Below is every ingredient in 0.3% Retinol Serum - 30ml 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.
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol is a synthetic chroman-derived antioxidant (a vitamin E-related molecule) used in cosmetic formulations to neutralize free radicals and protect skin and product stability against oxidative damage. It is marketed for both lipophilic and hydrophilic environments, offering broad-spectrum protection against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
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.
Physalis Angulata Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, often included to help calm and protect the skin. It contains compounds such as physalins and flavonoids that may help mitigate oxidative stress.
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol is a synthetic cyclohexanol derivative used in skincare to reduce sensory irritation and redness by inhibiting the TRPV1 receptor. It is commonly added to formulations for sensitive or reactive skin to counteract irritation from other actives.
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.
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. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation possible in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization is uncommon; isolated reports only. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging if product enters the eyes. |
| 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 irritation or redness | Rare | Occasional sensitivity reported in susceptible individuals; generally well tolerated at typical use concentrations. |
| Contact allergy or sensitization | Very rare | Isolated reports; limited data on long-term sensitization potential. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Rarely reported immediate hypersensitivity reaction. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient stinging or redness, more likely at higher concentrations or on compromised skin. |
| Skin dryness | Uncommon | Its solvent action may contribute to dryness with repeated use in some individuals. |
| Systemic toxicity | Very rare | Of theoretical concern with large-scale ingestion or extreme exposure; not associated with normal topical cosmetic use. |
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. |
| Diethylhexyl Carbonate Emollient / solvent | Diethylhexyl Carbonate is a lightweight synthetic ester (dialkyl carbonate) used as an emollient and solvent in skincare and cosmetics. It imparts a smooth, dry, non-greasy skin feel and helps dissolve and spread other ingredients such as UV filters and active oils. |
| 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. |
| Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol Key active Antioxidant | Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol is a synthetic chroman-derived antioxidant (a vitamin E-related molecule) used in cosmetic formulations to neutralize free radicals and protect skin and product stability against oxidative damage. It is marketed for both lipophilic and hydrophilic environments, offering broad-spectrum protection against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. |
| Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene Photostabilizer / UV filter solubilizer | Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene is a synthetic ingredient used in sunscreens to stabilize UV filters such as avobenzone and octinoxate, preventing their photodegradation upon sun exposure. It also acts as a solvent that helps dissolve other UV-absorbing compounds in the formulation. |
| Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Solvent / penetration enhancer | Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (ethoxydiglycol) is a versatile solvent and penetration enhancer used in cosmetic and topical formulations to dissolve active ingredients and improve their absorption into the skin. It also functions as a viscosity reducer and coupling agent in mixed-phase products. |
| 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. |
| Physalis Angulata Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Physalis Angulata Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, often included to help calm and protect the skin. It contains compounds such as physalins and flavonoids that may help mitigate oxidative stress. |
| 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. |
| Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Emulsifier/stabilizer (thickener) | Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a synthetic acrylate-based polymer used to thicken, stabilize, and emulsify cosmetic formulations, creating smooth gel and cream textures. It is widely employed as a rheology modifier and is not 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. |
| Phenyl Trimethicone Silicone emollient/conditioning agent | Phenyl Trimethicone is a phenyl-substituted silicone used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel, add shine, and provide water-repellent film-forming and conditioning properties. It functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Dimethiconol Emollient/silicone conditioning agent | Dimethiconol is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare and haircare to provide smoothing, conditioning, and a soft, non-greasy emollient feel. It forms a thin, breathable film that reduces moisture loss and improves spreadability of formulations. |
| 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. |
| Dimethicone Crosspolymer Silicone-based texture enhancer/film former | Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a crosslinked silicone polymer used in skincare and cosmetics to provide a smooth, silky feel, absorb excess oil, blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, and improve product spreadability. It functions as a formulation 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. |
| Behenyl Alcohol Emollient / Thickener | Behenyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from behenic acid that functions as an emollient, thickening agent, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It helps soften the skin and improve product texture and stability. |
| Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate Emulsifier / emollient | Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate is a glucose-derived nonionic emulsifier used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and impart a smooth, conditioning skin feel. It is considered mild and is widely used as a formulation base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Chelating agent | Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate (Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, or HEDTA-type biodegradable chelator) is a biodegradable chelating agent used to bind metal ions in cosmetic formulations. By sequestering trace metals, it helps stabilize products, prevent discoloration and rancidity, and enhance the efficacy of preservatives and antioxidants. |
| Pentaerythrityl Distearate Emollient / thickener | Pentaerythrityl Distearate is an ester of pentaerythritol and stearic acid used as an emollient, viscosity-modifier and texture enhancer in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a smooth, conditioning feel and helps stabilize emulsions. |
| 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. |
| 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol Key active Soothing/anti-irritant agent (TRPV1 antagonist) | 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol is a synthetic cyclohexanol derivative used in skincare to reduce sensory irritation and redness by inhibiting the TRPV1 receptor. It is commonly added to formulations for sensitive or reactive skin to counteract irritation from other actives. |
| Butylhydroxytoluene Antioxidant/preservative | Butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used in cosmetics to prevent oxidative degradation of oils, fragrances, and other ingredients, thereby extending product shelf life. It is a formulation stabilizer rather than a skin-treatment active. |
| Sodium Metabisulfite Antioxidant/preservative | Sodium metabisulfite is an inorganic salt used in cosmetic and topical formulations primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration of products. It releases sulfur dioxide, which helps stabilize sensitive ingredients. |
| 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. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
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.