Clinique Fresh Pressed Clinical™ Daily + Overnight Boosters with Pure Vitamin C 10% + A (Retinol) Versus CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Clinique Fresh Pressed Clinical™ Daily + Overnight Boosters with Pure Vitamin C 10% + A (Retinol) 68 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 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
Clinique Fresh Pressed Clinical™ Daily + Overnight Boosters with Pure Vitamin C 10% + A (Retinol) 68 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientMorus Nigra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
Emollient
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Alcaligenes Polysaccharides
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSucrose
HumectantLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
Abrasive
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Tromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
PEG-8
HumectantPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polysilicone-11
Methyl Gluceth-20
HumectantRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingCholesterol
Emollient
Salvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Plankton Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCalcium Chloride
AstringentAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Lecithin
EmollientBHT
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Morus Nigra Root Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Algae Extract, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Caffeine, Sucrose, Lactis Proteinum, Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Glycine Soja Protein, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, PEG-8, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Glycine Soja Oil, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Trimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Methyl Gluceth-20, Retinol, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Cholesterol, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Plankton Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Micrococcus Lysate, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Calcium Chloride, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Lecithin, BHT, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Lecithin
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
Buffering
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, 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
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateCaprylyl 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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
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 GumPolysorbate 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 20Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitratePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 RetinolCholesterol 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 CholesterolLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps 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 also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Clinique Fresh Pressed Clinical™ Daily + Overnight Boosters with Pure Vitamin C 10% + A (Retinol) 68 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Clinique Fresh Pressed Clinical™ Daily + Overnight Boosters with Pure Vitamin C 10% + A (Retinol) 68 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
No more acne, very slow at reducing pigmentation tho
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)
