Versus

Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream Versus Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum

Facial Treatment
Facial Treatment
French Brand France
Hungarian Brand Hungary

Overview

What they are

These products are both facial treatments. They have a total of 4 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 needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Masking, Skin Conditioning

This 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 Triglyceride
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

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 EDTA
Skin Conditioning

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

Retinal has many benefits as other retinoids: improve skin texture, reduce large pores, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, heal scars, and fight acne.

Studies show retinal may work at a faster rate than retinol due to its structure.

All retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid before starting to work. Some retinoids take several steps of conversion before binding. Retinal is only one step away, making it more potent.

Like other retinoids, retinal may be irritating. It is best to ease into using this ingredient frequently.

Using the 'ramp up' method, start by using retinol once a week. This gives your skin time to adjust and decrease irritation. Once you feel ready, you can slowly increase the frequency of retinol use.

Using 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.

Learn more about Retinal

When to use

41 Routines
7% use in am
93% use in pm
71% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
393 Routines
3% use in am
97% use in pm
52% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream 25 ingredients

RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum 19 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 6 ratings
Works Well (4) Absorbs Well (3) Great Value (3)
elinstrandh's avatar

elinstrandh

1 year ago
Review

Yes baby, this is the good stuff! When I switched from retinol to this my skincare journey changed completely. In my opinion it’s more effective and a lot less harsh on my skin (coming for someone who has sensitive skin). This is unscented which is also great. Affordable compared to other A-vitamin products out there. Definitely recommend!

#great value
#light
#no scent
#works well
Cheeks's avatar

Cheeks

7 months ago
Review

This is my opinion is a highly underrated product. It's truly amazing for my dry, eczema and rosacea prone skin. I saw improvement in just 2 weeks! The fine lines are fading and my skin feels more firm like I have had a face lift. It's honestly amazing i experienced no purging or break outs using this and love that it has no scent and the packaging is not opaque and has a pump. I found that one Show more

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent