Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol

Alpha-H

Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol

face neck serum

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
66%
Combination (dry)
66%
Balanced
96%
Combination (oily)
74%
Oily
74%

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18
Ingredients
5
Benefits
2
Actives
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Targeting your skin’s unique needs is as easy as A, B, C, thanks to Alpha-H’s ultra-customisable (not to mention effective) range of vitamin-focused treatments. Looking to tackle fine lines and uneven skin tone? Let us introduce you to the Vitamin A Serum. Formulated with the intention of helping you create a perfectly bespoke skin care routine, this silky serum uses 0.5% retinol to rejuvenate skin, boosting collagen production and improving skin texture in the process. The result? A smoother, gently resurfaced complexion, without any of the irritation typically associated with harsh vitamin A-derived products. In part, that’s thanks to the indulgent cocktail evening primrose oil and jojoba seed oil also found in the formula: together, this fatty acid-rich duo nourishes skin to keep your moisture barrier in tip top health.

Key Insights

Benefits

5
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Pore Minimizer
Soothing

Active Ingredients

2
AHA Retinoids

Risks

2
Pregnancy Unsafe
Synthetic polymer

About Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol

Overview

Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol is a cushioning serum from Alpha-H, a brand based in Australia. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 18 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. The oils in it point to a dewy, emollient finish rather than a matte one. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20 and Squalane, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Squalane and Oenothera Biennis Oil.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, brightening and tone, soothing and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • 4 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
  • Contains ingredients usually flagged for review during pregnancy

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin

May suit

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 5 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 4 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Pore Minimizer 1 ingredient

    Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone Oil Control Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

Glycerin

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Methyl Gluceth-20

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, ether with methyl .beta.-d-glucopyranoside (4:1)

Hydration
Squalane

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Retinol Retinoids

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Retinol; vitamin A

Anti-Aging Anti-Acne Pore Minimizer
Oenothera Biennis Oil

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Oenothera Biennis Oil is the fixed oil derived from the seeds of the Evening Primrose, Oenothera biennis, Onagraceae

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium hydrogen N-(1-oxooctadecyl)-L-glutamate

Hydration
Citric Acid AHA

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support Low

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control Low

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing None

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Low

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (2)

Supporting ingredients (16)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Aqua Glycerin Methyl Gluceth-20 Polysorbate 80 Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Phenoxyethanol Squalane Polysorbate 20 Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil Oenothera Biennis Oil Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil Caprylyl Glycol Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate Disodium Edta

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Facial oils

    Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Azelaic acid

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Treat" step.

  • Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
  • Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contains Retinol, usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
4 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 20, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Recorded ingredient risks
Pregnancy Unsafe, Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 18 ingredients on the label.

5
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

3
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

3
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

2
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

2
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

1
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

1
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Aqua Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Water

2 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
3 Methyl Gluceth-20 Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, ether with methyl .beta.-d-glucopyranoside (4:1)

Hydration
2 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, Supplement, November 2016, pages 12S–40S
  • https://wwwlubrizolcom/Personal-Care/Products/Product-Finder/Products-Data/Glucam-E-20-humectant
4 Polysorbate 80 Surfactant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Sorbitan, mono-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs., (Z)-

5 Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Texture agent
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate, dimethylacrylamide, lauryl methacrylate and laureth-4 methacrylate, crosslinked with trimethylolpropane triacrylate

Synthetic polymer
6 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

7 Squalane Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane

Hydration Anti-Aging
9 scientific references
  • Cosmetics Ingredient Review, 2019, ePublication
  • ACS Open, July 2017, pages 3, 989–3, 996
  • Indian Journal of Dermatology, May-June 2016, pages 279-297
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, June 2014, pages 25-32
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, January-February 2013, pages 59-66
  • Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, 2012, pages 223-233
  • Molecules, January 2009, pages 540-554
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2006, pages 2, 430-2, 437
  • Free Radical Research, April 2002, pages 471-477
8 Retinol Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Retinol; vitamin A

Anti-Aging Anti-Acne Pore Minimizer Pregnancy Unsafe
10 scientific references
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2019, pages 918-923; and March 2015, pages 271-280
  • Experimental Dermatology, August 2019, pages 906-913
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, May 2017, pages 275-283
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2017, pages 56-65
  • Dermatology, May 2014, pages 314-325
  • Dermatoendocrinology, July 2012, issue 3, pages 308-319
  • Toxicological Research, March 2010, pages 61-66
  • Archives of Dermatology, May 2007, pages 606-612
  • The Journal of Pathology, January 2007, issue 2, pages 241-251
  • Clinical Interventions in Aging, December 2006, pages 327-348
9 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.

10 Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil is the fixed oil expressed or extracted from seeds of the desert shrub, Jojoba, Simmondsia chinensis, Buxaceae

11 Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant, Plant extract

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract is an extract obtained from the fruit of the Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L., Solanaceae

12 Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe seed kernel of the Sweet Almond Tree, Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis, Rosaceae

13 Oenothera Biennis Oil Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Oenothera Biennis Oil is the fixed oil derived from the seeds of the Evening Primrose, Oenothera biennis, Onagraceae

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
2 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, January 2016, pages 188-193
  • Annals of Dermatology, December 2014, pages 706-712
14 Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the nuts of the Bushnut, Macadamia ternifolia, Proteaceae. It consists primarily of the glycerides of the fatty acids

15 Caprylyl Glycol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Octane-1,2-diol

16 Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium hydrogen N-(1-oxooctadecyl)-L-glutamate

Hydration
17 Disodium Edta Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Chelator

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate

18 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol?

AQUA, GLYCERIN, METHYL GLUCETH-20, POLYSORBATE 80, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, PHENOXYETHANOL, SQUALANE, RETINOL, POLYSORBATE 20, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL, SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM FRUIT EXTRACT, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS OIL, OENOTHERA BIENNIS OIL, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, DISODIUM EDTA, CITRIC ACID.

What are the active ingredients in Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol?

RETINOL, CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol?

In the evening, apply 3 - 4 drops to a freshly cleansed face, neck, and décolletage. Allow to absorb into the skin for 5 minutes prior to applying your night time moisturiser. Introduce Vitamin A (Retinol) slowly, and after skin has adapted to using the serum, application frequency can be increased to every second night. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What skin types is Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol fungal acne safe?

4 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 20, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol while pregnant?

It contains Retinol, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.

Is Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol?

It layers well with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Azelaic acid — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol?

Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol have?

It lists 18 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol?

Alpha-H, a brand based in Australia.

Brand
Alpha-H
Country
Australia

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