WishCare Pro Collagen Retinol Serum - For Anti-Aging & Wrinkles- 2% Retinoid, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol & Rosehip Oil - 30 ml

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides standard transparent polyacrylic acid gel thickening.

Why It's Used: Baseline synthetic gel thickener — the non-hydrophobically modified acrylates crosspolymer provides the standard reference gel texture for aqueous formulations, with excellent clarity and precise viscosity control from the simplest crosslinked polyacrylic acid network.

How It Works: Crosslinked polyacrylic acid (no alkyl modification). requires neutralisation (naoh/tea/arginine → gel). very transparent. low use: 0.2-1%. wide compatibility. salt-sensitive (electrolytes can collapse gel at high concentration). standard serum/gel texture.

Typically Found In: Serums,gels,standard cosmetic gel

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Acrylates crosspolymer vs hydrophobically modified crosspolymer (c10-30 acrylate crosspolymer) functional difference: unmodified provides gel thickening only; hydrophobically modified provides both thickening and emulsion stabilisation from oil-droplet anchoring. the alkyl chain addition converts a pure thickener into a rheology modifier + emulsion stabiliser — the same polymer backbone with fundamentally different formulation function from adding hydrophobic anchor groups.

Last Verified: Cosing database,polyacrylic acid gel polymer technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides retinol-equivalent anti-aging gene expression from a natural plant compound without retinol's limitations.

Why It's Used: The natural retinol alternative — the first plant compound with rct evidence for equivalent anti-aging results to retinol with better safety and photostability.

How It Works: Bakuchiol activates rar beta and retinoid x receptors via allosteric binding mechanism. upregulates type i, iii, and iv collagen synthesis genes. downregulates mmp-1 and mmp-9. antioxidant via phenol radical scavenging. photostable — stable to uv exposure unlike retinol.

Typically Found In: Natural anti-aging serums,pregnancy-safe retinol alternative,photostable anti-aging

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – natural retinol alternative

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from psoralea corylifolia seeds

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

The dhaliwal et al. (2019, british journal of dermatology) split-face rct directly compared 0.5% bakuchiol vs 0.5% retinol twice daily for 12 weeks — both groups showed equivalent reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, but bakuchiol showed significantly less scaling, stinging, and burning. this is the strongest evidence that bakuchiol provides retinol-equivalent anti-aging with better tolerability.

Last Verified: Cosing database,dhaliwal et al. bakuchiol vs retinol rct

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Attracts and retains moisture in the sc, improves skin barrier function at low concentrations, provides gentle keratolytic softening, and acts as a co-solvent for water-soluble actives.

Why It's Used: The reference humectant — lowest cost, best safety profile, universal formulation compatibility, and present naturally in the sc via lipase-mediated glycerolipid hydrolysis makes glycerin the industry standard against which all humectants are benchmarked.

How It Works: Three hydroxyl groups form 6 h-bonds with water molecules per glycerol unit — the highest oh-group density per carbon of any commercial humectant. glycerin also down-regulates epidermal serine proteases that overactivate in dry sc, improving desquamation and barrier integrity.

Typically Found In: All cosmetics,universal

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–40%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Epidermal lipases hydrolyse sc glycerophospholipids during cornification, releasing glycerol that contributes to the natural nmf — topical glycerin directly supplements this endogenous sc humectant pool.

Last Verified: Cosing database,glycerin universal humectant review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Hyaluronic acid draws and locks moisture into the skin at multiple depths (surface and deeper layers depending on molecular weight), creating a plumping, smoothing, and hydrating effect.

Why It's Used: It is used because it is endogenous to human skin, making it exceptionally biocompatible and non-irritating. its unparalleled moisture-binding capacity makes it the most effective hydrating ingredient available.

How It Works: Ha binds water molecules through its many hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, creating a gel-like matrix. high molecular weight ha (>500 kda) hydrates the skin surface; low molecular weight ha (<50 kda) penetrates deeper to provide interior hydration.

