Versus

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum Versus Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum

Serum
Serum
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on February 03, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid 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 common allergens, 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.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Emulsifying

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 20
Skin Conditioning

Retinol 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 Retinol

When to use

98 Routines
8% use in am
92% use in pm
73% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
34 Routines
9% use in am
91% use in pm
85% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Great Value (1) Works Well (1)
Mac_R's avatar

Mac_R

2 years ago
Review

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 Show more

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum 12 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Light Scent (1)
ZarephLae's avatar

ZarephLae

7 months ago
Review

Slightly on the oily side which is undesirable for my skin type, but overall good. It has a good consistency, spreads nicely, and works amazing.

#great value
#absorbs well
#light scent
#works well