Below is every ingredient in Obagi Retinol 1 0 Cream 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.
Chamomilla Recutita (German chamomile) flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, attributed to compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and flavonoids. It is commonly added to formulations intended to calm sensitive, irritated, or reddened skin.
Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort) flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to constituents such as hypericin, flavonoids, and hyperforin. It is applied topically to support wound healing and to soothe irritated skin.
Salvia Officinalis (sage) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and antimicrobial properties. It may help soothe skin, reduce sebum, and provide mild preservative-boosting effects.
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.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild contact irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, usually in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; considered a low-sensitizing ingredient. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Rare | Generally low comedogenic potential, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional transient redness or stinging in sensitive individuals. |
| Contact allergy/sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are low-allergenicity; documented allergic reactions are exceptional. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging if product enters the eyes. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or at high concentrations. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Comedogenicity / pore clogging | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals depending on concentration and formulation. |
| Comedogenicity/acne aggravation | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores or breakouts in acne-prone or oily skin due to its occlusive, lipid-rich nature. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation or redness possible, generally in sensitive individuals. |
| Concerns over residual ethylene oxide/1,4-dioxane impurities | Very rare | Relates to manufacturing byproducts of ethoxylation rather than the ingredient itself; controlled by purification standards. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Possible in acne-prone individuals, though generally considered low risk. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| 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. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Emollient/occlusive | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (shea butter) is a plant-derived fat used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is rich in fatty acids and unsaponifiables that condition and help maintain the skin barrier. |
| Polysorbate 60 Emulsifier / surfactant | Polysorbate 60 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Stearyl Alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent to improve texture and prevent ingredient separation. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency of creams and lotions. |
| 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. |
| Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer Film former / texture enhancer | Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked polymer used in cosmetic formulations as a film-forming agent, viscosity controller, and to improve sensory texture and the spreadability of products. It functions as an inert base ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| 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. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Emollient / occlusive | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil is a liquid wax ester extracted from jojoba plant seeds, valued for its skin-conditioning, emollient, and occlusive properties and its structural similarity to human sebum. It is widely used as a non-comedogenic carrier and moisturizer in cosmetic formulations. |
| Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Chamomilla Recutita (German chamomile) flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, attributed to compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and flavonoids. It is commonly added to formulations intended to calm sensitive, irritated, or reddened skin. |
| Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant botanical extract | Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort) flower extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to constituents such as hypericin, flavonoids, and hyperforin. It is applied topically to support wound healing and to soothe irritated skin. |
| Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract Soothing/emollient botanical extract | Malva Sylvestris (mallow) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its mucilage content, used in skincare for its soothing, emollient, and humectant properties. It is commonly included in formulations aimed at calming sensitive or irritated skin. |
| Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant/antimicrobial botanical extract | Salvia Officinalis (sage) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and antimicrobial properties. It may help soothe skin, reduce sebum, and provide mild preservative-boosting effects. |
| Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract Antioxidant/Soothing | Sambucus Nigra (elderflower) Flower Extract is a botanical derived from elderflower, used in skincare for its antioxidant, soothing, and mild astringent properties attributed to flavonoids and phenolic compounds. It is typically included as a supportive botanical rather than a primary active. |
| Cyclohexasiloxane Emollient / silicone solvent | Cyclohexasiloxane (D6) is a cyclic silicone used in cosmetics as a volatile carrier and emollient that imparts a smooth, silky feel and helps spread other ingredients before evaporating. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sorbitol Humectant | Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used in skincare as a humectant and texture enhancer, drawing moisture into the skin and improving product spreadability. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Ascorbic Acid Key active Antioxidant / brightening active | Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals, inhibit melanin synthesis, and support collagen production. It is valued for brightening, evening skin tone, and protecting against photodamage when used alongside sunscreen. |
| Ubiquinone Key active Antioxidant | Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) is a fat-soluble, naturally occurring antioxidant used in skincare to neutralize free radicals and support cellular energy production. It is commonly included in anti-aging formulations to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and oxidative skin damage. |
| 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. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Bisabolol Key active Soothing/anti-inflammatory agent | Bisabolol is a naturally derived (typically from chamomile) or synthetic terpene alcohol used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is also reported to enhance penetration of other ingredients and offers mild antimicrobial activity. |
| Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer Silicone elastomer / texture enhancer | Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a crosslinked silicone elastomer used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a silky, smooth feel, absorb excess oil, blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, and improve product spreadability. It functions as a formulation/sensory agent rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Key active Anti-inflammatory/soothing agent | Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a water-soluble salt derived from licorice root (glycyrrhizic acid) used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly added to formulations to calm irritation, redness, and sensitivity. |
| 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. |
| Triethanolamine pH adjuster / emulsifier | Triethanolamine is an organic compound used in cosmetic formulations primarily to adjust pH and to act as an emulsifying agent, helping to stabilize mixtures of oil and water. It is typically present in small concentrations as a formulation aid 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Hexylene Glycol Solvent / humectant | Hexylene glycol is a small glycol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent, viscosity-reducer, and mild humectant. It helps dissolve other ingredients and improve product texture rather than providing a direct therapeutic skin benefit. |
| 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. |
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.