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CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum - USA Versus Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum

Serum

American Brand

Updated on June 03, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any 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

Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum 19 ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients

Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum 19 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

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

Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum

Water

Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Lactic Acid

Buffering

Squalane

Emollient

1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Cetearyl Olivate

Propanediol

Solvent

Sorbitan Olivate

Emulsifying

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient

2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Acacia Senegal Gum

Sodium Gluconate

Xanthan Gum

Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Masking

Linalool

Perfuming

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lactic Acid, Squalane, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetearyl Olivate, Propanediol, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Acacia Senegal Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Linalool

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

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.

Phenoxyethanol

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.

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