glossier Universal Pro-retinol Nightly Renewing Complex
glossier Glossier Universal Pro-retinol Nightly Renewing Complex lists 31 ingredients on its label, 30 decoded. See what each one does, its irritancy and comedogenic tendency, and its status in national inventories.
Ingredients overview
Label order. Colour is our internal rating: green routine, yellow restricted or worth a look, red prohibited or high-risk, grey not yet decoded.
Ingredients are listed in label order; the order reflects the label only, not exact concentrations.
- Water/Aqua/Eau
- Glycerin
- Propanediol
- Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
- C13-15 Alkane
- Cetyl Alcohol
- Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
- Cetearyl Olivate
- Coconut Alkanes
- Sorbitan Olivate
- Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
- Betaine
- Retinyl Sunflowerseedate
- Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract
- Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
- Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Tocopherol
- Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Glycol Stearate
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Maltodextrin
- Xanthan Gum
- Benzoic Acid
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Carbomer
- Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
- Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Highlights
Free of alcoholFree of parabensFree of siliconesFree of sulfatesFree of formaldehyde releasersContains mineral oilContains fragranceContains essential oils
Formulation view Aqueous base with glycerin and propanediol, featuring retinyl sunflowerseedate for gentle renewal. Shea butter and C13-15 alkanes provide occlusion, emulsified by sorbitan olivate. Factory note: Rich texture, requires light protection; suitable for dry or mature skin at night.
Key ingredients
- 溶剂
- Water/Aqua/Eau
- DENATURANT
- Glycerin
- SOLVENT
- Propanediol
- SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
- Cetyl EthylhexanoateCetyl AlcoholCetearyl Olivate
- SOLVENT · 限制 II
- C13-15 Alkane
- SKIN CONDITIONING
- Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Other ingredients
Coconut AlkanesSorbitan OlivatePotassium Cetyl PhosphateBetaineRetinyl SunflowerseedateStevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem ExtractOphiopogon Japonicus Root ExtractCamellia Oleifera Leaf ExtractAloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceSodium HyaluronateTocopherolCoco-Caprylate/CaprateEthylhexylglycerinGlycol StearateGlyceryl StearateCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideMaltodextrinXanthan GumBenzoic AcidSodium HydroxideCarbomerSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Skim through
| Ingredient | What it does | Irr. · Com. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water/Aqua/Eau | 溶剂 | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Glycerin | DENATURANT, HAIR CONDITIONING, HUMECTANT, ORAL CARE, SKIN PROTECTING, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING, PERFUMING, FRAGRANCE, SKIN CONDITIONING - HUMECTANT | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Propanediol | SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Cetyl Ethylhexanoate | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT | 0 · 0 | Green |
| C13-15 Alkane | SOLVENT · 限制 II/875 Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated middle, except if the full refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not a carcinogen. | 0 · 2 | Green |
| Cetyl Alcohol | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, EMULSION STABILISING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, FRAGRANCE, OPACIFYING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 1 · 1 | Green |
| Butyrospermum Parkii Butter | SKIN CONDITIONING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 · 1 | Green |
| Cetearyl Olivate | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, EMULSION STABILISING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SLIP MODIFIER | 0 · 1 | Green |
| Coconut Alkanes | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SOLVENT | — | Green |
| Sorbitan Olivate | SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING | 0 · – | Green |
| Potassium Cetyl Phosphate | SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING | — | Green |
| Betaine | HAIR CONDITIONING, HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING - HUMECTANT | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Retinyl Sunflowerseedate | Not decoded yet | — | — |
| Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract | FRAGRANCE | — | Green |
| Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract | SKIN CONDITIONING, TONIC | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract | ASTRINGENT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Tocopherol | ANTIOXIDANT, FRAGRANCE, SKIN CONDITIONING - MISCELLANEOUS, SKIN CONDITIONING - OCCLUSIVE | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Coco-Caprylate/Caprate | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Ethylhexylglycerin | DEODORANT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Glycol Stearate | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, OPACIFYING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Glyceryl Stearate | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | FRAGRANCE, SOLVENT, PERFUMING, SKIN CONDITIONING - OCCLUSIVE | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Maltodextrin | ABSORBENT, BINDING, EMULSION STABILISING, FILM FORMING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Xanthan Gum | BINDING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, EMULSION STABILISING, GEL FORMING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Benzoic Acid | FRAGRANCE, PRESERVATIVE, pH ADJUSTERS · 限制 V/1 | 1 · – | Green |
| Sodium Hydroxide | BUFFERING, DENATURANT · 限制 III/15a | 3 · – | Green |
| Carbomer | EMULSION STABILISING, GEL FORMING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer | ANTICAKING, EMULSION STABILISING, FILM FORMING, OPACIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate | CHELATING | 0 · 0 | Green |
Ingredients explained
- Water/Aqua/Eau
- Primary aqueous solvent and carrier; no specific incompatibilities, focus on microbial stability.
