Retinol Treatment For Sensitive Skin
Serum
Updated 4w ago

Retinol Treatment For Sensitive Skin

PCA Skin
46Ingredients
0EU Banned
4Caution
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
Allergen-freeNo fragrance allergens
57% Natural39% synthetic

Contains Regulated Ingredients

EU Restricted Ingredients

These ingredients are permitted in the EU but subject to concentration limits, usage conditions, or mandatory labelling requirements under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

PhenoxyethanolMax 1.0%
Max concentration:1.0%
ChlorphenesinMax 0.3%
Max concentration:0.3%
RetinolMax 5.0%
Max concentration:5.0%
Product types:(a) Body lotion(b) other leave-on and rinse-off products
Conditions:From 1 November 2025 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be placed on the Union market. From 1 May 2027 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be made available on the Union market.
Label warnings: For any cosmetic product containing Retinol, Retinyl Acetate or Retinyl Palmitate the following, labelling is obligatory: ‘Contains Vitamin A. Consider your daily intake before use’.
What does "EU Restricted" mean?

Restricted ingredients are not banned — they are allowed in cosmetic products as long as specific conditions are met:

  • Concentration limits — maximum allowed percentage in the final product
  • Product type restrictions — some ingredients are only allowed in rinse-off or leave-on products
  • pH restrictions — the finished product must stay within a specific pH range
  • Mandatory labelling — certain allergens must be listed on the packaging
  • Usage conditions — must not be combined with certain other ingredients

These limits are based on the EU CosIng database (Annex III) and are updated regularly. Products sold in the EU must comply with all applicable restrictions.

Ingredient Chemistry

pH

pH Efficacy

pH Efficacy

pH 5.5 — Suboptimal
5.5
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 5.5
Active ingredients: Niacinamide, Retinol, Glycolic Acid
Niacinamide at pH 5.5: optimal range (5–7)
Retinol at pH 5.5: optimal range (5–6)
Glycolic Acid at pH 5.5: likely ineffective — above 4.5
Glycolic Acid is at pH 5.5, which is too high for optimal efficacy (3–4).
Detected actives & ideal pH
NiacinamidepH 5–7
RetinolpH 5–6
Glycolic AcidpH 3–4

Microbiome

Composition & Ethics

Product Details

Attributes

Ethics
VeganLikely
No animal-derived ingredients detected
Cruelty-FreeUnknown
No brand statement — contact manufacturer
Safety
Fragrance-FreeLikely
No fragrance ingredients detected
Key Actives
Contains RetinolConfirmed
Contains vitamin A derivative
Retinol / Vitamin AConfirmed
Niacinamide SerumConfirmed
Exfoliating SerumConfirmed
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

57% natural39% synthetic
26 natural 2 unknown 18 synthetic

Based on 46 ingredients analyzed. 57% natural, 4% unknown and 39% synthetic.

Active ingredients4 actives
Preservatives2 preservatives
Silicones1 silicone

Functions Overview (15)

skin conditioning12:Niacinamide, Isoamyl Laurate, Tapioca Starch Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hexyldecanol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceramide NP... +4 more
type of chemical entity5:Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Stearic Acid
solvent4:Water, Isododecane, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

Expected texture
Viscous, serum-like — slightly "thick water" feel
SpreadabilityVery easy
AbsorptionVery fast
Tackiness / ResidueVery low
Finish:Soft matte — natural-looking, shine-controlled

Silicones create a smooth, velvety "slip" with a blurring sensory effect. Slight initial tackiness that fades into a hydrated dewy finish.