0.1% Retinol Serum
A serums with Retinol (0.1%) and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, fragrance free.
- Skincare beginners
- Using other actives or daytime without SPF
- Pregnant or trying to conceive
₹699 · ₹23/ml • Analysed 5 June 2026
A retinol serum at a brand-confirmed 0.1% in a silicone emulsion base. Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene (position 2) is an unusual inclusion in a serum context — it is a UV filter and photostabiliser that protects retinol from photodegradation in the bottle during storage, not a skin-applied SPF. Diethylhexyl Carbonate at position 3 is a lightweight emollient solvent. The formula uses a Cyclopentasiloxane (D5 silicone) blend at position 9, which is the dominant vehicle alongside Phenyl Trimethicone and Dimethicone Crosspolymer — creating a smooth, non-sticky silicone-in-water emulsion. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (position 4) is an oil-soluble, stable Vitamin C form that adds antioxidant support. Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol (position 5) is a patented antioxidant (Lipochroman-6) with published efficacy for free-radical scavenging. 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol (position 16) is included to reduce retinol-associated irritation.
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 SafetyStrong41/50Clean allergen profile with a fragrance free formula.
Retinol at 0.1% is a low beginner-friendly concentration — well below the EU guideline limit for face leave-on (0.3%). All retinoids carry a pregnancy contraindication. Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) in the silicone blend at position 9 is a cyclic silicone with documented aquatic accumulation — the EU restricts D5 in wash-off products; leave-on restriction is not yet in force. Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene is a UV filter and photostabiliser with good human safety data but included here for formula stability, not skin SPF. 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol is an anti-irritant included specifically to offset retinol-associated sensitisation — a thoughtful formulation inclusion. Sodium Metabisulfite as antioxidant stabiliser has low topical sensitivity concern. BHT at near-final position as an antioxidant stabiliser is within permitted limits.
Formula DesignExcellent18/200.1% retinol in a protective silicone emulsion vehicle with multiple stabilisation approaches: Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene for UV photostability, Sodium Metabisulfite as...
0.1% retinol in a protective silicone emulsion vehicle with multiple stabilisation approaches: Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene for UV photostability, Sodium Metabisulfite as antioxidant, and BHT as antioxidant stabiliser. Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol (Lipochroman-6) is a clinically studied antioxidant with a different mechanism from Vitamin E, adding complementary free-radical scavenging. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (oil-soluble Vitamin C) adds brightening synergy. Physalis Angulata Extract (Cape Gooseberry) provides soothing plant actives. 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol is specifically included to reduce the retinisation irritation period.
Claims EvidenceExcellent18/20Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.
Retinol at 0.1% is brand-confirmed. Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene's role as an in-bottle photostabiliser for retinol (not a skin SPF) is a non-obvious formulation choice — not explained in consumer-facing materials. 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol's irritation-reducing role is not called out. Pregnancy contraindication is communicated. No published clinical data for this formula.
Ethics & SustainabilityFair5/10Cruelty-free Indian brand.
Cruelty-free Indian brand. Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is an environmental concern as the dominant vehicle component. Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate (biodegradable EDDS) is used as the chelating agent — a better choice than EDTA. No synthetic fragrance.
Ingredient list
19 ingredients · INCI order
| Ingredient |
|---|
Aqua |
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene |
Diethylhexyl Carbonate |
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate |
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol |
Physalis Angulata Extract (and) Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride |
Glycerin |
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer |
Show all 19 ingredientsShow fewer
Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Phenyl Trimethicone (and) Dimethiconol (and) C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (and) Dimethicone Crosspolymer |
Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin |
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate |
Behenyl Alcohol |
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate |
Pentylene Glycol (and) 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol |
Pentaerythrityl Distearate |
Butyl Hydroxy Toluene |
Retinol |
Polysorbate 20 |
Sodium Metabisulfite |
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
0.1% retinol is an appropriate starting concentration for first-time retinol users in India — darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) carry higher PIH risk from retinol-induced irritation, so beginning at 0.1% 2-3x/week before building frequency is strongly recommended. Night use only. SPF 30+ the next morning is non-negotiable.
