as a base emollient rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid derived from lecithin through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. It also helps stabilize formulations and form liposomes that can aid delivery of other ingredients. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Thickener / stabilizer | Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic-based polymer used as a rheology modifier, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps create smooth, stable gels and creams without contributing active treatment benefits to the skin. |
| Betula Alba Juice Soothing/hydrating botanical (humectant) | Betula Alba Juice is the sap or juice derived from the white birch tree, used in skincare primarily as a water-substitute base and hydrating agent. It contains sugars, amino acids, and minerals thought to provide mild soothing and moisturizing benefits. |
| 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. |
| Bakuchiol Key active Retinol alternative / antioxidant | Bakuchiol is a plant-derived (Psoralea corylifolia) compound used as a gentler functional alternative to retinol, promoting collagen production and improving signs of photoaging. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is generally better tolerated than retinoids. |
| Polyisobutene Emollient/film-former | Polyisobutene is a synthetic hydrocarbon polymer used in cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and film-forming agent that imparts smooth texture, adhesion, and improved spreadability. It is commonly found in long-wear makeup, lip products, and sunscreens to enhance water resistance and product longevity. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer Film-former / humectant | Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used in skincare and cosmetic formulations primarily as a film-forming agent and humectant. It helps form a flexible, breathable film on the skin that improves moisture retention, sensory feel, and the stability or wear of the product. |
| 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. |
| Sorbitan Isostearate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sorbitan isostearate is a sorbitan ester of isostearic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier and stabilizer in oil-in-water and water-in-oil cosmetic formulations. It helps blend oil and water phases and improves texture and spreadability. |
| Pvm/Ma Copolymer Film-former/binder | PVM/MA Copolymer (polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer) is a synthetic film-forming polymer used in skincare and cosmetics to provide adhesion, hold, and stabilization of formulations. It is commonly found in masks, sunscreens, hairsprays, and long-wear products. |
| Sorbitan Oleate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sorbitan Oleate is a nonionic surfactant and lipophilic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to stabilize oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions in creams, lotions, and other cosmetic formulations. It is generally regarded as safe and well-tolerated at typical use concentrations. |
| Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside Surfactant/cleanser | Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is a mild, biodegradable nonionic surfactant derived from coconut/palm-based fatty alcohols and glucose, used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent. It is valued for its low irritation potential and suitability for sensitive-skin and baby cleansing formulations. |
| Hyacinthus Orientalis (Hyacinth) Extract Botanical extract / fragrance-skin conditioning agent | Hyacinthus Orientalis (Hyacinth) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in cosmetics primarily for its aromatic and skin-conditioning properties. It contains naturally occurring fragrance compounds and is typically included at low concentrations in floral or botanical formulations. |
| Borago Officinalis Extract Key active Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Borago Officinalis (borage) Extract is derived from the borage plant and is valued for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid. It is used in skincare to support the skin barrier, provide emollient softening, and help soothe dry or irritated skin. |
| Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract Key active Soothing / anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and flavonoids, valued for its skin-calming and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used in topical formulations to reduce redness and irritation. |
| Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Centaurea Cyanus (cornflower) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient traditionally used for its soothing, mildly astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties, often included in eye and facial products to calm irritation and reduce puffiness. It also provides minor antioxidant activity from flavonoids and anthocyanins. |
| Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract Soothing/antioxidant botanical extract | Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and astringent properties, often included to support skin conditioning and provide aromatic benefits. It contains polyphenols and other phytochemicals that may help calm and tone the skin. |
| Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract Fragrance/soothing botanical extract | Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its aromatic, antioxidant, and traditionally soothing properties. It contains volatile compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate that can contribute fragrance and potential skin-conditioning effects. |
| 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. |
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.