EWG Skin Deep® | African Botanics Retinal Night Cream Rating

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Data Availability:

Limited

African Botanics Retinal Night Cream

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Ingredient concerns

See how this product scores for common concerns.

MODERATE

Cancer
HIGH

Allergies & Immunotoxicity
LOW

Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity
HIGH

Use Restrictions

Ingredient scores

Ingredients are scored based on their formulation and concentration in this product. Click on an ingredient for more information.

WATER
Appeared as: Aqua

Data Availability: Robust

FUNCTION(S)	solvent
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SCLEROCARYA BIRREA OIL
Appeared as: Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula)** Seed Oil

Data Availability: None

FUNCTION(S)	hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - emollient
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CETEARYL ALCOHOL

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	emulsion stabilizer, opacifying agent, surfactant - foam booster, viscosity increasingagent - aqueous, viscosity increasing agent - nonaqueous, emollient, emulsifying, emulsion stabilising, foam boosting, opacifying, surfactant, viscosity controlling
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CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	surfactant - emulsifying agent, emulsifying, surfactant
CONCERNS	• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low) • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low) • Use restrictions (low) • Endocrine disruption (low) • Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, antistatic, hair conditioning, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Contamination concerns (PESTICIDES)
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RETINAL

Data Availability: Good

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Cancer (moderate) • Developmental/reproductive toxicity (moderate) • Use restrictions (moderate) • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate) • Ecotoxicology (low) • Biochemical or cellular level changes (high)
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SQUALANE

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, hair conditioning, refatting, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Endocrine disruption (low)
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CYCLODEXTRIN

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	absorbent, chelating agent, chelating
CONCERNS	• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
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PENTYLENE GLYCOL

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	solvent, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Allergies/immunotoxicity (low) • Enhanced skin absorption • Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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GLYCERIN

Data Availability: Good

FUNCTION(S)	denaturant, fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, humectant, oral care agent;oral health care drug, skin-conditioning agent - humectant, skin protectant, viscosity decreasing agent, perfuming, solvent
CONCERNS	• Use restrictions (moderate)
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BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, viscosityincreasing agent - nonaqueous, skin conditioning, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS	• Use restrictions (low)
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CETYL ALCOHOL

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	emulsion stabilizer, fragrance ingredient, opacifying agent, surfactant - emulsifying agent;surfactant - foam booster, viscosity increasing agent - aqueous, viscosity increasing agent -nonaqueous, emollient, emulsifying, emulsion stabilising, foam boosting, masking, opacifying, surfactant, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS	• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
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SORGHUM BICOLOR STALK JUICE
Appeared as: Sorghum Bi Stalk Juice

Data Availability: None

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YEAST EXTRACT

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	not reported, skin conditioning
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ALGAE/ SEAWEED/ KELP EXTRACT (SPECIES UNSPECIFIED)
Appeared as: Hydrolyzed Fucoidan (Laminaria) Algae Extract

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	fragrance ingredient, humectant, oral care agent, skin-conditioning agent - emollient;skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
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RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS SEED OIL
Appeared as: Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloud Berry) Seed Oil

Data Availability: None

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
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ISOAMYL LAURATE

Data Availability: None

FUNCTION(S)	fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - emollient, emollient, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Use restrictions (low)
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GLYCERYL OLEATE CITRATE

Data Availability: None

FUNCTION(S)	surfactant - emulsifying agent, emulsifying, surfactant
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MYRTUS COMMUNIS LEAF EXTRACT
Appeared as: Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract

Data Availability: None

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
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CALENDULA OFFICINALIS (POT MARIGOLD) FLOWER EXTRACT
Appeared as: Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Flower Extract

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, masking, skin conditioning
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HYALURONIC ACID

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, viscosity increasing agent - aqueous, antistatic, humectant, moisturising, skin conditioning
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MEDICAGO SATIVA (ALFALFA) EXTRACT
Appeared as: Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Extract

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	fragrance ingredient, not reported, tonic
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HYDROLYZED LUPINE PROTEIN

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, ultraviolet light absorber
CONCERNS	• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
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MALUS DOMESTICA FRUIT CELL CULTURE

Data Availability: None

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XANTHAN GUM

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	binder, emulsion stabilizer, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, surfactant -emulsifying agent, viscosity increasing agent - aqueous, binding, emulsifying, emulsion stabilising, gel forming, skin conditioning, surfactant, viscosity controlling
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LECITHIN

Data Availability: Good

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, surfactant - emulsifying agent, antistatic, emollient, emulsifying, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low) • Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate) • Enhanced skin absorption • Use restrictions (low) • Multiple, additive exposure sources (low) • Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES)
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BUTYLENE GLYCOL

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, solvent, viscositydecreasing agent, humectant, masking, skin conditioning, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS	• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
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SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	antioxidant
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NIACINAMIDE

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, smoothing
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PANTHENOL

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	hair conditioning agent, antistatic, hair conditioning, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
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UBIQUINONE

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	antioxidant, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
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TOCOPHERYL ACETATE
Appeared as: Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	antioxidant, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Cancer (low) • Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate) • Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE)
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VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, emollient, skin conditioning
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ANTHEMIS NOBILIS (CHAMOMILE) EXTRACT

Data Availability: Limited

CONCERNS	• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low) • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low) • Enhanced skin absorption • Use restrictions (low) • Neurotoxicity (low) • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low) • Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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ZINC GLUCONATE

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	cosmetic biocide, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, deodorant, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Use restrictions (high) • Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate) • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate) • Ecotoxicology (low)
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CROTON LECHLERI RESIN EXTRACT
Appeared as: Croton Lechleri (Dragon S Blood) Resin Extract

