Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum Versus Dr.G Black Snail Retinol Ampoule
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 14 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 parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 43 ingredients
Dr.G Black Snail Retinol Ampoule 75 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
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 43 ingredients
Dr.G Black Snail Retinol Ampoule 75 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Hexyldecanol
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Aniba Rosodora Wood Oil
Astringent
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Santalum Album Oil
Masking
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Extract
Emollient
Cupressus Sempervirens Oil
Masking
Juniperus Virginiana Oil
Masking
Abies Sibirica Oil
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBHT
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Hydroxystearic Acid
Cleansing
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Laureth-23
CleansingTrideceth-6 Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Hexyldecanol, Propanediol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Aniba Rosodora Wood Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Santalum Album Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Abies Sibirica Oil, Tocopherol, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, BHT, Ceramide NP, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Palmitate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 60, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Hydroxystearic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Laureth-23, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool
Snail Secretion Filtrate 34%
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
C13-16 Isoalkane
SolventGlycereth-26
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Heptyl Undecylenate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientUndecane
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientSynthetic Sapphire
Tridecane
Perfuming
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
Masking
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Malt Extract
Skin ProtectingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Palmitate
Emulsifying
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Tromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Sucrose
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin Conditioning
Polyether-1
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventGlyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingMyristyl Glucoside
CleansingPolyglyceryl-6 Laurate
Emulsifying
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Octyldodecanol
EmollientHydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Glycolipids
Skin ConditioningBrassica Campestris Sterols
Emollient
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
Emulsion StabilisingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Zymomonas Ferment Extract
HumectantPearl Extract
Antioxidant
Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingFerulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Honey Extract
Humectant
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Snail Secretion Filtrate 34%, Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, C13-16 Isoalkane, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Squalane, Heptyl Undecylenate, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Betaine, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Undecane, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Synthetic Sapphire, Tridecane, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Malt Extract, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Disodium EDTA, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sucrose, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Polyether-1, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glyceryl Oleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Lauryl Glucoside, Myristyl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Maltodextrin, Glycolipids, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Phosphatidylcholine, Cholesterol, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Zymomonas Ferment Extract, Pearl Extract, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Ferulic Acid, Honey Extract, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
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 WaterSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneGlycerin 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 GlycerinPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolDimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.
As a solvent, dimethyl isosorbide helps dissolve other ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of an ingredient. It may also be used to decrease the thickness of a product.
Studies show dimethyl isosorbide is able to penetrate skin to deliver other ingredients into the skin, making them more effective.
Learn more about Dimethyl IsosorbideThis ingredient is a retinoid. It usually goes by a more common name: "Granactive".
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes retinol and tretinoin.
Retinoids have been proven to:
So what is the difference between all the retinoids? Most retinoids need to go through a conversion line to become effective on skin. The ending product is retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is AKA tretinoin.
HPR is an ester of tretinoin. Emerging studies suggest HPR to have an added benefit that other retinoids don't have: Low irritation.
A study from 2021 found HPR to have the greatest stability when exposed to light and temperature out of all the commercial retinoids.
A note about naming: The name "Granactive" is the trade name and the name most commonly used on packages.
Granactive is the name of the mixture - about 90% solvent and 10% HPR. A product with 5% granactive has 0.5% HPR.
Learn more about Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateRetinol 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 RetinolTocopherol (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 TocopherolBeta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.
As an antioxidant, beta-glucan helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Studies show this ingredient may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanCaprylyl 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 GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetyl Palmitate is a wax-like substance.
It comes from palmitic acid and palmityl alcohol. Cetyl Palmitate may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne.
This ingredient is naturally found in the guava fruit and stony corals.
Learn more about Cetyl Palmitate1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
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 preservatives
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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