- Glycerin
- Workhorse humectant at 3–10%; tacky at high levels, pair with occlusives
- Propanediol
- Polyol solvent at 1–5%; light feel, aids solubilization, propylene glycol alternative
- Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
- Synthetic oil providing slip; large molecule, low penetration, non-comedogenic, suitable for dry or rough skin.
- C13-15 Alkane
- Mineral oil derivative as solvent and spreader; low irritation and allergen, ensure high purity free of carcinogens
- Cetyl Alcohol
- Cetyl alcohol for emulsification/thickening; high concentration >10% may irritate.
- Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
- Shea butter for occlusive moisturizing; high melt point, rich texture, caution for oily skin.
- Cetearyl Olivate
- Natural emulsifier pairing with glucosides; skin-like feel, biodegradable, prone to oxidation requiring light protection
- Coconut Alkanes
- Coconut alkanes as solvents/emollients with medium volatility; check oxidation stability.
- Sorbitan Olivate
- O/W emulsifier, HLB ~15, requires ionic co-surfactant, potential sensitizer.
- Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
- Cetyl phosphate potassium, O/W emulsifier; pH-sensitive, often requires buffering.
- Betaine
- Betaine for mild moisturizing/surfactant; low concentration 1-2% common, high may irritate.
- Retinyl Sunflowerseedate
- Not decoded yet
- Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract
- Stevia extract used as natural fragrance; plant-derived, test for sensitivity.
- Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
- Botanical humectant; soothing; requires preservative; high-concentration allergen risk.
- Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
- Camellia oleifera leaf extract containing tea polyphenols; acts as astringent and skin conditioner, monitor raw material consistency.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
- Natural humectant and soother with high water activity; requires preservative system, generally well-tolerated
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Potent humectant at 0.1–2%; different MW for penetration depth, high levels may draw moisture
- Tocopherol
- Natural antioxidant (vitamin E) at 0.1–1%; prone to oxidation, store protected from light
- Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
- Lightweight mid-chain ester, quick spreading, suitable for oily skin, non-comedogenic.
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Mild conditioner and preservative booster at 0.5–1%; reduces preservative load, smooth feel
- Glycol Stearate
- Glycol stearate emulsifier and thickener; improves texture and feel, generally well-tolerated.
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Emulsifier at 1-3%; may require acid to prevent saponification
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Light occlusive and solvent at 1–10%; non-greasy feel, suitable for oily and combination skin
- Maltodextrin
- High-MW multifunctional excipient for thickening, binding, and emulsion stability; inert, non-penetrating conditioning.
- Xanthan Gum
- Natural thickener at 0.1–1%; provides gel texture, pH-stable, requires full hydration
- Benzoic Acid
- Preservative and pH adjuster at 0.1–0.5%; low water solubility, best in acidic media, irritant at high levels.
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Strong base neutralizer for pH adjustment; handle with extreme care
- Carbomer
- Gelling thickener requiring neutralization; watch out for ion compatibility
- Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
- Acrylate copolymer for film/thickening; water-soluble, compatible, monitor residual monomers.
- Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
- Mild chelator replacing EDTA; water-soluble, very low irritation, stabilizes metal ions
Source: full ingredient list published on the product label, collected 2026-09-18. Ratings are our internal reading, not a regulatory conclusion. · Product page
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