Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 versus SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 .
Published on May 16, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 16 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, niacinamide, retinoid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Ingredient Info
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Heptyl Undecylenate • Niacinamide • Polyacrylate-13 • Glycerin • Retinol • Ubiquinone • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone • Bisabolol • Ceramide AP • Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract • Betaine • Tocopheryl Acetate • Caprylyl Glycol • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Cetyl Palmitate • Polysorbate 20 • Disodium EDTA • Ethylhexylglycerin • Caprylhydroxamic Acid • Trideceth-6 Phosphate • Phenoxyethanol • Polyisobutene • Sodium Hydroxide
Water • Cetyl Ethylhexanoate • Glycine Soja Oil • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Niacinamide • Polyacrylate-13 • Squalane • Retinol • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 • Dunaliella Salina Extract • Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract • Tocopherol • Tocotrienols • Ceramide 3 • Bisabolol • Phytosterols • Squalene • Tocopheryl Acetate • Oryza Sativa Bran Cera • Glycerin • Polysorbate 20 • Butylene Glycol • Cetyl Palmitate • Laureth-23 • Trideceth-6 Phosphate • Sodium Hydroxide • Dicaprylyl Ether • Lauryl Alcohol • Polyisobutene • Dextran • Potassium Sorbate • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterAlastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 1.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideAlastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 2.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideAlastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 4.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Polyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.
Polyacrylate-13 creates a film to protect the skin. It is also used to thicken and stabilize a product. It works by making water a gel-like consistency. This gel consistency helps suspend particles.
Polyacrylate-13 is a copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, sodium acrylate, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate monomers
Learn more about Polyacrylate-13Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 5.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 6.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinAlastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 6.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 20.
Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolAlastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 7.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.
Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Learn more about BisabololAlastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 11.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 15.
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.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateAlastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 15.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 18.
Cetyl Palmitate is a wax-like substance.
It comes from palmitic acid and palmityl alcohol. Cetyl Palmitate may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne.
This ingredient is naturally found in the guava fruit and stony corals.
Learn more about Cetyl PalmitateAlastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 18.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 19.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 21.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAAlastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 20.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 32.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 21.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 34.
We don't have a description for Trideceth-6 Phosphate.
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 23.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 25.
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.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 24.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 33.
Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.
It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.
Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.
Learn more about PolyisobuteneAlastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 25.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 29.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideAlastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 contains this as ingredient number 26.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 26.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 26 ingredients
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