Phytonadione

Phytonadione (vitamin K1) is typically used in low concentrations (often ~0.05–1%) for anti-redness/bruising support, but it is a bioactive molecule and not truly inert. Clinical experience and patch-testing reports indicate it is generally well tolerated, yet irritant and occasional allergic contact dermatitis reactions have been documented (especially in very reactive or eczema-prone skin), so I score it as mild rather than “gentle” for patient safety. Safety Notes: Phytonadione (vitamin K1) is used in OTC cosmetics primarily in leave-on eye creams, “bruise/dark circle” serums, and post-procedure soothing products, where it is often present at very low levels (~0.0001–0.01%) due to cost, oil-solubility, and color/oxidation stability constraints. Higher-strength consumer-available formulations (typically anhydrous/oily serums, balms, or specialty creams marketed for redness/bruising appearance) are observed up to about 0.1–0.2%, above which stability and staining risk increase and products are uncommon in general retail. Rinse-off use exists but is rarer and usually at the low end since deposition is limited versus leave-on systems.