Azarine Retinol Smooth Glowing Serum Versus For Skin’s Sake (FSS) Retinol Serum With Ceramide III
Updated on January 30, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid and retinoid
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, oils, 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
Azarine Retinol Smooth Glowing Serum 13 ingredients
For Skin’s Sake (FSS) Retinol Serum With Ceramide III 28 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Azarine Retinol Smooth Glowing Serum 13 ingredients
For Skin’s Sake (FSS) Retinol Serum With Ceramide III 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
Abrasive
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Pei-10
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tromethamine
BufferingDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
PEG-75 Stearate
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentLauryl Laurate
Skin Conditioning
BHA
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Silica, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Pei-10, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, BHT, PEG-75 Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Zea Mays Starch, Lauryl Laurate, BHA
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 WaterAllantoin 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 AllantoinGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateRetinol 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 RetinolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
