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CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum - USA Versus Acure Radically Rejuvenating Retinoid Night Complex

Serum

American Brand United States

Updated on May 19, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain 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 common allergens, fragrances, oils or parabens

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

New Comparison

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Retinoid Night Complex 16 ingredients

What's inside

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Retinoid Night Complex 16 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Water

Propanediol

Dimethicone

Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate

Emollient

Niacinamide

Smoothing

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate

Emulsion Stabilising

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Humectant

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Potassium Phosphate

Ceramide NP

Ceramide AP

Ceramide EOP

Carbomer

Cetearyl Alcohol

2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Behentrimonium Methosulfate

Dimethiconol

Lecithin

Sodium Citrate

Retinol

Sodium Hyaluronate

0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

Emulsifying

Cholesterol

Emollient

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative

Alcohol

Antimicrobial

Isopropyl Myristate

Emollient

3-5 / 3 May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Citric Acid

Buffering

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Pentylene Glycol

Phytosphingosine

Xanthan Gum

Polysorbate 20

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Radically Rejuvenating Retinoid Night Complex

Water

Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Skin Conditioning

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

Skin Conditioning

Squalane

Emollient

1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyglutamic Acid

Skin Conditioning

Glycerin

Humectant

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sclerotium Gum

Emulsion Stabilising

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Sodium Levulinate

Skin Conditioning

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Solvent

Propanediol

Solvent

Sodium Phytate

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Anisate

Antimicrobial

Citric Acid

Buffering

Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Squalane, Polyglutamic Acid, Glycerin, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Levulinate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propanediol, Sodium Phytate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Anisate, 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.

Citric Acid

Buffering, Masking

Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.

Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.

However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.

Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.

In skincare formulas, citric acid can:

While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.

Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

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.

Propanediol

Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Water

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum