The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion High-Strength Retinoid Nighttime Treatment - 0.507 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Vegan, Mature Skin, Unscented
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
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.
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateGood
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.
PropanediolNeutral
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.
Pentylene GlycolNeutral
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.
HydroxyapatiteNeutral
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.
RetinalVery 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 PalmitamideNeutral
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-ButylcyclohexanolNeutral
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 AcidNeutral
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.
ErgothioneineGood
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-1Neutral
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.
BisabololGood
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.
Brassica Campestris SterolsNeutral
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 ExtractGood
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 GlycolNeutral
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.
IsohexadecaneNeutral
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.
HexyldecanolNeutral
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.
MaltodextrinNeutral
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.
Caesalpinia Spinosa GumNeutral
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-6Neutral
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 CopolymerNeutral
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.
Stearic AcidNeutral
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.
Isoceteth-20Neutral
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.
Polysorbate 60Neutral
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.
Ascorbyl PalmitateGood
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.
TocopherolGood
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.
Lactic AcidGood
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.
Sodium LactateNeutral
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.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
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.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
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.
PhenoxyethanolBad
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.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
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.
Processing
Processed Foods
Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store