Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) Versus iNova Pharmaceuticals ReTrieve Cream
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe prescription. They have a total of 6 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates
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
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) 28 ingredients
iNova Pharmaceuticals ReTrieve Cream 13 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
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) 28 ingredients
iNova Pharmaceuticals ReTrieve Cream 13 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Tretinoin 0.015%
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide 4%
Smoothing
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientC13-15 Alkane
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Polyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Polyurethane-39
Phenoxyethanol 0.6%
Preservative
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%, Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Isohexadecane, Isododecane, C13-15 Alkane, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Polyurethane-39, Phenoxyethanol 0.6%, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.
All retinoids goes through a conversion line until it can become effective. The final step of conversion is retinoic acid; retinoic acid IS Tretinoin.
This is why tretinoin is so effective; it gets to work immediately on the skin.
Research on tretinoin has found it to be incredibly effective for reducing the signs of aging. It helps improve damage from the sun, even the skin tone, and smooth out wrinkles. It is also an effective acne treatment by reducing and balancing out sebum production in pores.
Tretinoin, like other forms of Vitamin A, increases the turnover cycle of skin cells. This helps the skin create newer and healthier skin cells faster.
It can cause irritation, redness, and dry skin because it is considered a "strong" ingredient. Those with sensitive skin should consult a professional about using tretinoin.
Using 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.
Read about a form of retinoid you can purchase at the store, retinol.
Learn more about TretinoinWater. 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 WaterPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It 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.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateTocopheryl 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 AcetateIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) 28 ingredients
iNova Pharmaceuticals ReTrieve Cream 13 ingredients
Reviews
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