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
Dr.Althea
0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum
face serum
Dr.Althea
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
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.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
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.
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
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
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)
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Dibutyl adipate
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
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
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
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
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
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
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
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
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 32 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Forms a film that slows water loss
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Dissolves and carries everything else
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Calms visible redness and irritation
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
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
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
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)
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Dibutyl adipate
5th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
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
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
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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)-
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
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
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, isooctadecanoate
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
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan oleate
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Dr. Althea
Shares 12 key ingredients with 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dibutyl Adipate, Panthenol
Isntree
Shares 9 key ingredients with 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
Medicube
Shares 8 key ingredients with 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Lecithin
Numbuzin
Shares 8 key ingredients with 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Panthenol
Arencia
Shares 8 key ingredients with 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Sodium Polyacrylate
Boncept
Shares 8 key ingredients with 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Bakuchiol, Retinol
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.
PANTHENOL, RETINOL, BAKUCHIOL.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It contains Retinol, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Yes — it contains Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
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.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 32 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.
Dr.Althea.
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