Dr.Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum

Dr.Althea

0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum

face serum

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
58%
Combination (dry)
58%
Balanced
88%
Combination (oily)
82%
Oily
82%

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32
Ingredients
7
Benefits
3
Actives
Find Dupes

The Dr.Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum is a beginner-friendly, anti-aging treatment formulated to smooth fine lines and refine skin texture without the typical irritation associated with vitamin A. This vegan-certified serum features a mild concentration of 0.1% Retinol combined with Adenosine to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. The formula is infused with a "Green Relief" complex featuring Centella Asiatica Extract and Aloe Vera, which helps soothe the skin while the retinol works to accelerate cell turnover. The inclusion of Niacinamide further assists in brightening the complexion and minimizing the appearance of pores, leaving the skin looking youthful and refreshed.

Key Insights

Benefits

7
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Oil Control
Pore Minimizer
Soothing

Active Ingredients

3
Bakuchiol Retinoids Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

Risks

2
Pregnancy Unsafe
Synthetic polymer

About 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum

Overview

0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum is a lightweight serum from Dr.Althea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 32 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Butylene Glycol and Panthenol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: Very high. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol and Ethylhexylglycerin.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Panthenol, Allantoin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract and Bakuchiol.

Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Panthenol and Hydrogenated Lecithin.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily 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 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, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

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 drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • Contains essential oils, a common source of reactivity
  • 3 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
  • 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 10 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 7 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 6 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Evens Skin Tone 2 ingredients

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Oil Control 1 ingredient

    Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness

  • Pore Minimizer 1 ingredient

    Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores

Does not target

Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading 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.

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

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

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

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

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration

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

Dibutyl adipate

Hydration
Panthenol Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

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

Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol

Hydration Soothing

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

Glycine Soja Oil is the oil obtained from the soybean, Glycine soja, Leguminosae, by extraction or expression. It consists esentially of triglycerides of oleic, linoleic and saturated acids

Anti-Aging Hydration

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

Lecithins, hydrogenated

Hydration

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

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration

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

2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt

Oil Control

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

Betula Alba Juice is the sap of the Birch, Betula alba L., Betulaceae

Hydration
Retinol Retinoids

15th 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
Bakuchiol Bakuchiol

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

Bakuchiol (babchi seed extract) is a plant-based retinol alternative that softens wrinkles and fades dark spots with less irritation. IUPAC name: 4-[(1E,3S)-3,7-dimethyl-3-vinylocta-1,6-dien-1-yl]phenol

Soothing Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone

Formula analysis

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

Hydration Very high

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

Barrier support Moderate

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 Low

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

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 (3)

Supporting ingredients (29)

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

Water Glycerin Butylene Glycol Dibutyl Adipate 1,2-hexanediol Glycine Soja Oil Hydrogenated Lecithin Caprylic/capric Triglyceride Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate Sodium Polyacrylate Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Sodium Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Betula Alba Juice Polyisobutene Ethylhexylglycerin Allantoin Glyceryl Acrylate/acrylic Acid Copolymer Disodium Edta Sorbitan Isostearate Pvm/ma Copolymer Sorbitan Oleate Caprylyl/capryl Glucoside Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract Borago Officinalis Extract Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract Salvia Sclarea Extract Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract Tocopherol

What is and is not in it

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

Free from

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

Contains

  • Essential oils

    Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract

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)
3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate. 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 32 ingredients on the label.

9
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

7
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

7
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

6
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

5
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

5
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

2
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

2
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

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 Water 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.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
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 Butylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

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

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
  • Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
4 Dibutyl Adipate Emollient
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Occlusive, Solvent

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

Dibutyl adipate

Hydration
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

5th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

6 Panthenol Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active

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

Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol

Hydration Soothing
7 scientific references
  • The Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2019, pages 534-547
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2019, pages 346-354
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2018, pages 1-51
  • The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, August 2017, pages 173-180
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2011, pages 361-370
  • American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, Volume 3, 2002, pages 427-433
7 Glycine Soja Oil 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.

Glycine Soja Oil is the oil obtained from the soybean, Glycine soja, Leguminosae, by extraction or expression. It consists esentially of triglycerides of oleic, linoleic and saturated acids

Anti-Aging Hydration
8 scientific references
  • Phytotherapy Research, March 2020, pages 435-437
  • AAPS PharmSciTech, October 2018, pages 3, 029-3, 039
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, February 2018, pages 28-37
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, December 2017, ePublication
  • Molecules, Volume 22, September 2017, ePublication
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2013, pages s123-s127
  • Journal of Medicinal Food, January 2012, pages 89-95
  • International Journal of Dermatology, April 2011, pages 470-477
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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

Lecithins, hydrogenated

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 5S-25S
  • Nanocosmetics, June 2019, pages 95–140
  • Current Drug Delivery, 2016, pages 111–120
  • Pharmaceutical Research, February 2013, pages 538–55
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

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

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 34-35
  • Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 2014, pages 43-48
  • International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 4-5
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, pages 79-98
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, August 1985, pages 303-311
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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

Methyl-D-glucopyranoside, ethers with 1,2,3-propanetriol homopolymer, octadecanoates (1:1:2) (3 mol glycerol average molar ratio)

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Occlusive, Texture agent

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

2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt

Oil Control Synthetic polymer
7 scientific references
  • International Food Research Journal, February 2021, pages 44 - 55
  • Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, March 2018, pages 1, 611-1, 614
  • Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, November 2014, pages 18, 346-18, 351
  • Journal of Applied Polymer Science, November 2001, pages 1, 515-1, 520
  • United States Patent, April 2000, ePublication
  • https://wwwsocochemcom/is-sodium-polyacrylate-safehtml
  • https://wwwcir-safetyorg/sites/default/files/acryco092018TARpdf
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

