Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum
Why this score
Concern54 / 55
- No ingredients carry meaningful, evidence-backed concern.
How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.
Transparency20 / 20
- No hidden fragrance blend.
Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.
Formulation restraint23 / 25
- 1 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredient: Retinol.
Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.
Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026
What’s inside
WaterGenerally safe
The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.
Full ingredient details →Butylene GlycolCommonly feared, low concern
A lightweight humectant and solvent similar in role to propylene glycol, used to carry actives and give lotions a lighter feel. CIR has reviewed it and considers it safe as used in cosmetics.
Full ingredient details →GlycerinGenerally safe
A humectant that draws water into the skin. One of the best-studied, best-tolerated ingredients in personal care.
Full ingredient details →NiacinamideGenerally safe
A form of vitamin B3 used to support a more even-looking tone and a comfortable barrier. Well tolerated at cosmetic levels.
Full ingredient details →Dibutyl AdipateGenerally safe
A lightweight emollient used in cosmetics and sunscreens to give a smooth texture. Inert and well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGenerally safe
A lightweight, odorless emollient made by combining coconut or palm-derived fatty acids with glycerin. It spreads easily, feels non-greasy, and has a long history of use in skin and hair products with no meaningful irritation or sensitization signal.
Full ingredient details →BakuchiolGenerally safe
A plant-derived compound (from babchi seed) marketed as a gentler alternative to retinol, with some small clinical studies showing similar skin-texture benefits and less irritation. Evidence is still limited compared to retinoids, and formal safety review data are less extensive than for long-established ingredients.
Full ingredient details →Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerGenerally safe
A synthetic polymer used to thicken and stabilize water-based formulas like gels and serums. It provides texture and suspension of particles without interfering with skin feel. Well established in cosmetics.
Full ingredient details →LecithinGenerally safe
A phospholipid emulsifier from soy or sunflower that binds water and oil and helps other ingredients absorb. It is a natural component of skin membranes, well tolerated, and reviewed as safe as used; a soy-derived grade is not a meaningful concern for a soy food allergy because the protein is largely absent.
Full ingredient details →BetaineGenerally safe
A humectant naturally derived from sugar beets that helps skin draw in and hold water; it has a long history of safe use with no meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns.
Full ingredient details →HydroxyacetophenoneGenerally safe
A preservative and antioxidant that helps prevent microbial growth and oxidative degradation in formulas. Published assessments support its use at cosmetic levels.
Full ingredient details →Retinyl PalmitateCommonly feared, low concern
Retinyl palmitate is an ester of vitamin A used in moisturizers and some sunscreens for mild anti-aging and antioxidant support. Long-term panel reviews of the ingredient have generally found it safe as used, with irritation potential similar to other mild retinoids at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Full ingredient details →Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateGenerally safe
An amino acid derived emulsifier made from stearic acid and glutamic acid that is increasingly used in natural and clean formulations. It is mild, biodegradable, and presents no known safety concerns for cosmetic use.
Full ingredient details →Vitamin EGenerally safe
An antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition skin. Well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →RetinolWatch if sensitive
A vitamin A derivative used for the look of lines and texture. Effective but can irritate and increases sun sensitivity; usually advised against in pregnancy.
Full ingredient details →AllantoinGenerally safe
A soothing, skin-conditioning compound (also found in comfrey root) commonly added to calm and hydrate irritated or sensitive skin. It has a long history of safe use with very low irritation potential.
Full ingredient details →PanthenolGenerally safe
A soothing humectant that helps skin and hair look conditioned. Very well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →Polysorbate 20Generally safe
A widely used emulsifier and solubilizer that has been in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for decades. The CIR has assessed it as safe with no known concerns at typical cosmetic concentrations. As with any surfactant, some people with very sensitive skin may experience mild irritation.
Full ingredient details →AdenosineGenerally safe
A naturally occurring nucleoside used in anti-aging formulas, often marketed for smoothing the look of fine lines. It has a low irritation profile and no established hazard at cosmetic use levels.