Data Availability: None

FUNCTION(S)	skin conditioning
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HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA (ROSELLE) FLOWER EXTRACT
Appeared as: Rosa-Senensis (Hibiscus) Extract

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	lytic agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
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RESVERATROL

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	antioxidant, skin protectant, skin protecting
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CAFFEINE
Appeared as: Caffein

Data Availability: Good

FUNCTION(S)	fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, masking, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate)
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ADANSONIA DIGITATA OIL
Appeared as: Adansonia Digitata (Baobab)** Oil

Data Availability: None

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, skin conditioning
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CITRULLUS VULGARIS (WATERMELON) SEED OIL
Appeared as: Citrillus Lanatus (Kalahari Melon)** Seed Oil

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, skin conditioning
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SCHINZIOPHYTON RAUTANENII KERNEL OIL
Appeared as: Schinziophyton Rautanenii (Mongongo)** Kernel Oil

Data Availability: None

FUNCTION(S)	emollient
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ASPALATHUS LINEARIS (ROOIBOS) EXTRACT
Appeared as: Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos)* Tea Extract

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
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KIGELIA AFRICANA FRUIT EXTRACT
Appeared as: Kigelia Africana** Extract

Data Availability: None

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
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CYCLOPIA GENISTOIDES LEAF EXTRACT
Appeared as: Cyclopia Genistoides (Honeybush)* Leaf Extract

Data Availability: None

FUNCTION(S)	antioxidant
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CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT
Appeared as: Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - emollient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, emollient, skin conditioning
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ARNICA CORDIFOLIA (ARNICA) EXTRACT

Data Availability: Limited

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SALIX ALBA (WHITE WILLOW) BARK EXTRACT
Appeared as: Salix Alba (Willow Bark) Extract

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, astringent, skin conditioning, soothing, tonic
CONCERNS	• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
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CENTELLA ASIATICA (GOTU KOLA) EXTRACT

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low) • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low) • Use restrictions (low) • Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS (MARSHMALLOW) EXTRACT

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	not reported
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LACTIC ACID

Data Availability: Good

FUNCTION(S)	exfoliant, fragrance ingredient, humectant, ph adjuster, skin-conditioning agent -humectant, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, buffering, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Use restrictions (high) • Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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AZELAIC ACID

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	fragrance ingredient, ph adjuster, buffering, masking
CONCERNS	• Use restrictions (moderate)
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HUMIC ACID
Appeared as: Fulvic Acid

Data Availability: Fair

FUNCTION(S)	chelating agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
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ROSA MOSCHATA (MUSK ROSE) SEED OIL
Appeared as: Rosa Moschata (Rosehip)* Seed Oil

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - emollient, emollient, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Allergies/immunotoxicity (high) • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
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ALOE FEROX (CAPE ALOE) LEAF EXTRACT
Appeared as: Aloe Ferox* Extract

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Cancer (moderate)
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ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	deodorant agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
CONCERNS	• Allergies/immunotoxicity (low) • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate) • Ecotoxicology (low) • Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
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PHENOXYETHANOL

Data Availability: Limited

FUNCTION(S)	fragrance ingredient, preservative
CONCERNS	• Allergies/immunotoxicity (low) • Use restrictions (moderate) • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate) • Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high) • Occupational hazards (high)
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Ingredients from packaging:

Aqua (Water), Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula)** Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Retinal (Retinaldehyde), Squalane, Cyclodextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cetyl Alcohol, Sorghum Bicolor Stalk Juice, Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Fucoidan (Laminaria) Algae Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloud Berry) Seed Oil, Isoamyl Laurate, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Flower Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture (Swiss Apple Stem Cells), Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Niacinamide, Panthenol, Ubiquinone (Coq10), Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Croton Lechleri (Dragon S Blood) Resin Extract, Rosa-Senensis (Hibiscus) Extract, Resveratrol, Caffein, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab)** Oil, Citrillus Lanatus (Kalahari Melon)** Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii (Mongongo)** Kernel Oil, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos)* Tea Extract, Kigelia Africana** Extract, Cyclopia Genistoides (Honeybush)* Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Arnica Cordifolia (Arnica) Extract, Salix Alba (Willow Bark) Extract, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)* Extract, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Extract, Lactic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Fulvic Acid, Rosa Moschata (Rosehip)* Seed Oil, Aloe Ferox* Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.

Product's animal testing policies

Some cosmetics companies have taken People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Leaping Bunny animal-testing pledges. For consumers who are concerned about companies’ policies on animal testing, Skin Deep reports this information.

Unknown

Leading international certifiers PETA and Leaping Bunny have no information concerning this company’s use of animal testing.

Understanding scores

Cosmetics and personal care products are not required to be tested for safety before being allowed on the market. The Skin Deep® scoring system was designed to help the public understand whether a product is safe to use or whether it contains ingredients of concern.

Every product and ingredient in Skin Deep gets a two-part score – one for hazard and one for data availability. The safest products score well by both measures, with a low hazard rating and a fair or better data availability rating.

HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES

Hazard score

The Skin Deep ingredient hazard score, from 1 to 10, reflects known and suspected hazards linked to the ingredients. The EWG VERIFIED™ mark means a product meets EWG’s strictest criteria for transparency and health.

Data availability

The Skin Deep data availability rating reflects the number of scientific studies about the product or ingredient in the published scientific literature.

NONE LIMITED FAIR GOOD ROBUST

Low Availability

Moderate Availability

High Availability