0.15% Retinol Night Serum

An encapsulated retinol night serum at a brand-confirmed 0.15% in an emulsion base. The encapsulation system uses Poloxamer 235, a block copolymer that protects retinol from premature degradation and enables slower, more controlled release into the skin - reducing the irritation typically associated with free retinol. EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) from green tea provides anti-inflammatory support. Niacinamide at position 19 adds a synergistic anti-ageing mechanism. Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus, position 21) - a UV filter - appears in this night product specifically to photostabilise the retinol in the packaging, not as a skin UV filter. BHT and BHA (Butylated Hydroxytoluene and Butylated Hydroxyanisole) are antioxidant stabilisers at trace positions.

MOSTLYCLEAN

Mostly Clean

Best for

Skincare beginners
Daily Use (Night)

Avoid if

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

₹599 · ₹20/ml • Analysed 11 June 2026

India Context

Retinol at 0.15% via an encapsulated delivery system is appropriate for first-time retinol users, and particularly relevant for Indian skin: darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) carry higher PIH risk from retinol-induced irritation, so a controlled-release, lower-concentration entry point reduces this risk significantly. Apply at night only. Mandatory SPF 30+ the next morning. India's heat accelerates retinol degradation in open packaging - close immediately after use.

Key Ingredients

Propylene Glycol•Dicaprylyl Carbonate•DimethiconeView all ingredients

MOSTLYCLEAN

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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

✓Alcohol free

✓Paraben free

What was checked

3 claims checked against public evidence

Strong

0.15% Retinol (Encapsulated)Verified

Brand-confirmed; Poloxamer 235 encapsulation system disclosed.

Published evidence

2x faster than regular retinolNeeds context

Based on encapsulation supplier data, not an independent published trial for this formula.

Brand claim

Not suitable during pregnancyVerified

Pregnancy contraindication is communicated on packaging - correct and necessary.

Published evidence

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

Retinol at 0.15% is below the EU guideline limit of 0.3% for face leave-on products.

Retinol at 0.15% is below the EU guideline limit of 0.3% for face leave-on products. All retinoids carry a mandatory pregnancy contraindication. BHT and BHA at near-final positions are antioxidant stabilisers within permitted limits - these are not preservatives. Allergen Free Fragrance (synthetic, not fragrance-free) is present. Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus) is used here as an in-bottle retinol photostabiliser, not as a skin-applied UV filter. Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone in the emulsion base have a good skin safety profile.

Formula Logic

Strong

Encapsulated retinol via Poloxamer 235 is a meaningful delivery advance: the copolymer shell protects retinol from oxidation in storage and releases it progressively on skin...

Encapsulated retinol via Poloxamer 235 is a meaningful delivery advance: the copolymer shell protects retinol from oxidation in storage and releases it progressively on skin contact, achieving comparable efficacy to free retinol with significantly reduced irritation. EGCG from green tea at position 13 has anti-inflammatory clinical evidence relevant to the retinisation adjustment period. Niacinamide at position 19 adds independent collagen-supporting and brightening mechanisms. The emulsion base is appropriate for a retinol delivery vehicle.

Claims Evidence

Strong

Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.

Retinol at 0.15% is brand-confirmed. The Poloxamer 235 encapsulation system is disclosed on the product page - above-average transparency for an Indian brand. The '2x faster than regular retinol' claim for encapsulated delivery is based on supplier-commissioned studies, not independent peer-reviewed trials. Pregnancy contraindication is communicated on packaging.

Test Transparency

Grade CFair

No independent clinical study has been published for this formula.

No independent clinical study has been published for this formula. The '2x faster than regular retinol' claim references encapsulation technology supplier data, not an independent trial for this specific product. Retinol 0.15% is brand-confirmed. Encapsulation mechanism is disclosed.

Consumer Clarity

Strong

Retinol at 0.15% is clearly stated.

Retinol at 0.15% is clearly stated. Pregnancy contraindication is communicated. The Poloxamer 235 encapsulation is explained. Uvinul A Plus's role as an in-bottle stabiliser (not a skin SPF) is not explained to consumers - potentially confusing given its presence in a night product.

