Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum
Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum
Product Description
Product overview
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum is a multi-effect PM treatment featuring 0.15% stabilized retinaldehyde — the most potent retinoid available without a prescription. Buffered with 5% niacinamide, an adaptogenic mushroom complex (Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake), ashwagandha, and three skin-identical ceramides, this lightweight watery serum smooths texture, blurs fine lines, brightens uneven tone, and refines pores while minimizing the typical retinization period.
Most Potent OTC Retinoid
Retinaldehyde is just one conversion step from active retinoic acid — 11x faster than retinol with comparable results.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMost Potent OTC Retinoid
Retinaldehyde is just one conversion step from active retinoic acid — 11x faster than retinol with comparable results.
Cyclodextrin Encapsulation
Stabilizes retinal against light and oxygen degradation while enabling controlled release for less irritation.
Adaptogenic Mushroom Complex
Reishi, Maitake, and Shiitake extracts plus ashwagandha help calm visible stress and buffer retinization.
Triple Ceramide Barrier
Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP plus cholesterol and phytosphingosine reinforce the moisture barrier as retinal works.
Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, and hyaluronic acid hydrate at multiple skin depths.
Vegan & Clean Beauty
Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrance. Clean at Sephora certified.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains retinaldehyde. All retinoids are contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing — discontinue use.
Contains polyglyceryl-10 myristate, hydrogenated lecithin, and several plant oils that may feed malassezia.
Retinoids increase photosensitivity. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is mandatory while using this serum.
Mild dryness or flaking is possible during weeks 1–3. Start once weekly and build up gradually.
Leaping Bunny certified — never tested on animals and contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Apply to face and neck only. Keep away from the eye area, lips, and broken skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRetinaldehyde (Retinal) 0.15%Proven
The hero active. Retinal is one biological step from retinoic acid (the active form), making it up to 11 times more potent than retinol while remaining available without a prescription. Stabilized via cyclodextrin encapsulation.
- British Journal of Dermatology: 0.05% retinaldehyde demonstrated significant reduction in fine lines and photoaging over 18 weeks.
- Mechanism: Accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen synthesis, regulates pigmentation, and exhibits antibacterial activity against C. acnes.
- Concentration: 0.15% sits in the upper range of OTC retinal, balancing efficacy with tolerability.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 5%Proven
A multi-tasking vitamin that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum production, fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Crucially, it buffers retinal-induced irritation.
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: 5% niacinamide reduced hyperpigmentation and improved skin elasticity within 8–12 weeks.
- Barrier Support: Boosts ceramide and free fatty acid production in the stratum corneum, reducing trans-epidermal water loss.
Adaptogenic Mushroom Complex ~2-3%Promising
A blend of Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum), Maitake (Grifola Frondosa), and Shiitake (Lentinus Edodes) extracts plus ashwagandha root. Antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory — they help skin "adapt" to retinal stress.
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences: Beta-glucans from Maitake demonstrated significant antioxidant and skin-soothing activity in vitro.
- Ashwagandha: Withanolides modulate inflammatory pathways and may support collagen integrity.
Triple Ceramide Complex ~1%Proven
Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP combined with cholesterol and phytosphingosine — a clinically validated barrier-restoration ratio identical to skin's natural lipid matrix.
- Dermatologic Therapy: The 3:1:1 ceramide:cholesterol:fatty acid ratio is proven optimal for barrier repair.
- Function: Reduces TEWL by up to 30% and protects against retinoid-induced barrier disruption.
Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid ~1-2%Proven
Four forms of HA — sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, sodium hyaluronate, and hyaluronic acid — penetrate at different skin depths to deliver lasting hydration.
- Capacity: Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
- Multi-MW advantage: Surface plumping plus deeper hydration in a single formula.
Squalane & Plant Oils ~5%Proven
Squalane (saturated, stable, mimics natural sebum) plus cloudberry seed oil, sunflower seed oil, cucumber seed oil, and shea butter cushion the skin without clogging pores.
- Cloudberry Oil: One of the richest plant sources of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Squalane: Non-comedogenic emollient compatible with all skin types.
