Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.5 Versus Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum
Updated on August 23, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.5 26 ingredients
Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum 43 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.5 26 ingredients
Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum 43 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHeptyl Undecylenate
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Polyacrylate-13
Glycerin
Humectant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Ceramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Betaine
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Trideceth-6 Phosphate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyisobutene
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Heptyl Undecylenate, Niacinamide, Polyacrylate-13, Glycerin, Retinol, Ubiquinone, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Bisabolol, Ceramide 3, 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
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Sodium Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Carnosine
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
Antioxidant
Lactoferrin
Skin ConditioningPhysalis Angulata Extract
Skin ProtectingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ergothioneine
Antioxidant
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentBisabolol
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Lecithin
EmollientPropanediol
SolventC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMannitol
HumectantPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientLactic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Ascorbate, Ectoin, Carnosine, Ubiquinone, Lactoferrin, Physalis Angulata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ergothioneine, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Bisabolol, Squalane, Betaine, Cetyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Propanediol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Mannitol, Phosphatidylcholine, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
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 TriglycerideGlycerin 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 GlycerinUbiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) is a molecule already found in our bodies. It is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient.
Aging and environmental exposure diminishes our skin's natural ubiquinone levels. This is much like our natural collagen and elastin.
The good news is: studies show applying this ingredient topically replenishes ubiquinone levels in our skin. This also comes with a ton of skin benefits. These benefits include:
Ubiquinone is considered a large molecule and cannot be absorbed into the lower layers of skin. This is why it is believed to be such an effective antioxidant: it protects our skin in the upper layers and prevents damage in the deeper layers.
When used in sunscreen, ubiquinone is shown to increase ingredient stability, increase SPF factor, and add to infrared protection.
Fun fact: ubiquinone is fat-soluble.
Learn more about UbiquinoneBisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient 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.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololTremella Fuciformis is also known as snow mushroom. This ingredient comes from the sporocarp, which is also the fruit body of the fungi.
Snow mushroom has hydrating and antioxidant properties.
According to a manufacturer, the glucuronic acid of this ingredient promotes the presence of hyaluronic acid in the middle layer of skin to keep that layer sufficiently hydrated.
Learn more about Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp ExtractBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineTocopheryl 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 AcetateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCetyl 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 PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent.
Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted reactions and effects from using the product.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is often used with natural antimicrobial products as an alternative to preservatives.
Learn more about Caprylhydroxamic AcidPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.5 26 ingredients
Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum 43 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.5 26 ingredients
Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum 43 ingredients
I have tried so many vitamin c serums and they all unfortunately broke me out and often stung my overly sensitive skin. I tried everyone's HG, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic which was by far the worst. I don't like a lot of Alastin products but this is the only vitamin c I've ever tried that works for me.
