Explore Routine Login

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and retinoid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05%
Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05%
Prescription
Italian Brand Italy
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10
Serum
British Brand United Kingdom

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Tretinoin Gel 0.05%
Tretinoin
Retinoid  •  3 Benefits  •  2 Concerns

Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.

Peg-4 Olivate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Peg-4 Olivate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Olive Oil Peg-7 Esters Emollient, Emulsifying
Oil  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

Olive Oil Peg-7 Esters is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Methyl Dihydroxybenzoate

We don't have a description for Methyl Dihydroxybenzoate.

Unknown Full details ->
Propyl Benzoate Perfuming, Preservative
Fragrance  •  Preservative

Propyl Benzoate is a fragrance and is a preservative.

Unknown Full details ->
Propylene Glycol Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0 / 0
May worsen Eczema

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Silicon Abrasive
Exfoliant

Silicon is an abrasive as an INCI ingredient. In tools, it is a material.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Caprylic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying, Masking
1 / 3

Caprylic Acid is a fatty acid commonly found in plant oils, such as palm and coconut oils.

1 Com. / 3 Irr.
Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Triethanolamine Buffering, Emulsifying, Masking
2 / 0

Triethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.

2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Crystal Retinal 10
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Masking, Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Isododecane Emollient, Solvent

Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.

Disliked Full details ->
Cetearyl Olivate
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Emulsion Stabilising

This long ingredient is a copolymer of sodium acrylate and sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers.

Disliked Full details ->
Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
2 / 1
Fatty Alcohol  •  3 Concerns

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

2 Com. / 1 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Ppg-12/Smdi Copolymer Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ppg-12/Smdi Copolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Sorbitan Olivate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Vitamin E  •  Antioxidant  •  Helps brighten skin

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Titanium Dioxide Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
0 / 0
Mineral UV Filter  •  Non-Reef-Safe

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Squalane Emollient, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0
Helps hydrate Dry Skin

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Eclipta Prostrata Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Eclipta Prostrata Extract.

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Emulsion Stabilising

This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.

Disliked Full details ->
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Cyclodextrin Absorbent

We don't have a description for Cyclodextrin.

Unknown Full details ->
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Emulsion Stabilising

This ingredient is a semi-synthetic polymer created from cellulose. In case you need a refresher, cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Antioxidant, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Vitamin C  •  Antioxidant  •  4 Benefits  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a version of ascorbic acid, or pure Vitamin C.

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.

Alumina Abrasive, Absorbent
Exfoliant

Alumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Isostearic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying
2 Concerns

Isostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Lecithin Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.

Disliked Full details ->
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne

This ingredient is an emulsifier. It is created from Polyglycerin-3 and Ricinoleic Acid.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant
Antioxidant

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant and helps with skin conditioning.

Polyhydroxystearic Acid Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.

Disliked Full details ->
Stearic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
2-3 / 0
2 Concerns

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.

2-3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Skin Conditioning
Vitamin C  •  5 Benefits

You might know this ingredient as Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a more stable version of ascorbic acid.

Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Oil

Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil is the oil obtained from the seed of the edible carrot. The oil is created by steaming and distilling the seeds of the plant.

Sodium Polyaspartate Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sodium Polyaspartate.

Unknown Full details ->
Climbazole Antimicrobial, Preservative
Preservative

Climbazole is a preservative.

Retinal Skin Conditioning
Retinoid  •  7 Benefits  •  3 Concerns

Retinal is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the gold-standard class of anti-aging ingredients.

Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance

Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract is a fragrance.

Unknown Full details ->
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract Skin Conditioning

Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract comes from the honeysuckle flower.

Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance

This Honeysuckle flower extract comes from the Italian honeysuckle. It is an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and fragrance.

Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil Skin Conditioning
Oil  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera plant. It is more commonly known as Moringa seed oil.

Polysorbate 60 Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sorbitan Isostearate Emulsifying
1-2 / 0
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.

1-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Pentylene Glycol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Smoothing

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract comes from the vanilla orchid native to central America. It is a skin-soothing ingredient.

Decylene Glycol Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Decylene Glycol.

Unknown Full details ->
BHA Antioxidant, Masking
Antioxidant

This BHA stands for butylated hydroxyanisole. If you are looking for the beta-hydroxy acid, aka as Salicylic Acid, click here.

1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Coumarin Perfuming
Fragrance  •  EU Allergen

Coumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Tretinoin Gel 0.05%
2
1
5
3
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Crystal Retinal 10
16
8
17
6
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients

169 Routines
2% use in am
98% use in pm
73% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
32 Routines
3% use in am
97% use in pm
78% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
SailorMoon_954's avatar

SailorMoon_954

9 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

help with my acne but drying

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating