Below is every ingredient in Eve Lom Radiance Repair Retinol Serum 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.
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations.
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.
Avena Sativa (oat) Kernel Extract is derived from oat seeds and is used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier-supporting properties, largely attributed to avenanthramides, beta-glucans, and saponins. It is commonly incorporated to calm irritation, reduce itching, and improve hydration in sensitive or compromised skin.
Lactobacillus Ferment is a postbiotic ingredient produced by the fermentation of Lactobacillus bacteria, used in skincare for its soothing, barrier-supporting, and antioxidant properties. It may help balance the skin microbiome and reduce visible signs of irritation.
Tannic acid is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound used in skincare for its astringent, antioxidant, and mild antimicrobial properties. It can help tighten skin, reduce oiliness, and provide protection against oxidative stress.
Bioflavonoids are a group of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds used in skincare for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function. They are also reported to help strengthen capillaries and reduce visible redness.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
| Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional transient irritation reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization to PEG-derived ingredients is uncommon but documented in isolated cases. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible stinging or irritation upon direct ocular contact. |
| 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 transient irritation or stinging | Rare | Occasional on sensitive or compromised skin |
| Enhanced penetration of other ingredients | Common | Not an adverse effect per se, but as a solubilizer it may increase absorption of co-formulated substances. |
| Mild transient skin irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, typically in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Subjective tackiness or film buildup | Uncommon | Cosmetic discomfort rather than a true adverse health effect. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| AQUA Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| GLYCERETH-26 Humectant/emollient | Glycereth-26 is a polyethylene glycol ether of glycerin used in skincare and cosmetic formulations as a water-soluble humectant and emollient. It helps attract and retain moisture, solubilize ingredients, and improve product texture. |
| 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. |
| XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitylglucoside is a sugar-derived humectant, typically used in combination with anhydroxylitol and xylitol, that helps attract and retain water in the skin and supports the skin barrier. It is valued for its skin-hydrating and moisturizing properties in cosmetic formulations. |
| 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. |
| POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6 Film-forming/sensory-enhancing rheology modifier | Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic crosslinked acrylate polymer used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to provide a smooth, silky sensory feel, stabilize emulsions, and help form a light film on the skin. It is a formulation aid rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| 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. |
| ANHYDROXYLITOL Humectant / moisturizing agent | Anhydroxylitol is a sugar-derived (xylitol) humectant used in skincare to attract and retain water, helping to maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is often combined with xylitol and xylitylglucoside to enhance the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| CAESALPINIA SPINOSA FRUIT EXTRACT Skin conditioning / film-forming humectant | Caesalpinia spinosa (tara) fruit extract is a polysaccharide-rich botanical used in skincare for its film-forming, moisturizing, and skin-smoothing properties, often providing an immediate tightening or 'tensor' effect. It is sometimes combined with other gums or sugars to support hydration and improve skin texture. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| PENTYLENE GLYCOL Humectant / solvent / preservative-booster | Pentylene glycol is a glycol used in cosmetics as a humectant and solvent that also enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations, helping reduce reliance on traditional preservatives. It improves skin hydration and aids the delivery and stability of other ingredients. |
| 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. |
| PANICUM MILIACEUM SEED EXTRACT Conditioning / antioxidant | Panicum miliaceum (millet) seed extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in silica, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, used in skincare and haircare for its conditioning, soothing, and protective properties. It is often promoted for supporting skin and scalp health and improving hydration. |
| XYLITOL Humectant / moisturizer | Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in topical formulations as a humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, and it may support the skin's microbiome and barrier function. It is generally well tolerated and considered safe for topical use. |
| HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID Humectant / moisturizer | Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid broken into smaller fragments, allowing better penetration into the skin to bind water and improve hydration. It is widely used in moisturizers and serums to enhance skin moisture content and surface smoothness. |
