Retinol & Peptide Anti-Ageing Serum - Retinol 0.2% + Peptide 1%
A serums with Retinol (0.2%) and Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (1%), fragrance free.
- Combination skin
- Using other actives or daytime without SPF
- Pregnant or trying to conceive
₹499 · ₹17/ml • Analysed 4 June 2026
A water-based retinol serum with Retinol at a brand-confirmed 0.2% and a Peptide complex at a brand-confirmed 1%. At 0.2%, this formula sits at a meaningful intermediate concentration - effective enough to produce visible anti-ageing results while remaining below the EU guideline face limit of 0.3%. Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline), the signal peptide in the complex, modulates micro-muscle contractions to reduce the appearance of expression lines and complements retinol's collagen-stimulating action. Niacinamide appears at an early INCI position, suggesting a meaningful concentration that provides barrier-strengthening support to buffer the retinol transition period. Not for beginners - suited to users with some prior retinoid experience.
This is a web evidence review, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of review.
At a glance
What was checked
Each claim checked against publicly available evidence: published test reports, the ingredient list, and regulatory data.
No fragrance of any kind found in the INCI. No parfum, no essential oils, no Benzyl Alcohol.
Score breakdown
How this product was rated across four areas. Open any row for the full rationale.
Ingredient SafetyStrong44/50Clean allergen profile with a fragrance free formula.
Retinol at 0.2% is an intermediate concentration - significantly more active than entry-level formulas (0.025-0.05%) but below the EU guideline limit of 0.3% for face products. New retinol users should not start here without prior retinoid experience. All vitamin A derivatives carry a mandatory pregnancy contraindication. No synthetic fragrance, no parabens, no SLES, no alcohol (ethanol). The water-based vehicle is less protective of retinol stability than an anhydrous oil base, though the inclusion of Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) as a co-antioxidant helps stabilise the retinol. Opaque packaging is necessary and should be verified at point of purchase. Start with 2-3 applications per week and build tolerance before nightly use.
Formula DesignStrong17/20Retinol at 0.2% will deliver meaningful collagen stimulation, skin cell turnover acceleration, and fine line reduction with continued use.
Retinol at 0.2% will deliver meaningful collagen stimulation, skin cell turnover acceleration, and fine line reduction with continued use. Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) at 1% provides complementary anti-ageing action via a different mechanism - reducing the appearance of dynamic expression lines by modulating neuromuscular signalling. Niacinamide at its inferred concentration in this formula strengthens the skin barrier during the retinol adaptation period, helping to offset the transient dryness and sensitivity common in the first 4-6 weeks of retinol use. The water-based vehicle is climate-friendly for Indian users but is less ideal for retinol stability than an anhydrous oil base.
Claims EvidenceExcellent18/20Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.
Full ingredient list on thedeconstruct.in. Retinol at 0.2% and the 1% Peptide complex are brand-confirmed. The pregnancy contraindication is communicated on packaging. Deconstruct provides ingredient education content across the product range. The formula pH is not disclosed - relevant context for retinol stability. No unsupported efficacy claims identified.
Ethics & SustainabilityStrong8/10Cruelty-free.
Cruelty-free. Vegan. No synthetic fragrance or dyes. Indian brand. Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 is synthetically produced - no animal sourcing. Protective opaque packaging is functional. Uses Disodium EDTA rather than a biodegradable alternative. Independent sustainable sourcing verification not confirmed.
Ingredient list
15 ingredients · INCI order
| Ingredient |
|---|
Water/Aqua |
Niacinamide |
Glycerin |
Propylene Glycol |
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 |
Panthenol |
Sodium Hyaluronate |
Allantoin |
Show all 15 ingredientsShow fewer
Retinol |
Tocopheryl Acetate |
Carbomer |
Sodium Hydroxide |
Phenoxyethanol |
Ethylhexylglycerin |
Disodium EDTA |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
Consumer reviews
This is a web evidence review, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of review.
Full methodology
- What global regulations say about each ingredient
- What toxicology evidence shows at cosmetic concentrations
- What formula concentration context changes
- What the product format and leave-on contact time changes
- What the stated user group needs
- What published test evidence confirms
- What the brand is claiming vs what evidence supports
At 0.2%, this retinol serum delivers meaningful anti-ageing results but requires a gradual introduction. PIH risk from retinoid dermatitis is higher in Indian skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI), so never skip the tolerance-building phase: 2-3 nights per week for the first 4-6 weeks before increasing frequency. Apply at night, follow with SPF 50+ every morning - retinol increases photosensitivity significantly. Indian summer conditions require extra caution: reduce frequency during peak heat months if skin becomes reactive.
