Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum versus First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate .
Last updated on February 09, 2024. Published on May 04, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 9 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 common allergens, fragrances or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Price
Ingredient Info
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate 35 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
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 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not 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:
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
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate 35 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate 35 ingredients
Water • Propanediol • Dimethicone • Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate • Niacinamide • Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Potassium Phosphate • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Carbomer • Cetearyl Alcohol • Behentrimonium Methosulfate • Dimethiconol • Lecithin • Sodium Citrate • Retinol • Sodium Hyaluronate • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Cholesterol • Phenoxyethanol • Alcohol • Isopropyl Myristate • Caprylyl Glycol • Citric Acid • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • Pentylene Glycol • Phytosphingosine • Xanthan Gum • Polysorbate 20 • Ethylhexylglycerin
Water • Polysorbate 80 • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Polysorbate 20 • Butylene Glycol • Persea Gratissima Oil • Glycerin • Dimethicone • Retinol • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate • Colloidal Oatmeal • Tocopherol • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Ceramide NP • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Linoleic Acid • Allantoin • Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides • Palmitic Acid • Oleic Acid • Glycine Soja Oil • Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Triolein • Caprylyl Glycol • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Xanthan Gum • Lecithin • Stearic Acid • Maltodextrin • BHT • BHA • Phenoxyethanol • Sodium Hydroxide • Potassium Sorbate
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 WaterCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 1.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 8.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide NPCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 14.
Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.
Lecithin is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin. The phospholipids in Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Learn more about LecithinCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 28.
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 RetinolCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 9.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 33.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 25.
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 GumCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 27.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 4.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate 35 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate 35 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
The only retinol my partner's skin can tolerate.
Their skin is extremely reactive and sensitive but this retinol has worked great.
I also use it every other day because I alternate between this retinol and A313.
It works great...
The only retinol my partner's skin can tolerate.
Their skin is extremely reactive and sensitive but this retinol has worked great.
I also use it every other day because I alternate between this retinol and A313.
It works great and is gentle enough to allow me to build tolerance without purging effects (at least on my skin and my partner's)
No more acne, very slow at reducing pigmentation tho
No more acne, very slow at reducing pigmentation tho
Good product to introduce me to retinol. I used it both on my face and to treat my KP (keratosis pilaris). I quickly noticed improvement of texture in face, but not as much on KP.
Since it's not cruelty free (wasn't aware of this when...
Good product to introduce me to retinol. I used it both on my face and to treat my KP (keratosis pilaris). I quickly noticed improvement of texture in face, but not as much on KP.
Since it's not cruelty free (wasn't aware of this when purchasing) I won't buy it again.
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate 35 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 41 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
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