Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of AOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer versus COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream .
Published on December 27, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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 or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Ingredient Info
AOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer 22 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 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 🎉
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 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
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:
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
- Glycine Soja Oil
- Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
- Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Oryza Sativa Bran Wax
- Stearic Acid
- Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
- Palmitic Acid
- Sorbitan Isostearate
- Elaeis Guineensis Oil
- Myristic Acid
- Lauric Acid
- Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
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 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
AOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer 22 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Benefits
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Concerns
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.
AOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer 22 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Water • Butylene Glycol • Glycerin • Squalane • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil • 1,2-Hexanediol • Arachidyl Alcohol • Glyceryl Stearate Se • Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil • Arachidyl Glucoside • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Polysorbate 20 • Retinol • Behenyl Alcohol • Panthenol • Allantoin • Trehalose • Disodium EDTA • Xanthan Gum • BHA • Tocopherol
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Propanediol • Glycerin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Panthenol • Trehalose • Glycine Soja Oil • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Dimethicone • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Carbomer • Tromethamine • Glyceryl Stearate • Polysilicone-11 • Sodium Sulfite • Tocopherol • Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract • Allantoin • Glyceryl Caprylate • Oryza Sativa Bran Wax • Retinol • Tocotrienols • Stearic Acid • Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate • Palmitic Acid • Disodium EDTA • Ethylhexylglycerin • Adenosine • Sorbitan Isostearate • Elaeis Guineensis Oil • BHT • Beta-Carotene • Myristic Acid • Lauric Acid • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Ascorbic Acid • Glutathione • Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil • Sodium Hyaluronate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer • Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
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 WaterAOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 1.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 GlycerinAOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 3.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilAOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 5.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 14.
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.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
AOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 7.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 47.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
AOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 12.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 11.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and proven to help with anti-aging.
It promotes collagen production, increases new cell turnoever, and protects your skin as an antioxidant.
Retinol boosts collagen production and increases cell turnover. This makes retinol effective in removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Retinol is less effective when exposed to sun. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent.
Using retinol and retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. 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 RetinolAOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 14.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 28.
Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.
lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.
Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
Learn more about PanthenolAOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 16.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinAOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 17.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 25.
Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseAOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 18.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.
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 EDTAAOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 19.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 33.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolAOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 23.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 23.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
AOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer 22 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
AOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer 22 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
AOA Skin Retinol 0.25% Tamanu Oil Moisturizer 22 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
(Started Dec 2023) This was a bit of an impulse buy with a friend, but I'm honestly glad I got it! I have previous experience with using retinoids (specifically from The Ordinary Line) and wanted to try something a bit stronger. On...
(Started Dec 2023) This was a bit of an impulse buy with a friend, but I'm honestly glad I got it! I have previous experience with using retinoids (specifically from The Ordinary Line) and wanted to try something a bit stronger. On Amazon it is priced at $13, so I would say this is a wonderful budget buy. The formulation is very gentle given the strength and I experienced no problems with irritation! My skin actually ended up feeling smoother and softer the following morning with this. I would highly recommend this as a starter Retinol. Planning to get the .3 formulation after I go through another one.
Wonderful beginner retinol
Ny first ever retinol but 2nd time using a retinoid. for context I have highly acne-prone skin.
I've been using this every other night for a couple weeks now and I see that my acne is healing much faster...
Wonderful beginner retinol
Ny first ever retinol but 2nd time using a retinoid. for context I have highly acne-prone skin.
I've been using this every other night for a couple weeks now and I see that my acne is healing much faster than usual, i.e. less redness and irritation on acne that I would usually experience.
Though there are ingredients rated by SkinSort as not good for acne-prone skin (Cetearyl Alcohol, Myristic Acid and Lauric Acid), I have not noticed a negative reaction whatsoever. So, I would still recommend this product for other retinol beginners, especially those with acne-prone skin like me.
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