Below is every ingredient in Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil 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.
Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol and palmitic acid used as a vitamin A source and antioxidant in skincare. It is converted in the skin to retinol and then retinoic acid, offering milder anti-aging and skin-conditioning effects than stronger retinoids.
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.
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.
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.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a stable, oil-soluble derivative of vitamin C used as an antioxidant that can be converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, supporting collagen synthesis and helping reduce signs of photoaging and hyperpigmentation. It is favored for its stability and ability to penetrate the skin's lipid barrier compared with pure ascorbic acid.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a synthetic palmitoylated peptide (sequence Gly-His-Lys) used in cosmetics to signal fibroblasts and support collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis. It is commonly combined with other peptides in anti-aging and firming formulations.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation or dryness | Common | Typically transient; less pronounced than with retinol or tretinoin due to lower potency. |
| Erythema (redness) | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin. |
| Photosensitivity / increased sun sensitivity | Uncommon | Sunscreen use recommended; some studies raised questions about photostability and reactive byproducts under UV. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Hypersensitivity to the ingredient or formulation components. |
| Peeling or flaking | Uncommon | Usually associated with overuse or higher-strength products. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Jasmine is a known fragrance allergen and can cause delayed hypersensitivity reactions in sensitized individuals. |
| Skin irritation (redness, stinging) | Uncommon | May occur particularly in those with sensitive or compromised skin barriers. |
| Photosensitivity | Rare | Some botanical/fragrance extracts can increase sun sensitivity, though robust data for jasmine specifically is limited. |
| Contact urticaria | Rare | Immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with fragrance materials. |
| 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 contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Retinyl Palmitate Key active Antioxidant / retinoid (vitamin A derivative) | Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol and palmitic acid used as a vitamin A source and antioxidant in skincare. It is converted in the skin to retinol and then retinoic acid, offering milder anti-aging and skin-conditioning effects than stronger retinoids. |
| Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract Fragrance/skin-conditioning botanical extract | Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare primarily for its aromatic and skin-conditioning properties, and it is sometimes promoted for antioxidant or soothing benefits. It functions as a natural fragrance and conditioning agent rather than a clinically validated treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Laureth-23 Surfactant / emulsifier | Laureth-23 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol used in skincare and cosmetic formulations as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It helps blend oil and water phases and disperse poorly soluble ingredients rather than providing a direct therapeutic action. |
| Cetyl Palmitate Emollient / Thickener | Cetyl palmitate is a waxy ester of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid used as an emollient, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer in creams, lotions, and cosmetics. It softens skin and helps provide a smooth texture and consistent product structure. |
| Trideceth-6 Phosphate Emulsifier / surfactant | Trideceth-6 Phosphate is a phosphate ester of ethoxylated tridecyl alcohol used as an emulsifier, surfactant, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It helps blend oil and water phases and improves product texture and spreadability. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ceramide Np Skin-barrier replenishing lipid / emollient | Ceramide NP (formerly ceramide 3) is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E used to soften skin and support the skin barrier. It functions as an emollient and occlusive agent in many cosmetic formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a stable, oil-soluble derivative of vitamin C used as an antioxidant that can be converted to ascorbic acid in the skin, supporting collagen synthesis and helping reduce signs of photoaging and hyperpigmentation. It is favored for its stability and ability to penetrate the skin's lipid barrier compared with pure ascorbic acid. |
| C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Emollient / texture enhancer | C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight ester emollient widely used in skincare and cosmetics to improve spreadability, provide a smooth non-greasy skin feel, and act as a solvent and mild antimicrobial booster. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Sorbitan Laurate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sorbitan Laurate is a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture in skincare formulations. It functions primarily as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester Emollient / thickener | C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester is a wax-like ester used in skincare and cosmetic formulations primarily as an emollient, thickening agent, and opacifier that improves texture and stability. It softens the skin surface and helps create a smooth, creamy product feel without contributing active treatment effects. |
| C18-36 Acid Triglyceride Emollient / thickener | C18-36 Acid Triglyceride is a synthetic triglyceride derived from long-chain fatty acids, used in cosmetics as an emollient, viscosity-building agent, and structuring lipid to improve skin feel and product texture. It helps soften skin and stabilize formulations rather than acting as a treatment active. |
| Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 Key active Signal peptide / anti-aging active | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a synthetic palmitoylated peptide (sequence Gly-His-Lys) used in cosmetics to signal fibroblasts and support collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis. It is commonly combined with other peptides in anti-aging and firming formulations. |
| Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 Key active Anti-aging signal peptide | Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a palmitoylated synthetic peptide used in cosmetic formulations, primarily marketed to help reduce inflammatory signaling and support a more even, firmer skin appearance. It is commonly paired with other peptides such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in anti-aging products. |
| Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil Emollient / antioxidant oil | Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil is a plant-derived emollient pressed from cranberry seeds, valued for its balanced omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acid profile and tocopherol (vitamin E) content. It conditions and softens skin while providing antioxidant support in cosmetic formulations. |
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.