Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum versus EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex .
Published on February 15, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide 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 oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols and 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.
Night Moisturizer
Night Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin overnight.
Ingredient Info
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex 44 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 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
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 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex 44 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex 44 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides • Polysorbate 20 • Peg-40 Stearate • Cyclopentasiloxane • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Potassium Phosphate • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Carbomer • Niacinamide • Isoceteth-10 • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Triethanolamine • Cetearyl Alcohol • Behentrimonium Methosulfate • Cichorium Intybus Root Extract • Lecithin • Retinol • Silica • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Cholesterol • Phenoxyethanol • Tocopherol • Alcohol • Hydroxyacetophenone • Citric Acid • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Pentylene Glycol • Xanthan Gum • Phytosphingosine • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Ethylhexylglycerin
Water • Ethylhexyl Isononanoate • Niacinamide • Glycerin • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Dimethicone • Ceramide NP • Cholesterol • Ceramide Eos • Cetyl Alcohol • Ceramide Ns • Ceteareth-25 • Ceramide EOP • Caprooyl Sphingosine • Caprooyl Phytosphingosine • Ceramide AP • Hyaluronic Acid • 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate • Xylitylglucoside • Squalane • Anhydroxylitol • Peg-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether • Polyisobutene • Piptadenia Colubrina Peel Extract • Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract • Bromelain • Tocopherol • Xylitol • Ficin • Glutamine • Biotin • Proline • Behenic Acid • Carbomer • Citric Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Butylene Glycol • Benzyl Alcohol • Potassium Sorbate • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexyl Palmitate • Sodium Bisulfite • Disodium EDTA
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 Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex contains this as ingredient number 1.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinCeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex contains this as ingredient number 4.
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 Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex contains this as ingredient number 8.
Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. 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 NP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide APCeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex contains this as ingredient number 17.
Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide. EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
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 NP
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex contains this as ingredient number 14.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex contains this as ingredient number 35.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideCeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex contains this as ingredient number 3.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolCeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex 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 Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex contains this as ingredient number 41.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolCeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex contains this as ingredient number 28.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex contains this as ingredient number 36.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex 44 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex 44 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
Good for sensitive skin
I have tried many retinols, and retinol alternatives, and everything has burned my skin for days after each patch test. this is a great starter retinol product, or even just as a low dosage retinol if you arent...
Good for sensitive skin
I have tried many retinols, and retinol alternatives, and everything has burned my skin for days after each patch test. this is a great starter retinol product, or even just as a low dosage retinol if you arent too concerned with fine lines just yet. Use once a week currently and use it stand alone from my daily skin care routine just because it has so many good ingredients.
EltaMD, Inc Barrier Renewal Complex 44 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 21 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum.
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