Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum Versus KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum
Updated on August 17, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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, parabens, silicones 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
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum 41 ingredients
KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum 37 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum 41 ingredients
KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum 37 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantLactic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFerulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Squalane
Emollient
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningSoy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
HumectantUbiquinone
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
HumectantHexylresorcinol
AntimicrobialQuercetin
Antioxidant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Phytate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Propylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Lactic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Mandelic Acid, Retinol, Bakuchiol, Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract, Ferulic Acid, Squalane, Linoleic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Phospholipids, Soy Isoflavones, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Ubiquinone, Sodium PCA, Hexylresorcinol, Quercetin, Adenosine, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Panthenol, Glycolic Acid, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Rosa Canina Seed Oil
Emollient
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Xylityl Sesquicaprylate
AntimicrobialLysolecithin
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Medicago Sativa Extract
TonicPullulan
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAnhydroxylitol
HumectantMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil
Masking
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Silica
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Beta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingSqualene
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGeraniol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Farnesol
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Glycerin, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Isoamyl Laurate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Betaine, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Bakuchiol, Xylityl Sesquicaprylate, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Lactobacillus, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Medicago Sativa Extract, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Anhydroxylitol, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Silica, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Beta-Sitosterol, Squalene, Sodium Hydroxide, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Farnesol, Citronellol
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 WaterGlycerin 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 BakuchiolXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum 41 ingredients
KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum 37 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum 41 ingredients
I suffer really bad with poor texture and hormonal breakout round my jaw. Constantly ! I've used everything going including prescription creams and gells . This product changes everything ! I could see the difference in less than a week!
