Cos De BAHA L2 Bakuchiol 2% + Retinol 0.5% Serum Versus Dr. Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum
Updated on November 02, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 10 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 harsh alcohols, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens
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
Cos De BAHA L2 Bakuchiol 2% + Retinol 0.5% Serum 31 ingredients
Dr. Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum 32 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Cos De BAHA L2 Bakuchiol 2% + Retinol 0.5% Serum 31 ingredients
Dr. Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Rosa Damascena Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Tropolone
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Retinol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Tropolone
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dibutyl Adipate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBetula Alba Juice
AstringentRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Polyisobutene
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Pvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingHyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningBorago Officinalis Extract
Emollient
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentSalvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dibutyl Adipate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Betula Alba Juice, Retinol, Bakuchiol, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycerinBakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant (it's vegan!). It is often called the replacement for retinol although it is not part of the same family.
It has similar effects as retinol: skin smoothing, reducing discoloration, and preventing wrinkles. It does not cause as much irritation as traditional retinoids.
Bakuchiol works by breaking down free radicals and stimulating collagen production in skin.
Combining bakuchiol with retinol will not have adverse side effects. Studies show using them will just boost the benefits. Bakuchiol is also found to help stabilize retinol.
While bakuchiol does not make the skin more sun sensitive, we recommend wearing SPF on a daily basis.
Read more about traditional retinol
Learn more about BakuchiolRetinol 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 Retinol1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinWater. 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 WaterButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract comes from the lavender plant. Lavender extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Many components of lavender flowers are antioxidants, such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and several flavonoids.
Traditional Iranian folk medicine uses Lavender extract to help treat inflammation.
Lavender extract may have a scent. It contains linalool, a known allergen. However, lavender extract contains less linalool than lavender essential oil.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia Flower ExtractDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAIngredient Ratings
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