Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum versus Obagi Retinol 1.0 .
Published on November 08, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 17 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, retinoid, Vitamin C 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 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.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Price
Ingredient Info
Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum 45 ingredients
Obagi Retinol 1.0 39 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
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 😥
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:
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
Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum 45 ingredients
Obagi Retinol 1.0 39 ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum 45 ingredients
Obagi Retinol 1.0 39 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Propylene Glycol • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine • Alcohol • Retinol • Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil • Brassica Campestris Sterols • Peg-5 Rapeseed Sterol • Ceteth-3 • Ceteth-5 • Cholesterol • Silica • Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate • Cetyl Phosphate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Polysorbate 20 • Disodium EDTA • Paraffinum Liquidum • Butylene Glycol • Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate • Phenyl Trimethicone • Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate • Hexyl Laurate • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Centella Asiatica Extract • Ethylhexylglycerin • Dimethicone • Peg-100 Stearate • Glyceryl Stearate • Dipropylene Glycol • Cetyl Alcohol • Sodium Hyaluronate • Triethanolamine • Salicylic Acid • Phenoxyethanol • Carbomer • Stearic Acid • Cera Alba • BHT • Parfum
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Glyceryl Stearate • Cyclopentasiloxane • Butylene Glycol • Stearic Acid • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Polysorbate 60 • Stearyl Alcohol • Glycerin • Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer • Retinol • Polysorbate 20 • Dimethicone • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract • Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract • Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract • Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract • Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract • Cyclohexasiloxane • Sorbitol • Tocopheryl Acetate • Ascorbic Acid • Ubiquinone • Sodium Hyaluronate • Propylene Glycol • BHA • Bisabolol • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Disodium EDTA • Triethanolamine • Carbomer • Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Hexylene Glycol • Phenoxyethanol
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 WaterDermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 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 GlycerinDermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Propylene 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 deliver a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolDermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 27.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
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 TriglycerideDermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 2.
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 RetinolDermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Polysorbate 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 20Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 13.
Disodium 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 EDTADermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 32.
Butylene 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.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 5.
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 AcetateDermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 33.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 23.
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.
Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 37.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 36.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 14.
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 StearateDermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 38.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Sodium 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 HyaluronateDermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 44.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 26.
Triethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
Learn more about TriethanolamineDermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 45.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 33.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 47.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 39.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 48.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 34.
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 AcidDermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 49.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 6.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum 45 ingredients
Obagi Retinol 1.0 39 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Dermax Professional AcneX Retinol Serum 45 ingredients
Obagi Retinol 1.0 39 ingredients
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