0.1% Retinol Serum

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.

MOSTLYCLEAN

Mostly Clean

Best for

Skincare beginners
Daily Use (Night)

Avoid if

Using other actives or daytime without SPF
Pregnant or trying to conceive

₹699 · ₹23/ml • Analysed 11 June 2026

India Context

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.

Key Ingredients

Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene•Diethylhexyl Carbonate•Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateView all ingredients

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Ingredient & Safety

Formula Logic

Public Claim Support

Transparency

Consumer Clarity

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

✓Fragrance free

✓Alcohol free

✓Paraben free

What was checked

3 claims checked against public evidence

Strong

0.1% RetinolVerified

Brand-confirmed; appropriate entry-level concentration with robust published evidence.

Published evidence

Anti-ageing / skin renewalVerified

Retinol has one of the strongest published evidence bases in skincare.

Published evidence

Peptide complex benefitsNeeds context

Peptides present but at low positional concentrations; product-specific efficacy not demonstrated.

Brand claim

Verified: confirmed from public evidenceSupported: consistent with available evidenceNeeds context: relevant for some usersNot verified: could not be confirmed

The breakdown

Mostly credible with gaps

Public Evidence Score across 5 pillars. Open any row for the full rationale.

Ingredient Safety

Strong

Clean allergen profile with a fragrance free formula.

Full INCI published. Retinol at 0.1% is within cosmetic use levels (EU recommends max 0.3% leave-on for adults). No parabens, no SLES, no synthetic fragrance. Tocopherol as antioxidant stabiliser. Peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) at low concentrations - safe. Retinol is photosensitising - PM use required.

Formula Logic

Strong

Retinol at 0.1% is an appropriate entry-level concentration for first-time retinol users.

Retinol at 0.1% is an appropriate entry-level concentration for first-time retinol users. Tocopherol stabilises retinol against oxidation. Peptide complex adds skin-barrier and anti-ageing support. Squalane as emollient reduces retinol irritation potential. Good formula logic for a starter retinol.

Claims Evidence

Strong

Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.

0.1% Retinol brand-confirmed. Anti-ageing and skin renewal claims broadly supported by published retinol literature. Peptide efficacy at stated low concentrations less certain. No product-specific clinical study published.

Test Transparency

Grade CFair

Retinol concentration confirmed at 0.1%.

Retinol concentration confirmed at 0.1%. No patch-test, sensitisation, or tolerability certificate published. No third-party retinol stability or efficacy data for this formula. Retinol products would particularly benefit from published stability testing.

Consumer Clarity

Strong

Concentration clearly stated (0.1%).

Concentration clearly stated (0.1%). PM-only use guidance present. Sun protection advisory included. Could be clearer on build-up frequency guidance for retinol beginners.

Ingredient list

19 ingredients · INCI order

Strong

SafeNoteCaution

Ingredient	What it does
Aqua	Solvent base
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene	UV filter/photostabiliser for retinol in bottle; not a skin-applied SPF; safe for topical use
Diethylhexyl Carbonate	Lightweight emollient solvent
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate	Oil-soluble stable Vitamin C, antioxidant and brightening
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol	Lipochroman-6, patented antioxidant; independent free-radical scavenging mechanism
Physalis Angulata Extract (and) Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride	Cape Gooseberry soothing extract in MCT carrier oil
Glycerin	Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer	Polymer emulsion stabiliser and thickener
Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Phenyl Trimethicone (and) Dimethiconol (and) C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (and) Dimethicone Crosspolymer	Silicone blend vehicle (D5 dominant); D5 has documented aquatic accumulation concern; leave-on restriction not yet in force
Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin	Preservative system, within EU/India 1% limit
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate	Emulsifier derived from glucose
Behenyl Alcohol	Fatty alcohol emulsifier
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate	Biodegradable chelating agent (EDDS), better than Disodium EDTA
Pentylene Glycol (and) 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol	4-tBCH: anti-irritant specifically reduces retinol-associated irritation and retinisation period
Pentaerythrityl Distearate	Emollient ester
Butyl Hydroxy Toluene	BHT, antioxidant stabiliser at trace position, protects retinol from oxidation
Retinol	Brand-confirmed 0.1%; Vitamin A; pregnancy contraindicated; appears late in INCI as expected at 0.1%
Polysorbate 20	Non-ionic emulsifier
Sodium Metabisulfite	Antioxidant stabiliser protecting retinol from oxidation; sulphite compound

INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).

Regulatory screen

Each ingredient mapped against 10 global regulatory authorities

Review

EU 1223/2009EU Cosmetics Regulation - Annexes II–VI

Pass - 0.1% Retinol is within EU cosmetic use limit (0.3% leave-on adults)

India CR 2020India Cosmetics Rules, CDSCO

Pass - compliant with Indian Cosmetics Regulation 2020

Health Canada HotlistCanada prohibited & restricted ingredients

Pass

US FDA 21 CFRUS FDA Parts 700–740

Pass - cosmetic-use retinol

MFDS KoreaKorea Cosmetics Act

Pass

ECHA SVHCSubstances of Very High Concern

Pass - no SVHC candidates identified

IARCCarcinogen classifications Groups 1/2A/2B

Pass - no IARC Group 1/2A carcinogens

AICIS AustraliaAustralian industrial chemical safety

Pass

TGA AustraliaTherapeutic claims (if applicable)

Pass - within TGA cosmetic use levels

Canada NHPIDNatural health product ingredients

Pass

Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.

Claims checked

2 of 3 publicly supported

Strong

0.1% RetinolPublicly supported

Brand-confirmed; appropriate entry-level concentration with robust published evidence.

Evidence visible

Anti-ageing / skin renewalPublicly supported

Retinol has one of the strongest published evidence bases in skincare.

Evidence visible

Peptide complex benefitsNeeds proof

Peptides present but at low positional concentrations; product-specific efficacy not demonstrated.

Mentioned only

What would strengthen this review

Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps

○Retinol stability and oxidation certification
○Peptide concentrations
○Product-specific tolerability or patch-test certificate
○Guidance on frequency ramp-up for beginners

About this review

A safe entry-level retinol with confirmed concentration. The 0.1% level is sensible for Indian skin first-time users and is well within EU/India limits. Tocopherol stabilisation is the right approach. Missing published stability data is the main gap - retinol oxidises rapidly and without certificates, shelf-life efficacy cannot be verified.

Are you the brand? If you have published test data or want to request a re-review, write to us at hello@thecleansheet.in.

Independent reviewPublic evidence only

Full methodology