Below is every ingredient in Innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Toner Pad 60 Pcs 170 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.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a postbiotic ingredient made from the broken-down (lysed) cells of fermented Lactobacillus bacteria. It is used in skincare to support the skin barrier, modulate the skin microbiome, and provide soothing and antioxidant benefits.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%.
Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also valued for antioxidant and collagen-supporting properties in topical formulations.
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a postbiotic ingredient made from the broken-down (lysed) cells of fermented Lactobacillus bacteria. It is used in skincare to support the skin barrier, modulate the skin microbiome, and provide soothing and antioxidant benefits.
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient flushing or redness | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or in sensitive skin; usually subsides quickly. |
| Tingling, stinging, or burning sensation | Uncommon | Often associated with higher percentages or compromised barrier. |
| Contact irritation or itching | Rare | Generally dose-dependent and resolves with discontinuation. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Documented in isolated case reports; true sensitization is unusual. |
| Comedogenicity / clogged pores | Uncommon | May contribute to pore congestion in acne-prone individuals due to its rich, occlusive nature. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Occasional mild irritation, often related to other formulation components rather than shea itself. |
| Skin barrier disruption | Common | High oleic acid content may impair the stratum corneum barrier, particularly in infants and those with compromised skin. |
| Acne or comedone aggravation | Uncommon | Considered moderately comedogenic and may worsen acne in oily or acne-prone skin. |
| Irritant or contact dermatitis | Uncommon | May cause redness, stinging, or worsening of eczema in sensitive individuals. |
| Mild transient irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Usually related to pH-adjusting buffers in sensitive skin |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Linked to specific buffering or emulsifying agents rather than 'balance' itself |
| Allergic reaction | Very rare | Dependent on the actual constituent chemicals used |
| Redness or erythema | Rare | Typically resolves on discontinuation; may relate to other formulation components. |
| Acneiform breakouts or folliculitis | Very rare | Occasional anecdotal reports; causality with the lysate specifically is not well established. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| shea butter Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Shea butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiable compounds. It is widely used in skincare to soften skin, reduce transepidermal water loss, and provide an occlusive barrier. |
| olive oil Emollient / occlusive | Olive oil is a plant-derived lipid rich in oleic acid used as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is commonly found in moisturizers, cleansing oils, and massage products. |
| balance pH/formulation balancer | "Balance" is not a defined cosmetic active ingredient but a general formulation concept referring to maintaining a product's pH, oil-water equilibrium, or skin barrier homeostasis. It typically describes the role of buffering agents, emulsifiers, or supportive excipients rather than a single therapeutic compound. |
| lactobacillus ferment lysate Key active Probiotic-derived skin conditioning agent | Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a postbiotic ingredient made from the broken-down (lysed) cells of fermented Lactobacillus bacteria. It is used in skincare to support the skin barrier, modulate the skin microbiome, and provide soothing and antioxidant benefits. |
| 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. |
| Niacinamide Key active Cell-communicating / barrier-repair active | Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble active that supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, and reduces inflammation. It is widely tolerated across skin types and used in concentrations commonly ranging from 2% to 10%. |
| Dipropylene Glycol Solvent/humectant | Dipropylene glycol is a clear, low-viscosity glycol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity-reducing agent. It helps dissolve fragrances and other ingredients while contributing mild moisture-retention properties. |
| 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. |
| Centella Asiatica Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant active | Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids) used to calm inflammation, support wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also valued for antioxidant and collagen-supporting properties in topical 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. |
| Hydroxyethyl Urea Humectant / moisturizer | Hydroxyethyl Urea is a water-soluble humectant derived from urea that attracts and binds moisture to the skin, helping improve hydration and softness. It is commonly used in moisturizers and leave-on formulations as a gentle alternative to urea. |
| Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Emulsifier / surfactant | Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a non-ionic ester of polyglycerin and lauric acid used as a gentle emulsifier and mild surfactant in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps stabilize oil-in-water systems and can act as a solubilizer or cleansing agent. |
| Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Key active Probiotic-derived skin conditioning agent | Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a postbiotic ingredient made from the broken-down (lysed) cells of fermented Lactobacillus bacteria. It is used in skincare to support the skin barrier, modulate the skin microbiome, and provide soothing and antioxidant benefits. |
| 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. |
| Erythritol Humectant | Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used in skincare as a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It also imparts a mild cooling sensation and can enhance the texture and stability of formulations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables. It is widely used in skincare to soften, smooth, and condition the skin while forming an occlusive barrier that reduces water loss. |
| Adenosine Key active Anti-aging/soothing active | Adenosine is a nucleoside that signals through cell-surface receptors to promote dermal fibroblast activity and collagen/elastin production, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties at low concentrations commonly used in cosmetics (around 0.04-0.1%). |
| Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil Emollient / occlusive | Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil is a plant-derived oil rich in oleic acid and minor antioxidants, used to soften, condition, and reduce transepidermal water loss in skincare formulations. It serves primarily as an emollient and occlusive base ingredient rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Rheology modifier / emulsion stabilizer | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps suspend ingredients and provides a smooth, consistent texture without acting as a treatment active. |
| Arginine Amino acid / pH adjuster & conditioning agent | Arginine is a basic amino acid used in skincare primarily as a pH buffer/neutralizer and humectant-like conditioning agent that supports skin hydration and barrier function. It is generally well tolerated and often paired with acidic ingredients to balance formulation pH. |
| Sodium Phytate Chelating agent | Sodium Phytate is the sodium salt of phytic acid used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions, improving product stability and preventing oxidation. It can also offer mild antioxidant support and is often included at low concentrations. |
| Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer Thickener/stabilizer | Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic acrylic copolymer used in skincare to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions, providing viscosity control and a smooth texture. It functions as a rheology modifier and film former rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Hydroxyethylcellulose Thickener/viscosity modifier | Hydroxyethylcellulose is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose derivative used to thicken, stabilize, and adjust the texture of aqueous cosmetic formulations. It functions as a gelling and film-forming agent rather than providing a direct biological skin benefit. |
| Polyglutamic Acid Humectant | Polyglutamic acid is a biodegradable peptide-based humectant that binds water to the skin's surface, helping to increase hydration and improve skin smoothness. It is often used alongside or as an alternative to hyaluronic acid. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide Cooling agent | Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide is a synthetic, non-menthol cooling agent that triggers a sensation of coolness on skin without the strong odor or irritation of menthol. It is commonly used in aftershaves, deodorants, and cosmetic formulations to impart a refreshing feel. |
| Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant / emollient | Camellia Sinensis (green tea) Seed Extract is derived from tea plant seeds and is used in skincare for its antioxidant polyphenols and emollient, conditioning oils. It helps protect skin from oxidative stress and supports the skin barrier. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Cholesterol Skin barrier lipid / emollient | Cholesterol is a naturally occurring lipid found in the skin's stratum corneum that, alongside ceramides and fatty acids, helps maintain the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss. In skincare formulations it functions as an emollient and barrier-repair agent that improves hydration and skin resilience. |
| Phytosphingosine Key active Skin-conditioning agent / barrier-supporting lipid | Phytosphingosine is a naturally occurring sphingolipid that helps maintain the skin barrier and also exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly incorporated into moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations to support ceramide synthesis and skin integrity. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
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.