There is no synthetic fragrance in this serum. CI 16035 (Allura Red AC / Red 40) is an azo dye approved for cosmetic use in the EU, but it is a known contact allergen for some individuals. In a leave-on anti-ageing serum it serves only as a colourant with no skin benefit - its inclusion increases sensitisation risk without adding anything useful. Retinyl Palmitate is a mild retinoid ester that carries a much lower irritation risk than retinol, but it is also considerably less effective because it must undergo two enzymatic conversions before reaching its active retinoic acid form. There is also a recognised concern about Retinyl Palmitate generating reactive oxygen species when skin is exposed to UV light, which Pilgrim does not address in product communications.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol with in-vitro evidence for antioxidant activity and anti-ageing signalling via the SIRT1 pathway. Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract provides proanthocyanidin antioxidant support from grape seeds. Niacinamide contributes barrier repair and anti-inflammatory benefit at a supporting concentration. Retinyl Palmitate is the weakest form of vitamin A used in skincare - it must be converted by enzymes in the skin through two intermediate steps before reaching the active retinoic acid form, which makes it substantially less effective than retinol at an equivalent position in the formula. For a product marketed as an anti-ageing serum, this is a meaningful efficacy gap. CI 16035 adds colour and nothing else.

The full INCI list is published on the product page. Active concentrations for Resveratrol, Grape Seed Extract, Niacinamide, and Retinyl Palmitate are not disclosed. CI 16035 is not identified on the product page as a cosmetic dye serving no skin function. The marketing does not distinguish between Retinyl Palmitate (a retinoid ester) and Retinol - these are not the same ingredient and do not deliver the same results, but a consumer reading the product description would not know that. No clinical study data has been published for this formula.

Pilgrim is PETA-certified cruelty-free and the formula is vegan. The brand does not sell into markets that require mandatory animal testing. There is no synthetic fragrance. CI 16035 is a synthetic azo dye with no natural origin. Grape-derived ingredients (Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Resveratrol) raise the natural origin proportion of the formula meaningfully. Palm derivative sourcing has not been independently verified against RSPO or equivalent standards.