Formulation Deep Dive
TULA's A+ Renewal Advanced Retinal & Peptides Serum is formulated as a high-performance anti-aging emulsion designed to deliver potent retinoids with minimal irritation. The base utilizes a sophisticated lipid-replenishing system featuring Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter and Squalane, supported by humectants like Glycerin and Isopentyldiol to maintain skin barrier integrity during active renewal. The performance is driven by a synergistic blend of Retinal, a potent Vitamin A derivative, and Bakuchiol, which works alongside Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 to target collagen synthesis and cellular turnover. Skin health is further supported by a complex of five ceramides (NP, AP, AS, NS, EOP) and prebiotic/probiotic ingredients like Lactococcus Ferment Lysate and Inulin to balance the microbiome. The formula is stabilized with a robust polymer network, including Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate and Xanthan Gum, and utilizes a reliable preservative system of Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate to ensure long-term efficacy and safety.
Formula Structure Overview
This formula has a 69% match with ingredients from our research database. Among the matched ingredients, the main functional themes identified are categorized as barrier support, moisturizer, emollient, and conditioner ingredients.
Reviewed Ingredient Coverage
69%
Water
GREAT
Purified water serves as the primary, high-quality solvent in most cosmetics.
Solvent
Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) Butter
GREAT
To hydrate and reinforce the skin and hair barrier, diminish inflammation, and protect from oxidative stress while improving texture and manageability.
Moisturizer
Emollient
Conditioner
Anti-Frizz Agent
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Barrier Support
Anti-Aging Agent
UV Protector
Emulsifier
Glycerin
GREAT
To attract and retain moisture in the skin and hair, enhancing hydration and improving barrier function.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Soother
Barrier Support
Anti-Aging Agent
Solvent
Squalane Oil
GREAT
To provide moisturization and enhance the skin and hair's barrier function.
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Antioxidant
Barrier Support
Isopentyldiol
GOOD
A light glycol humectant and solvent with a fresh feel that also supports preservation.
Hydrator
Solvent
Myristyl Myristate
NOT RATED
Butylene Glycol
GOOD
To hydrate and condition skin and hair, enhance the absorption of active ingredients, and improve product texture and stability.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Solvent
Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
GOOD
A multifunctional glycol used as a humectant and preservative booster with mild antimicrobial activity.
Hydrator
Preservative
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
NOT RATED
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
NOT RATED
Arachidyl Alcohol
GOOD
A C20 fatty alcohol used as an emollient, thickener and co-emulsifier.
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Cetearyl Olivate
GREAT
To stabilize emulsions, elevate sensorial texture, support skin’s barrier function, and enhance hydration with a luxurious feel.
Moisturizer
Texture Enhancer
Soother
Barrier Support
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
GOOD
To stabilize oil and water mixtures, enhance product texture, moisturize skin, and condition hair in cosmetic formulations.
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Emulsifier
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
GREAT
Furnish gamma-linolenic acid to mitigate inflammation and bolster hydration in skin and hair.
Moisturizer
Emollient
Conditioner
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Barrier Support
Anti-Aging Agent
Bakuchiol
GREAT
To reduce signs of aging, improve skin tone and texture, and provide antioxidant protection.
Antioxidant
Soother
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Barrier Support
Oil Control Agent
Tone Evener
Anti-Aging Agent
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
GREAT
To enhance skin and scalp health by supporting the microbiome, strengthening barrier function, and providing soothing and antimicrobial effects.
Hydrator
Antioxidant
Soother
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Microbiome Balance Agent
Barrier Support
Preservative
Haematococcus Pluvialis (Astaxanthin) Oil
GREAT
Oil-soluble carotenoid antioxidant to quench ROS, calm irritation, and support photo-exposed skin and scalp.
Emollient
Antioxidant
Soother
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Barrier Support
UV Protector
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
GREAT
To modulate inflammation, promote collagen integrity, and enhance skin elasticity and firmness through peptide signalling pathways.
Texture Enhancer
Soother
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Barrier Support
Anti-Aging Agent
Inulin
GOOD
A plant-derived prebiotic fiber used to support a balanced skin microbiome, with light humectant benefits.
Microbiome Balance Agent
Hydrator
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
NOT RATED
Ceramide NP
GREAT
To restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier, enhance hydration, and improve hair strength and resilience.
Moisturizer
Emollient
Strengthener
Soother
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Barrier Support
Lactic Acid
GREAT
Exfoliate dead cells, hydrate, and adjust pH to enhance skin renewal and hair strength.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Exfoliant
Microbiome Balance Agent
Tone Evener
Anti-Aging Agent
Ceramide AP
GREAT
To reinforce the skin's barrier function, enhance hydration, and improve skin texture.
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Soother
Barrier Support
Anti-Aging Agent
Ceramide EOP
GREAT
To restore and maintain the skin and hair's natural barrier, enhancing hydration and resilience.