Typically Found In: Serums,moisturizers,sheet masks,toners,eye creams,lip treatments,dermal fillers (injectable)

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – humectant/hydrator

Secondary Functions: Barrier repair,plumping,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2% (effective at very low concentrations; multi-weight ha provides superior results)

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – biotechnology-derived (microbial fermentation of streptococcus equi or b. subtilis); vegan-certified versions widely available

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Originally extracted from rooster combs; now predominantly produced via biotechnology (bacterial fermentation), which is vegan and more sustainable.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low; one of the gentlest skincare ingredients known

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: In very dry environments, high-molecular-weight ha on the surface can potentially draw moisture out of the skin if not sealed with an occlusive. apply to damp skin and seal with moisturizer.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – ideal for all skin types including rosacea, eczema, and post-procedure skin

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. endogenous molecule – no toxicity concerns. ewg hazard score: 1. safe during pregnancy.

Works Well With: Virtually all ingredients; especially ceramides,glycerin,peptides,retinol (reduces irritation),niacinamide,vitamin c

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities; high concentrations of alcohol in a formula may reduce its efficacy

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Hyaluronic acid naturally degrades in skin (half-life ~1–2 days). the skin produces it endogenously, but production decreases with age. multi-molecular-weight ha formulas provide hydration at both surface and deeper skin levels.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,papakonstantinou et al. (2012) dermato-endocrinology

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, reduces visible pore size, regulates sebum production, fades dark spots, and improves skin texture and tone.

Why It's Used: It is used because it addresses multiple skin concerns at once without irritation, making it suitable for all skin types. it is stable in formulations and pairs well with most other actives.

How It Works: Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanosomes (pigment packets) to skin cells, reducing hyperpigmentation. it also stimulates ceramide synthesis to strengthen the skin barrier and reduces inflammation by modulating cytokine activity.

Typically Found In: Serums,moisturizers,toners,cleansers,eye creams,sunscreens,primers

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – vitamin

Secondary Functions: Barrier repair,brightening,anti-inflammatory

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 2%–10% (typical: 5%; higher concentrations may cause flushing in some individuals)

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetically produced

Halal Status: Yes – synthetic origin

Source Notes: Commercially produced via synthesis from nicotinic acid or 3-cyanopyridine. no animal-derived sources used in cosmetic-grade niacinamide.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low; concentrations above 10% may cause temporary flushing in sensitive individuals

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: At concentrations >10%, some users experience niacin flush (transient redness/tingling). generally very well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – one of the best-tolerated actives for sensitive skin

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Extensively studied and considered very safe. ewg hazard score: 1. no significant systemic toxicity concerns at topical concentrations.

Works Well With: Retinol,peptides,ahas/bhas,hyaluronic acid,ceramides,zinc,vitamin c,spf

Avoid Combining With: High concentrations of vitamin c (ascorbic acid) may theoretically convert to niacin – use at different times if using pure l-ascorbic acid above 15%

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Niacinamide is a precursor to nad+ and nadp+, coenzymes vital to cellular energy metabolism. its benefits for dna repair and mitochondrial function make it a key ingredient in anti-aging strategies.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,ewg skin deep,pubmed clinical studies

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Prevents microbial contamination and spoilage in cosmetic formulations.

Why It's Used: The benchmark cosmetic preservative – eu-permitted up to 1%, effective against virtually all cosmetically relevant microorganisms, and excellent tolerability.

How It Works: Phenol ring provides broad antimicrobial activity via disruption of bacterial and fungal cell membranes and inhibition of enzymatic activity. effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts (candida), and molds (aspergillus). activity ph range: 3-9.

Typically Found In: All cosmetic formulations as primary preservative

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – broad-spectrum preservative

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–1% (eu max 1%)

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Eu cosmetics regulation max 1%. sccs assessed as safe at ≤1%. avoid use around eyes in baby products per some country regulations. ewg score: 4.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Phenoxyethanol's widespread adoption as the primary cosmetic preservative followed the phaseout of parabens from many formulations in the 2000s-2010s. despite having a comparable or better safety profile to parabens, it is often cited in 'free-from' formulations – a consumer perception issue rather than a scientific safety concern.

