Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream versus Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum .
Published on February 11, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 18 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, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils 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.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients
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:
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
- Glycine Soja Oil
- Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
- Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Oryza Sativa Bran Wax
- Stearic Acid
- Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
- Palmitic Acid
- Sorbitan Isostearate
- Elaeis Guineensis Oil
- Myristic Acid
- Lauric Acid
- Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
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 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
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 🎉
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 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Propanediol • Glycerin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Panthenol • Trehalose • Glycine Soja Oil • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Dimethicone • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Carbomer • Tromethamine • Glyceryl Stearate • Polysilicone-11 • Sodium Sulfite • Tocopherol • Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract • Allantoin • Glyceryl Caprylate • Oryza Sativa Bran Wax • Retinol • Tocotrienols • Stearic Acid • Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate • Palmitic Acid • Disodium EDTA • Ethylhexylglycerin • Adenosine • Sorbitan Isostearate • Elaeis Guineensis Oil • BHT • Beta-Carotene • Myristic Acid • Lauric Acid • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Ascorbic Acid • Glutathione • Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil • Sodium Hyaluronate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer • Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Water • Cyclohexasiloxane • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Glycerin • Methylpropanediol • 1,2-Hexanediol • Niacinamide • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • Panthenol • Tocopheryl Acetate • Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract • Centella Asiatica Extract • Panax Ginseng Berry Extract • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Ficus Carica Fruit Extract • Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract • Centella Asiatica Root Extract • Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract • Artemisia Capillaris Extract • Eclipta Prostrata Extract • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Elaeis Guineensis Oil • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Glyceryl Stearate • Bakuchiol • Palmitic Acid • Sodium Polyacrylate • Stearic Acid • Xanthan Gum • Retinol 0.1% • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Butylene Glycol • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Adenosine • Tromethamine • Polyquaternium-51 • Beta-Glucan • Cetyl Alcohol • BHT • Collagen • Myristic Acid • BHA • Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate • Tocopherol • Bifida Ferment Lysate • Ceramide NP • Saccharomyces Ferment • Retinal • Asiaticoside • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Madecassoside • Propylene Glycol • Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate • Glycolipids • Glycine Soja Peptide • Resveratrol • Sucrose Distearate • Asiatic Acid • Madecassic Acid • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil • Peg-100 Stearate • Polysorbate 20 • Parfum • Ethylhexylglycerin
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 WaterCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 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 GlycerinCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.
lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.
Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
Learn more about PanthenolCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.
We don't have a description for Glyceryl Polymethacrylate.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 13.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 50.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within.
The phospholipids in Hydrogenated Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier to be better absorbed.
As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 16.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.
Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. 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.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 19.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 20.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
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 TocopherolCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 23.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 44.
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 RetinolCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 28.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 30.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid found in our skin. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It is a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
As an emollient, it helps hydrate the skin. The emulsifying properties keep ingredients together in a product.
Palmitic Acid may not be fungal-acne safe. It can worsen oily skin and cause breakouts due to its emollient nature.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 32.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 34.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 65.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 35.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.
Elaeis Guineensis Oil comes from the African Palm tree. This tree is native to Western and Southwestern Africa.
This oil is rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging.
The Vitamin E and fatty acid content give palm oil a skin-hydrating property. Emollients help trap moisture in by creating a film on the skin.
Palm oil is created by either squeezing the fruit or crushing the kernel at the center of the fruit. In the 1800s, archaeologists discovered a 6000 year old Egyptian tomb containing palm oil.
Palm oil is controversial due to its social and environmental impacts. Several organizations are working to make palm oil harvest more sustainable, such as the RSPO.
Learn more about Elaeis Guineensis OilCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 37.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
BHT also helps stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Many products are sensitive to air and light. BHT prevents them from breaking down when exposed.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 38.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
Myristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid. It is naturally found in milk fat. Other sources include palm oil, coconut oil, and butter fat.
Myristic Acid is an emulsifer and cleanser. As an emulsifer, it stabilizes a product by preventing ingredients from separating. Myristic Acid helps clean your skin by acting as a surfactant. It tends to gather oil and dirt on your skin to be easily rinsed away.
One study from 2021 found Myristic Acid to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Myristic AcidCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 40.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 47.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
(Started Dec 2023) This was a bit of an impulse buy with a friend, but I'm honestly glad I got it! I have previous experience with using retinoids (specifically from The Ordinary Line) and wanted to try something a bit stronger. On...
(Started Dec 2023) This was a bit of an impulse buy with a friend, but I'm honestly glad I got it! I have previous experience with using retinoids (specifically from The Ordinary Line) and wanted to try something a bit stronger. On Amazon it is priced at $13, so I would say this is a wonderful budget buy. The formulation is very gentle given the strength and I experienced no problems with irritation! My skin actually ended up feeling smoother and softer the following morning with this. I would highly recommend this as a starter Retinol. Planning to get the .3 formulation after I go through another one.
Wonderful beginner retinol
Ny first ever retinol but 2nd time using a retinoid. for context I have highly acne-prone skin.
I've been using this every other night for a couple weeks now and I see that my acne is healing much faster...
Wonderful beginner retinol
Ny first ever retinol but 2nd time using a retinoid. for context I have highly acne-prone skin.
I've been using this every other night for a couple weeks now and I see that my acne is healing much faster than usual, i.e. less redness and irritation on acne that I would usually experience.
Though there are ingredients rated by SkinSort as not good for acne-prone skin (Cetearyl Alcohol, Myristic Acid and Lauric Acid), I have not noticed a negative reaction whatsoever. So, I would still recommend this product for other retinol beginners, especially those with acne-prone skin like me.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients
Great for beginers
if you never used retinol Serum, buy this, is a Great Serum, absorb really quick and is perfect for oily skin
Great for beginers
if you never used retinol Serum, buy this, is a Great Serum, absorb really quick and is perfect for oily skin
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