44 ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Niacinamide, Squalane, Cyclodextrin, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Oil, Arginine, Retinal, Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) Stem Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Lentinus Edodes (Shiitake) Mycelium Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Diheptyl Succinate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phytosterols, Propanediol, Benzyl Glycol, Raspberry Ketone.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEPM ONLY — apply to clean, dry skin before moisturizer. Always follow with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ the next morning.
How to use
HOW TO USEStart Slow
Use once a week for the first 2 weeks to allow your skin to acclimate to retinaldehyde.
Cleanse & Dry
Apply only to clean, completely dry skin. Damp skin increases retinoid absorption and irritation potential.
Pea-Sized Amount
Dispense one pump (roughly pea-sized) and dot across forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck. Avoid the eye area.
Build Up Gradually
Increase to 2–3 nights per week after week 2, then to nightly use as tolerated (typically week 4–6).
Lock In With Moisturizer
Follow with a barrier-supporting cream like Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream to seal hydration.
SPF Every Morning
Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is non-negotiable while using retinoids — sun exposure reverses results.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You're 25+ and want to address fine lines, wrinkles, or early aging
- You have uneven skin tone, dark spots, or post-acne marks
- You've found retinol too slow but tretinoin too harsh
- You have rough skin texture or enlarged pores
- You want clinical-grade results in a clean, vegan formula
- You have normal, combination, or oily skin
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
- You have very sensitive, rosacea-prone, or eczema-prone skin
- You struggle with malassezia (fungal acne)
- You're already using prescription tretinoin
- You're under 20 and don't have specific anti-aging concerns
- You can't commit to daily SPF use
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight watery texture absorbs quickly. Niacinamide regulates sebum and retinal refines pores without adding shine.
Ceramides and HA cushion well, but follow with a rich cream — retinal can intensify dryness during retinization.
Ideal match. Balances oily zones while ceramides and squalane nourish drier areas without congesting pores.
Buffered formula is among the gentler retinals, but 0.15% may still trigger reactivity. Patch test and start once weekly.
Retinal exhibits antibacterial activity against C. acnes and clears clogged pores. Not malassezia-safe though.
The premier skin type for this serum. Targets fine lines, loss of firmness, and uneven tone simultaneously.
Results timeline
3–6 MONTHSSmoother, Plumper Skin
Multi-weight hyaluronic acid and squalane deliver immediate surface hydration. Skin looks more radiant by morning.
85% noticedRetinization Period
Mild dryness, occasional flaking, or slight tightness as cell turnover accelerates. Niacinamide and ceramides minimize discomfort.
60% noticed mild adjustmentSmoother Texture & Brighter Tone
Skin appears more refined. Pores look smaller, surface roughness diminishes, and post-acne marks begin to fade.
76% noticedVisible Fine Line Reduction
Fine lines around eyes, forehead, and mouth appear softer. Dark spots continue fading. Overall radiance improves.
82% noticedTransformative Results
Long-term collagen support translates to improved firmness, evened tone, and refined texture. Maximum retinal benefits realized.
91% noticedRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Genuinely effective potency at 0.15% retinaldehyde
- Less irritating than most retinals thanks to ceramide buffering
- Lightweight watery texture absorbs quickly
- Visible smoothing, brightening, and pore refinement
- Niacinamide pairs synergistically with retinal
- Clean, vegan, fragrance-free formulation
- Tinted glass bottle protects retinal from light
- Suitable for retinoid intermediates
Criticized
- Premium price ($72 USD for 30 ml)
- Standard pump (not airless) — slight stability concern
- Not for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin
- Not pregnancy- or breastfeeding-safe
- Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
- Mild dryness during retinization weeks
- 30ml feels small for the price
- Faint herbal botanical scent some dislike
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESLower retinal concentration (0.05% vs. 0.15%) makes it gentler for beginners. Includes bakuchiol and squalane. Bigger 30ml bottle at one-third the price, but slower to deliver visible results.
Higher retinal concentration (0.2%) at a fraction of the cost. Far simpler formula — no ceramides, no adaptogens, no niacinamide buffering. More potent but more potentially irritating.
