The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion High-Strength Retinoid Nighttime Treatment - 0.507 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Vegan, Mature Skin, Unscented
OrdinaryAnalysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This product contains several beneficial ingredients such as Retinal, Ergothioneine, and Bisabolol, which are known for their anti-aging, antioxidant, and soothing properties. However, the presence of Phenoxyethanol, a preservative with potential for irritation, slightly detracts from its overall safety profile. The formulation is processed but maintains a generally clean ingredient list, contributing to a favorable score.
Key ingredients 32
RetinalVery Good
Retinal is a form of Vitamin A known for its anti-aging properties. It helps to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and promote cell turnover. It is highly effective but can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Risks
It may cause irritation, redness, or peeling, especially in sensitive skin or when used in high concentrations.
Benefits
It significantly improves skin appearance by reducing signs of aging and enhancing skin renewal.
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateGood
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is an emollient derived from coconut oil and caprylic/capric fatty acids. It is known for its ability to provide a silky, smooth feel to the skin. It is considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though very sensitive skin may experience mild irritation.
Benefits
It helps to moisturize and soften the skin, improving texture and appearance.
ErgothioneineGood
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid with antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage. It is considered safe and beneficial for skin health.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It provides strong antioxidant protection, helping to maintain youthful and healthy skin.
BisabololGood
Bisabolol is a natural compound known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It is considered safe and beneficial for sensitive skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It soothes and calms the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
Zingiber Officinale Root ExtractGood
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, or ginger root extract, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and soothe irritation. It is considered safe and beneficial for skin health.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and soothes the skin, enhancing overall skin health.
Ascorbyl PalmitateGood
Ascorbyl Palmitate is a stable form of Vitamin C used for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and improve skin tone. It is considered safe and beneficial for skin health.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and helps to brighten the skin, improving overall skin health.
TocopherolGood
Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant used in cosmetics. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage. It is considered safe and beneficial for skin health.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and helps to moisturize the skin, improving overall skin health.
Aqua (Water)Neutral
Water is a common solvent used 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 helps in hydrating the skin and acts as a carrier for other beneficial ingredients.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is a glycol that acts as a solvent and humectant in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to hydrate the skin and enhance the penetration of other active ingredients.
Pentylene GlycolNeutral
Pentylene Glycol is a synthetic humectant and solvent used in cosmetics. It helps to retain moisture in the skin and improve product stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It enhances skin hydration and helps to improve the texture of the product.
HydroxyapatiteNeutral
Hydroxyapatite is a mineral form of calcium apatite used in cosmetics for its texturizing properties. It is considered safe and non-irritating. It is often used in dental products for remineralization.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It can help to improve the texture and feel of the product on the skin.
Cetylhydroxyproline PalmitamideNeutral
Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide is a synthetic lipid used for its emollient properties. It helps to improve skin feel and texture. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to moisturize and condition the skin, improving its overall texture.
4-T-ButylcyclohexanolNeutral
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol is used in cosmetics for its soothing properties. It helps to reduce skin discomfort and irritation. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to soothe the skin and reduce irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic AcidNeutral
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid is used for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection, helping to maintain skin health.
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 minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to hydrate and soothe the skin, improving overall skin comfort.
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 minimal risks associated with their use.
Benefits
They help to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier, improving skin resilience.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a common solvent and humectant used in cosmetics. It helps to improve product texture and enhance skin hydration. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of the product.
IsohexadecaneNeutral
Isohexadecane is a synthetic emollient used for its lightweight and non-greasy feel. It helps to improve product spreadability and skin feel. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It provides a smooth, silky feel to the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
HexyldecanolNeutral
Hexyldecanol is an alcohol used for its emollient and skin-conditioning properties. It helps to improve skin texture and hydration. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to moisturize and condition the skin, improving its overall texture.
MaltodextrinNeutral
Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide used as a binding and film-forming agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve product texture and stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize the product and improve its texture.
Caesalpinia Spinosa GumNeutral
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum is a natural gum used for its thickening and stabilizing properties. It helps to improve product texture and consistency. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize and thicken the product, improving its application.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Neutral
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic polymer used for its thickening and stabilizing properties. It helps to improve product texture and consistency. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize and thicken the product, improving its application.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerNeutral
This copolymer is used for its thickening and stabilizing properties in cosmetics. It helps to improve product texture and consistency. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize and thicken the product, improving its application.
Stearic AcidNeutral
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used for its emollient and thickening properties. It helps to improve product texture and skin feel. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to moisturize and condition the skin, improving its overall texture.
Isoceteth-20Neutral
Isoceteth-20 is a polyethylene glycol ether used as an emulsifier in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve product texture. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize emulsions, improving product consistency and application.
Lactic AcidNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
It may cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in high concentrations or sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to exfoliate and hydrate the skin, improving texture and appearance.
Sodium LactateNeutral
Sodium Lactate is a salt of lactic acid used for its humectant properties. It helps to improve skin hydration and product stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to hydrate the skin and improve product stability.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain product stability and effectiveness. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics when used in small amounts.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can be irritating or corrosive, but it is typically used in very low concentrations in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the desired pH of the product, ensuring stability and effectiveness.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a preservative and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve product stability and skin feel. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and improve skin feel, enhancing overall product performance.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It helps to maintain product stability and safety. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product, ensuring safety and extending shelf life.
Polysorbate 60Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize emulsions, improving product consistency and application.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can be irritating to the skin and eyes. It is considered safe in low concentrations but has potential for irritation.
Risks
It may cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product, preventing microbial contamination and extending shelf life.
Processing
Processed Foods
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