Ingredient list

33 ingredients · INCI order

Strong

SafeNoteCaution

Ingredient	What it does
Aqua	Solvent base
Propylene Glycol	Humectant and solvent
Dicaprylyl Carbonate	Lightweight emollient ester, non-greasy skin feel
Dimethicone	Linear silicone, smooth skin feel, protective film; lower environmental persistence than cyclic silicones
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride	Coconut-derived MCT carrier oil, optimal lipid vehicle for retinol delivery
Cetearyl Olivate	Olive-derived emulsifier, skin-compatible
Sorbitan Olivate	Olive-derived co-emulsifier; pair with Cetearyl Olivate forms Olivem 1000 system
Glyceryl Monostearate	Emulsifier, low concern
Propanediol	Plant-derived humectant and solvent
Behenyl Alcohol	Fatty alcohol emulsifier and emollient, low sensitisation risk
Retinol	Brand-confirmed 0.15%; encapsulated in Poloxamer 235 for controlled release; pregnancy contraindicated
Poloxamer 235	Block copolymer encapsulant, protects retinol from oxidation, enables gradual skin release reducing irritation
Epigallocatechin Gallate	EGCG from green tea; potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, buffers retinisation irritation
Polysorbate 20	Non-ionic emulsifier/solubiliser for extracts
BHT	Butylated Hydroxytoluene; antioxidant stabiliser at trace position, prevents retinol oxidation in bottle; EU/India permitted
BHA	Butylated Hydroxyanisole; antioxidant stabiliser (not a BHA acid); trace concentration at position 16; EU/India permitted
Sodium Ascorbate	Vitamin C salt, antioxidant stabiliser; helps protect retinol
Betaine	Osmolyte humectant, calming
Niacinamide	Vitamin B3, collagen support and brightening synergy; position 19 indicates lower but functional concentration
Garcinia Indica Seed Butter	Kokum butter, emollient with antioxidant fatty acids
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate	Uvinul A Plus - UV filter used here as in-bottle retinol photostabiliser, not as a skin-applied sunscreen filter
Polymethylsilsesquioxane	Silicone powder, soft-focus finish, non-comedogenic
Phenoxyethanol	Preservative, within EU/India 1% limit
Tocopherol	Vitamin E, antioxidant, stabilises formula
Allantoin	Soothing agent, skin repair
Palmitoyl Glycine	Lipopeptide, skin conditioning and barrier support at trace concentration
Sodium Hyaluronate	HA salt, hydration support; offsets potential drying from retinol
Ethylhexylglycerin	Preservative booster
Octenidine HCl	Antimicrobial preservative booster, broad-spectrum, low resistance risk
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer	Polymer thickener and emulsion stabiliser
Disodium EDTA	Chelating agent; not a biodegradable alternative
Sodium Hydroxide	pH adjuster, fully neutralised in formula
Allergen Free Fragrance	Synthetic fragrance blend excluding EU sensitising allergens; not fragrance-free

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

Regulatory screen

Each ingredient mapped against 10 global regulatory authorities

Clear

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

No banned substances; Allergen Free Fragrance formulated to exclude 26 EU-listed allergens per Regulation 2023/1545

India CR 2020India Cosmetics Rules, CDSCO

No flagged substances

Health Canada HotlistCanada prohibited & restricted ingredients

No flagged substances

US FDA 21 CFRUS FDA Parts 700–740

No flagged substances

MFDS KoreaKorea Cosmetics Act

No flagged substances

ECHA SVHCSubstances of Very High Concern

No flagged substances

IARCCarcinogen classifications Groups 1/2A/2B

No flagged substances

AICIS AustraliaAustralian industrial chemical safety

No flagged substances

TGA AustraliaTherapeutic claims (if applicable)

No flagged substances

Canada NHPIDNatural health product ingredients

No flagged substances

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

Claims checked

2 of 3 publicly supported

Strong

0.15% Retinol (Encapsulated)Publicly supported

Brand-confirmed; Poloxamer 235 encapsulation system disclosed.

Evidence visible

2x faster than regular retinolNeeds proof

Based on encapsulation supplier data, not an independent published trial for this formula.

Mentioned only

Not suitable during pregnancyPublicly supported

Pregnancy contraindication is communicated on packaging - correct and necessary.

Evidence visible

What would strengthen this review

Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps

○Independent clinical trial for encapsulated retinol efficacy at 0.15% not published
○Uvinul A Plus role as in-bottle stabiliser not explained to consumers
○BHT and BHA described as stabilisers - distinction from preservatives not communicated

About this review

A thoughtfully designed beginner retinol serum. The encapsulated delivery via Poloxamer 235 is a genuine formulation advantage for Indian skin, where retinol-associated PIH from irritation is a real risk for darker Fitzpatrick types. Pregnancy contraindication and nighttime-only use guidance are clearly communicated.

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