Full ingredient details →Cetearyl AlcoholCommonly feared, low concern
A blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols used to thicken lotions and soften skin. It is chemically unrelated to drying alcohols like ethanol, and the CIR expert panel has found fatty alcohols safe as used in cosmetics.
Full ingredient details →Disodium EDTACommonly feared, low concern
A chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working properly. It is not a functional skincare "active" and only a very small amount is used, with minimal skin penetration expected.
Full ingredient details →Stearic AcidGenerally safe
A naturally occurring fatty acid (also made in the body and found in many foods) used to thicken lotions and help stabilize cleansing bars. It is one of the most well-studied emollient ingredients and is not a meaningful irritant at cosmetic use levels.
Full ingredient details →Dipropylene GlycolGenerally safe
A light, low-odor glycol used as a solvent and humectant, extremely common in Korean toners and essences. It has a low reported irritation rate and is graded low concern in published assessments.
Full ingredient details →Ceramide NPGenerally safe
A lab-made version of a lipid naturally found in the outer skin barrier. It is added to creams and cleansers to help replace lipids that washing can strip away, and it is not linked to irritation or safety concerns.
Full ingredient details →AsiaticosideGenerally safe
A triterpenoid from Centella asiatica associated in published studies with skin resilience and wound-healing support. It is generally well tolerated in cosmetic concentrations.
Full ingredient details →Madecassic AcidGenerally safe
A key active compound from Centella asiatica linked in published research to skin barrier support and soothing properties. It is well tolerated in skincare formulations.
Full ingredient details →Asiatic AcidGenerally safe
A triterpenoid from Centella asiatica with published research linking it to skin barrier function and calming effects. It appears well tolerated at cosmetic levels.
Full ingredient details →CholesterolGenerally safe
A waxy sterol found naturally in skin and used in cosmetics as an emollient and emulsifier. It supports the skin barrier and is well tolerated across skin types.
Full ingredient details →PhytosphingosineGenerally safe
A plant-derived lipid precursor found naturally in skin that supports barrier function and lipid composition. It is used in skincare formulations to strengthen the stratum corneum and is documented as well tolerated, though rare individual sensitivities may occur.
Full ingredient details →Ferulic AcidGenerally safe
A plant-derived antioxidant found in seeds and grains, used in cosmetics to protect against free-radical damage. Published safety assessments grade it low-concern and it is generally well tolerated across skin types.
Full ingredient details →Ceramide APGenerally safe
One of the three major ceramides naturally found in human skin. Ceramide AP plays a critical role in maintaining the skin barrier and is extensively studied as a safe, essential ingredient. It is derived synthetically or from plant sources.
Full ingredient details →Copper Tripeptide-1Generally safe
A small peptide bonded to copper that supports collagen remodeling and skin repair. Studied in cosmetics and dermatology for decades with a strong safety record at cosmetic-use levels.
Full ingredient details →Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Generally safe
A hexapeptide designed to reduce facial muscle contractions by interfering with acetylcholine release. Cosmetic-grade formulations show no systemic absorption at recommended use levels and are well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4Generally safe
A five-amino-acid peptide lipid that stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis. One of the most established peptides in cosmetics with decades of safe use and no reported sensitization issues.
Full ingredient details →Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Generally safe
A peptide lipid that mimics collagen fragments and signals skin cells to increase collagen production while reducing inflammation. Established in anti-aging formulas with a consistent safety record.
Full ingredient details →Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Generally safe
A signal peptide attached to palmitic acid that activates collagen synthesis in skin cells. Well tolerated across skin types with no significant safety concerns in cosmetic use.
Full ingredient details →Ceramide EOPGenerally safe
A key structural lipid naturally found in healthy skin that reinforces the barrier and improves hydration. It is well established in skincare formulations and assessed as having excellent safety across all skin types, including sensitive and compromised barriers.
Full ingredient details →Lower-concern alternatives
Same category, higher PlainScore.
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.