Last Verified: Cosing database,sccs opinion on phenoxyethanol,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides mould and yeast focused broad-spectrum preservation in a widely accepted food-grade preservative.

Why It's Used: Standard mould and yeast preservative — potassium sorbate is effective at slightly higher ph than sodium benzoate, making it the preferred sorbate preservative for formulations at ph 4.5-6.

How It Works: Inactive salt form — sorbic acid (free acid, pka 4.76) is active. more effective than benzoate at higher ph (pka 4.76 vs benzoate 4.2). active at ph up to ~6.0 (meaningful sorbic acid present). inhibits malassezia and candida at lower concentrations than bacteria. synergistic with sodium benzoate.

Typically Found In: Cosmetics ph 4-6,natural preservation systems,combined with sodium benzoate

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – sorbate preservative

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–0.6%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Eu max 0.6% cosmetics. fda gras. synergistic with sodium benzoate. oxidises to sorbaldehyde (yellow colouration) on uv exposure — protect from light.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Potassium sorbate's antifungal mechanism (disruption of mitochondrial electron transport in fungi) is different from its antibacterial mechanism (cell membrane and enzyme disruption). this mechanistic bifunctionality provides broad spectrum from a single preservative, though the lower antifungal mic values mean mould and yeast protection is achieved at lower concentrations than bacterial protection.

Last Verified: Cosing database,eu preservative annex v,fda gras,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides deep nourishing emolliency with anti-inflammatory cinnamic acid esters and a uniquely rich unsaponifiable fraction.

Why It's Used: The most nutritious plant butter – unique cinnamic acid esters, lupeol, and rich unsaponifiable fraction provide anti-inflammatory and wound healing benefits beyond standard fatty acid emolliency.

How It Works: Cinnamic acid esters absorb uv radiation providing mild natural uv filtering (spf 3-4). lupeol inhibits nf-kb for anti-inflammatory activity. high stearic acid provides occlusive barrier function. rich unsaponifiable fraction (4-9%) provides phytosterols, tocopherols, and triterpenes for bioactive skin benefits.

Typically Found In: Body butters,rich moisturizers,baby products,hair conditioners,lip balms

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient

Secondary Functions: Cinnamic acid uv support,lupeol anti-inflammatory,rich emolliency

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–100%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from butyrospermum parkii nuts

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Unrefined (raw) shea retains more unsaponifiable fraction and stronger natural scent/color. refined shea is odorless, white, and cleaner for formulation. certified fair trade supports west african women's cooperatives.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic (refined); 2/5 – low (raw/unrefined)

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Shea butter's unsaponifiable fraction (4-9%, vs coconut oil's 0.5% and olive oil's 1-2%) is exceptionally rich in triterpenes, phytosterols, and tocopherols. this fraction is responsible for shea's anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties that simple fatty acid analysis fails to reveal.

Last Verified: Cosing database,lin et al. shea butter cinnamic acid study,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Preserves acidic formulations against yeast and mold contamination.

Why It's Used: Natural-derived (from benzoic acid found in cranberries, cinnamon) preservative for acidic ph formulations where it provides excellent antimicrobial activity.

How It Works: Undissociated benzoic acid (active form, pka 4.2) penetrates microbial cell membranes and disrupts electron transport chain and ph homeostasis. at ph>5, mostly ionized (sodium salt) and inactive – requires acidic formulation ph for efficacy.

Typically Found In: Acidic serums,toners,low-ph formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – benzoate preservative

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–0.5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from plant sources (cranberry, cinnamon) or synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Eu max 0.5%. gras food additive. ewg score: 3 (benzene formation concern with vitamin c at >80°c – normal use temperatures do not form benzene).

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Sodium benzoate's strict ph dependency (90% inactive at ph>5.5) makes its preservative activity dramatically sensitive to formulation ph. a serum formulated at ph 4.0 is fully preserved by benzoate; the same formula adjusted to ph 5.5 has <10% of the preservative activity. this ph dependency must be considered in any benzoate-preserved formulation.

Last Verified: Cosing database,siegert & frieling benzoate review,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12