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

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate and acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers

Synthetic polymer
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

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

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium acrylate and sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers

Synthetic polymer
14 Betula Alba Juice Plant extract
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

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

Betula Alba Juice is the sap of the Birch, Betula alba L., Betulaceae

Hydration
2 scientific references
  • Basic Forestry, January 2017, ePublication
  • Journal of Ethnopharmacology, January 2015, pages 62-83
15 Retinol Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active

15th 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
16 Bakuchiol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Active, Antioxidant, Preservative

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

Bakuchiol (babchi seed extract) is a plant-based retinol alternative that softens wrinkles and fades dark spots with less irritation. IUPAC name: 4-[(1E,3S)-3,7-dimethyl-3-vinylocta-1,6-dien-1-yl]phenol

Soothing Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone
14 scientific references
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, July 2020, pages 1-12
  • Pharmacological Research, March 2019, pages 208-213
  • British Journal of Dermatology, February 2019, pages 253-254
  • Oncotarget, March 2016, pages 14, 616-14, 627
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, June 2014, pages 221-230
  • Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2010, pages 1504-1506
  • The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2010, pages 105-114
  • Pharmacognosy Review, January-June 2010, pages 68-76
  • British Journal of Dermatology, 2019 (randomized trial vs retinol: bjd.16918)
  • Phytochemistry Reviews, 2024 (review: s11101-024-09926-y)
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026 (review: ics.70116)
  • PubMed 41151326, 2025 (bakuchiol against MRSA)
  • PubMed 38199573, 2024 (antiviral targets PHB2, VDAC1, VDAC2)
  • PubMed 37857572, 2023 (C. elegans lifespan and amyloid-beta)
17 Polyisobutene Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

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

Homopolymer of 2-methyl-1 propene

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

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

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
19 Allantoin Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Soothing

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
8 scientific references
  • Chemistry Series, March 2020, pages 7-21
  • Molecules, June 2019, pages 1-33
  • European Journal of Pharmacology, February 2018, pages 68-78
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2017, Volume 76, Issue 2, Supplement 1
  • Pharmacognosy Review, Volume 5, July-December 2011
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2010, Supplement, pages 84S-97S
  • Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, October 2008, ePublication
  • https://wwwaccessdatafdagov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearchcfm?CFRPart=347&showFR=1
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer is a copolymer of glyceryl acrylate and acrylic acid

Synthetic polymer
21 Disodium Edta Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Chelator

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sorbitan, isooctadecanoate

23 Pvm/ma Copolymer Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2,5-Furandione, polymer with methoxyethene; copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride

24 Sorbitan Oleate Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sorbitan oleate

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Jacinthus, Hyacinthus orientalis L., Liliaceae

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Plant extract

27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Borago Officinalis Extract is an extract of the herb, Borago officinalis L., Boraginaceae

Soothing Anti-Aging
8 scientific references
  • How to Care for Red, Sensitive Skin
  • 7 Best Products for Sensitive Skin
  • Skincare Tips for Calming Redness
  • Skin-Soothing Ingredients
  • How the Paula’s Choice CALM Collection Works
  • The Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
  • The Best Ways to Treat Acne and Sensitive Skin
  • Skin Care for Extremely Dry, Sensitive Skin
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract is an extract of the flowerheads of the matricaria, Chamomilla recutita (L.), Compositae

Anti-Aging Soothing
8 scientific references
  • 5 Super Anti-Aging Antioxidants Your Skin Needs
  • How to Keep Your Neck & Chest Looking Young
  • Acne & Aging Skin
  • How to Diminish Uneven Skin Tone and Get Your Glow Back
  • What Are Peptides and What Do They Do for Skin?
  • The Truth About Firming Creams
  • Top 5 Reasons to Add Antioxidants to Your Skin Care Routine
  • Anti-Aging Superstars
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Cornflower, Centaurea cyanus L., Compositae

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Soothing, Plant extract

30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Salvia Sclarea Extract is an extract of the Clary Sage, Salvia sclarea L., Lamiaceae

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Plant extract

31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, Labiatae

32 Tocopherol Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing
4 scientific references
  • Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
  • Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
  • Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum?

WATER, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIBUTYL ADIPATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, PANTHENOL, GLYCINE SOJA OIL, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, SODIUM ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, BETULA ALBA JUICE, RETINOL, BAKUCHIOL, POLYISOBUTENE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ALLANTOIN, GLYCERYL ACRYLATE/ACRYLIC ACID COPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, PVM/MA COPOLYMER, SORBITAN OLEATE, CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL GLUCOSIDE, HYACINTHUS ORIENTALIS EXTRACT, BORAGO OFFICINALIS EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER EXTRACT, CENTAUREA CYANUS FLOWER EXTRACT, SALVIA SCLAREA EXTRACT, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA FLOWER EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL.

What are the active ingredients in 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum?

PANTHENOL, RETINOL, BAKUCHIOL.

How do I use 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum?

During your evening routine, apply 1–2 drops to the face after cleansing and toning. Gently pat into the skin until fully absorbed. New Users : Start by using the product 2–3 times a week and gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Always apply a generous amount of sunscreen the following morning, as retinol increases sun sensitivity. Avoid using simultaneously with physical or chemical exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs) to prevent irritation.

What skin types is 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum good for?

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

Is 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum 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 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum fungal acne safe?

3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum while pregnant?

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

Is 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum fragrance free?

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

Does 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum contain alcohol?

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

Is 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum silicone free?

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

Does 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum contain essential oils?

Yes — it contains Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract.

Is 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum paraben free?

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

What can I layer with 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum?

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 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum?

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

How many ingredients does 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum have?

It lists 32 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.

Who makes 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum?

Dr.Althea.

Brand
Dr.Althea

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