Moisturizer
Emollient
Conditioner
Strengthener
Barrier Support
Anti-Aging Agent
Cholesterol
GREAT
To restore and reinforce the skin and scalp lipid barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss, and improve structural integrity of skin and hair fibers.
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Strengthener
Barrier Support
Emulsifier
Behenyl Alcohol
GOOD
A C22 fatty alcohol used as a rich emollient, thickener and emulsion-stabilizing co-emulsifier.
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
GREAT
Stabilizes oil‑in‑water emulsions with a smooth, luxurious texture, enhances hydration and barrier mimicry, and improves sensory application.
Moisturizer
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Soother
Barrier Support
Emulsifier
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
NOT RATED
Arachidyl Glucoside
GOOD
A natural, sugar-derived alkyl-glucoside O/W emulsifier that forms skin-friendly liquid-crystal creams.
Emulsifier
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
NOT RATED
Sodium Polyglutamate
GREAT
To substantially elevate moisture retention levels and inhibit enzymatic degradation of the skin's natural hyaluronic acid.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Barrier Support
Anti-Aging Agent
Phosphatidylcholine
NOT RATED
Pentylene Glycol
GREAT
To elevate cosmetic formulations by delivering efficient hydration, actives solubilization, enhanced texture, and supplemental antimicrobial support—thereby improving both performance and sensory quality.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Soother
Barrier Support
Solvent
Preservative
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
NOT RATED
BHT
FAIR
Protect the oil phase and oil-soluble actives from autoxidation to maintain color, odor, viscosity, and performance throughout shelf life.
Antioxidant
Preservative
Polymnia Sonchifolia (Yacon) Root Juice
NOT RATED
Hydrogenated Lecithin
GOOD
A natural, skin-identical phospholipid emulsifier that forms liposomes and supports the barrier feel.
Emulsifier
Emollient
Maltodextrin
GOOD
To improve moisture retention, texture, emulsion stability, and product consistency in skin and hair care formulations.
Hydrator
Texture Enhancer
Oil Control Agent
Emulsifier
Sodium Benzoate
GOOD
Functions as a preservative (antimicrobial), protecting water-containing formulations from yeast, mold, and bacterial spoilage. Its activity is pH-dependent and strongest in acidic systems (optimal below roughly pH 5), so it is used in low-pH products and frequently paired with potassium sorbate for broader, more robust preservation.
Preservative
Citric Acid
GOOD
Acts mainly as a pH adjuster and buffer and as a chelating agent that protects formula stability and preservation; at higher leave-on levels it also serves as a mild exfoliating AHA.
Chelating Agent
Exfoliant
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
GREAT
To provide antioxidant protection, moisturize and condition the skin and hair, support the skin’s barrier function, soothe irritation, and protect against environmental damage.
Moisturizer
Emollient
Conditioner
Antioxidant
Soother
Barrier Support
Anti-Aging Agent
Phytic Acid
GOOD
A plant-derived chelating agent and mild antioxidant that stabilizes formulas and supports an even skin tone.
Chelating Agent
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
GOOD
Functions as a preservative (antimicrobial), protecting water-containing formulations primarily against yeasts and molds, with weaker activity against bacteria. Its activity is pH-dependent and strongest in acidic systems (effective below roughly pH 6, optimal near pH 4.4), so it is used in low-pH products and is commonly paired with a second preservative such as sodium benzoate for broad-spectrum coverage.
Preservative
Sodium Chloride
GOOD
To manage viscosity, texture, and cohesion in cosmetic emulsions and gels; in scrub formulations, to exfoliate and purify gently.
Texture Enhancer
Cleansing Agent
Soother
Emulsifier
Beta-Sitosterol
NOT RATED
Calcium Alginate
NOT RATED
Caprylyl Glycol
GREAT
Enhances hydration, texture, and skin/hair conditioning while improving emulsion stability.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Anti-Frizz Agent
Microbiome Balance Agent
Barrier Support
Emulsifier
Soy Lecithin
GREAT
To stabilize emulsions, improve texture, support barrier integrity, boost hydration, and deliver actives effectively into skin and hair layers.
Moisturizer
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Anti-Frizz Agent
Antioxidant
Barrier Support
Emulsifier
Propanediol
GREAT
Improve hydration, solubilize actives, enhance texture and absorption, support barrier function.
Hydrator
Emollient
Barrier Support
Solvent
Sodium Hydroxide
GOOD
A strong alkali used at trace levels as a pH adjuster — to neutralize acids, set a formula’s target pH and activate gelling agents such as carbomer.
Xanthan Gum
GOOD
Improves formula viscosity and stability, enhances spreadability, supports skin hydration by forming a moisture-retaining film, and smooths hair appearance.
Hydrator
Moisturizer
Texture Enhancer
Conditioner
Soother
Barrier Support
Emulsifier
The information provided in this review is based on internal research and publicly available sources. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or regulatory advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. Users are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult appropriate professionals before making decisions based on this information.
