The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion High-Strength Retinoid Nighttime Treatment - 0.507 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Vegan, Mature Skin, Unscented

Ordinary
72 Good
$14.90 · 0.5 fl oz
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Summary

This product contains a mix of beneficial and synthetic ingredients. It includes retinal, a potent skin active, and natural extracts like Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, which are beneficial for skin health. However, the presence of synthetic polymers and preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin, along with the processed nature of the formulation, slightly lowers its score.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 8
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Estee Lauder
Category Face Wash

Key ingredients 32

Aqua (Water)
Neutral

Aqua is commonly used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water acts as a hydrating agent and helps in the application of the product.

See more about Aqua (Water) →
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Good

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is an emollient derived from coconut oil and caprylic acid. It is used to provide a silky feel and improve the spreadability of the product. It is considered safe and beneficial for skin hydration.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to soften and smooth the skin, enhancing the product's moisturizing properties.

See more about Coco-Caprylate/Caprate →
Propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is a glycol that acts as a solvent and humectant in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and moisture retention of the product. It is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause mild skin irritation.

Benefits

It enhances the skin's moisture content and improves the product's texture.

See more about Propanediol →
Pentylene Glycol
Neutral

Pentylene Glycol is a synthetic humectant and solvent. It helps to retain moisture in the skin and improve the product's stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It aids in skin hydration and enhances the product's preservation.

See more about Pentylene Glycol →
Hydroxyapatite
Neutral

Hydroxyapatite is a mineral used for its texturizing properties in cosmetics. It can help to provide a matte finish and improve the feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for topical use.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use in cosmetics.

Benefits

It can enhance the texture and appearance of the skin by providing a smooth finish.

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Retinal
Very Good

Retinal is a potent form of Vitamin A used for its anti-aging properties. It helps to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and promote cell turnover. It is highly effective in skincare formulations.

Risks

May cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in high concentrations.

Benefits

It significantly improves skin appearance by reducing signs of aging and enhancing skin renewal.

Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
Neutral

Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide is a synthetic lipid used for its emollient properties. It helps to improve skin hydration and texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances skin softness and moisture retention.

4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Neutral

4-T-Butylcyclohexanol is used for its soothing properties in skincare. It helps to reduce skin discomfort and irritation. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides a calming effect on the skin, reducing irritation and discomfort.

Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Neutral

Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid is used for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection, helping to maintain skin health.

Ergothioneine
Good

Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress. It is effective in reducing signs of aging and improving skin health. It is considered safe and beneficial in skincare.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides strong antioxidant protection, enhancing skin resilience and reducing aging signs.

Biosaccharide Gum-1
Neutral

Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a polysaccharide used for its moisturizing and soothing properties. It helps to improve skin hydration and comfort. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances skin hydration and provides a soothing effect.

Bisabolol
Good

Bisabolol is a natural compound known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It is considered safe and beneficial in skincare formulations.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides soothing and calming effects, reducing skin irritation and redness.

See more about Bisabolol →
Brassica Campestris Sterols
Neutral

Brassica Campestris Sterols are plant-derived sterols used for their emollient properties. They help to improve skin barrier function and hydration. They are considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with their use.

Benefits

They enhance skin barrier function and improve hydration.

Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Good

Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, or ginger extract, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and reduce inflammation. It is considered safe and beneficial in skincare.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and reduces inflammation, enhancing skin health.

Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene Glycol is a common solvent and humectant used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and moisture retention of the product. It is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It enhances the skin's moisture content and improves the product's texture.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Isohexadecane
Neutral

Isohexadecane is a synthetic emollient used for its lightweight texture and non-greasy feel. It helps to improve the spreadability of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides a smooth, non-greasy feel, enhancing product application.

See more about Isohexadecane →
Hexyldecanol
Neutral

Hexyldecanol is an alcohol used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It helps to improve skin hydration and texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances skin softness and moisture retention.

Maltodextrin
Neutral

Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide used as a stabilizer and film-forming agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances product stability and texture.

See more about Maltodextrin →
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Neutral

Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum is a natural thickening agent used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and viscosity of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances product texture and viscosity.

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Neutral

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic polymer used as a thickening and stabilizing agent. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances product stability and texture.

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Neutral

This copolymer is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances product stability and texture.

See more about Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer →
Stearic Acid
Neutral

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used for its emollient and thickening properties. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances product texture and provides emollient benefits.

See more about Stearic Acid →
Isoceteth-20
Neutral

Isoceteth-20 is a polyethylene glycol ether used as an emulsifier in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize and improve the texture of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances product stability and texture.

See more about Isoceteth-20 →
Polysorbate 60
Neutral

Polysorbate 60 is an emulsifier used to stabilize and improve the texture of cosmetic products. It helps to blend ingredients and maintain product consistency. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances product stability and consistency.

See more about Polysorbate 60 →
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Good

Ascorbyl Palmitate is a stable form of Vitamin C used for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative damage and improve skin appearance. It is considered safe and beneficial in skincare.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and enhances skin radiance.

See more about Ascorbyl Palmitate →
Tocopherol
Good

Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant used in skincare. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and improve moisture retention. It is considered safe and beneficial in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and enhances skin hydration.

See more about Tocopherol →
Lactic Acid
Good

Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used for its exfoliating and moisturizing properties. It helps to improve skin texture and hydration. It is considered safe and beneficial in skincare formulations.

Risks

May cause mild irritation or sensitivity, especially in high concentrations.

Benefits

It enhances skin texture and hydration, promoting a smoother appearance.

See more about Lactic Acid →
Sodium Lactate
Neutral

Sodium Lactate is a salt of lactic acid used for its humectant properties. It helps to improve skin hydration and maintain product stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances skin hydration and product stability.

See more about Sodium Lactate →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics when used in small amounts.

Risks

In high concentrations, it can be irritating, but it is typically used in safe amounts.

Benefits

It helps to maintain the product's pH balance and stability.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a preservative and skin conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to enhance the product's shelf life and improve skin feel. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances product preservation and skin conditioning.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in maintaining product safety but can cause irritation in some individuals. It is considered safe in low concentrations but has potential sensitizing effects.

Risks

May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It effectively preserves the product by preventing microbial contamination.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Chlorphenesin
Neutral

Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It helps to maintain product safety and stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances product preservation and stability.

See more about Chlorphenesin →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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