Encapsulated retinal at a low price point. Hungarian indie brand with strong cult following. Simpler formulation without the ceramide/adaptogen complex but solid efficacy.
French-pharmacy retinal with thermal spring water and pre-tocopheryl. Cream texture better for dry skin. Lower retinal % but pharmaceutical-grade stabilization.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening — retinaldehyde degrades faster than retinol, so use within a year.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Replace cap tightly after each use. Optional refrigeration extends potency.
Tinted dark glass bottle with standard pump dispenser. Recyclable packaging.
Yes — 30ml is well under TSA's 100ml liquid limit. Glass bottle requires careful packing.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. This serum contains 0.15% retinaldehyde, a potent retinoid. All retinoids — including retinal, retinol, and prescription tretinoin — are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risk to fetal development. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing, discontinue use and switch to bakuchiol, peptides, or vitamin C serums for anti-aging support. Consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist for personalized recommendations.
No. The formula contains several ingredients that may feed Malassezia yeast, including polyglyceryl-10 myristate, hydrogenated lecithin, and multiple plant oils (cloudberry, sunflower, cucumber, shea). If you have confirmed fungal acne or recurring small uniform bumps on your forehead, chest, or back, opt for a malassezia-safe retinoid alternative such as adapalene (Differin) or a simpler retinol formulation without fatty esters and oils.
Do not layer with other retinoids — choose one retinoid product at a time. Vitamin C is best used in your AM routine while this serum is reserved for PM. Avoid combining with AHA/BHA exfoliants in the same evening, as this risks barrier disruption and intense irritation. Alternate nights with chemical exfoliants if needed. Niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane all layer beautifully with this serum.
This serum is best suited for normal, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin types looking to address fine lines, uneven tone, rough texture, or enlarged pores. Mature skin benefits the most from sustained use. Dry skin can use it but should layer a richer moisturizer on top. Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin should patch test first and start at once weekly — the buffering complex helps but 0.15% retinaldehyde may still be too potent for highly reactive skin.
You'll notice improved radiance and hydration within the first week. Smoother texture and refined pores typically appear at 4–6 weeks. Visible fine line reduction takes 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Maximum results — including improved firmness, evened tone, and significantly softened wrinkles — develop over 3–6 months. Patience and consistency are essential; skipping nights or stopping use will reset your progress.
Apply it in your PM routine only, after cleansing and toning, on completely dry skin. Wait 1–2 minutes before applying moisturizer to allow the retinal to penetrate. The full nighttime order: cleanser → toner → essence (optional) → Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum → moisturizer → face oil (optional). Never use during the day, as retinaldehyde degrades in sunlight and increases photosensitivity. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ the following morning.
No, this serum has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. The lightweight watery base, squalane (non-comedogenic emollient), and refined plant oils are unlikely to clog pores for most users. In fact, retinaldehyde itself accelerates cell turnover and clears existing congestion. Note: while it's non-comedogenic, it's not malassezia-safe — different concern entirely.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Retinaldehyde is more stable than retinol but still photosensitive, so always replace the cap tightly and store the bottle in its original box or in a cool, dark cabinet. Signs of degradation include darkening from yellow to brown, separation, or a rancid smell — discard if any of these occur. With nightly use, a 30ml bottle typically lasts 2–3 months.
Verdict: Youth To The People's Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum is one of the most thoughtfully buffered retinaldehyde serums on the market. The 0.15% concentration sits in the sweet spot between efficacy and tolerability, while the cyclodextrin encapsulation, triple-ceramide complex, adaptogenic mushrooms, and 5% niacinamide work in concert to minimize the typical retinization period. It earns its premium price through formulation sophistication rather than marketing flair. Best for normal-to-combination skin ready to graduate from retinol, those targeting fine lines and uneven tone, and anyone who wants clinical results in a clean, vegan formula. Skip it if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, fungal-acne prone, or have highly reactive skin. With consistent nightly use and daily SPF, expect transformative results within 8–12 weeks.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 6 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 8 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Triethylhexanoin
Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Emollient, Masking, Refatting, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|