| KAPPAPHYCUS ALVAREZII EXTRACT Skin-conditioning / humectant (algae extract) | Kappaphycus alvarezii extract is derived from a red seaweed and is used in skincare primarily as a skin-conditioning and moisturizing agent, valued for its polysaccharide (carrageenan-type) content that provides hydration and film-forming properties. It may also contribute mild antioxidant and soothing effects in topical formulations. |
| ALCOHOL Solvent / penetration enhancer | Alcohol (typically ethanol or denatured alcohol) is used in skincare as a solvent, antimicrobial agent, and to improve product spreadability and rapid drying. It also enhances penetration of other ingredients and gives a lightweight feel to formulations. |
| LACTIC ACID Key active Chemical exfoliant (AHA) | Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin by loosening bonds between corneocytes, promoting cell turnover, and acting as a humectant to improve hydration, texture, and tone. It is commonly used at concentrations ranging from low (hydration) to higher peel-strength formulations. |
| 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. |
| AVENA SATIVA KERNEL EXTRACT Key active Soothing / anti-irritant | Avena Sativa (oat) Kernel Extract is derived from oat seeds and is used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier-supporting properties, largely attributed to avenanthramides, beta-glucans, and saponins. It is commonly incorporated to calm irritation, reduce itching, and improve hydration in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| LACTOBACILLUS FERMENT Key active Probiotic-derived skin conditioning/soothing agent | Lactobacillus Ferment is a postbiotic ingredient produced by the fermentation of Lactobacillus bacteria, used in skincare for its soothing, barrier-supporting, and antioxidant properties. It may help balance the skin microbiome and reduce visible signs of irritation. |
| 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. |
| DECYLENE GLYCOL Emollient / humectant / preservative-booster | Decylene glycol is a glycol-based ingredient used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a skin-conditioning emollient and humectant, and it also provides antimicrobial activity that helps stabilize and preserve products. It is generally considered a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| SODIUM BENZOATE Preservative | Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, particularly in acidic products. It is most effective at a pH below 5. |
| POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE pH adjuster / buffering agent | Potassium phosphate is a salt used in cosmetic and skincare formulations primarily as a buffering agent and pH stabilizer, helping maintain product stability and skin compatibility. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| TANNIC ACID Key active Astringent/antioxidant | Tannic acid is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound used in skincare for its astringent, antioxidant, and mild antimicrobial properties. It can help tighten skin, reduce oiliness, and provide protection against oxidative stress. |
| BIOFLAVONOIDS Key active Antioxidant | Bioflavonoids are a group of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds used in skincare for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function. They are also reported to help strengthen capillaries and reduce visible redness. |
| CHLOROGENIC ACIDS Key active Antioxidant | Chlorogenic acids are a group of polyphenolic compounds found in coffee, green tea and other plants, used in skincare for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help neutralize free radicals and may support protection against UV-induced oxidative stress. |
| GLUCOSE Humectant/skin-conditioning agent | Glucose is a simple sugar used in skincare primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It can also serve as a substrate in formulations and contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factors. |
| ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER OIL Fragrance/Aromatic | Rosa Damascena Flower Oil (rose otto) is a steam-distilled essential oil from Damask rose petals used primarily as a natural fragrance and for purported soothing and antioxidant properties. It is composed of compounds such as citronellol, geraniol, and nerol. |
| POTASSIUM SORBATE Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
| 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. |
| HYDROLYZED GARDENIA FLORIDA EXTRACT Key active Antioxidant/skin-conditioning | Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract is a botanical-derived ingredient obtained by hydrolyzing extracts of the gardenia plant, used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is valued for components such as iridoid glycosides and crocetin derivatives that may help support skin barrier and provide soothing effects. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| ASCORBYL PALMITATE Key active Antioxidant / Vitamin C derivative | Ascorbyl palmitate is a lipid-soluble, more stable ester of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) used as an antioxidant in skincare formulations. It can help protect formulas from oxidation and may offer some skin antioxidant benefits, though its conversion to active ascorbic acid in skin is limited. |
| CITRONELLOL Fragrance ingredient | Citronellol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol used as a fragrance and flavoring agent, providing a rose-like, citrusy scent in cosmetics and personal care products. It is found in essential oils such as rose, geranium, and citronella. |
| GERANIOL Fragrance/aroma compound | Geraniol is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and for its pleasant rose-like scent. It also has mild antioxidant and antimicrobial properties but is included mainly for olfactory rather than therapeutic purposes. |
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.