Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum versus Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum .
Published on August 27, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and retinoid
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
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum 41 ingredients
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum 55 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
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 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
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 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
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
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum 55 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum 41 ingredients
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum 55 ingredients
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
Water • Propanediol • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Triheptanoin • Dimethicone • Glycerin • Pentylene Glycol • Hexyldecanol • Disiloxane • Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone • Diheptyl Succinate • Propylene Carbonate • Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate • Ppg-24-Glycereth-24 • Phenyl Trimethicone • Retinol • Ubiquinone • Honey Extract • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer • Algae Extract • Zingiber Officinale Extract • Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract • Bisabolol • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Phospholipids • Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract • Lecithin • Sodium Acrylates Copolymer • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • 1,2-Hexanediol • 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol • Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate • Caprylyl Glycol • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Sorbitol • Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide • Polysilicone-11 • Benzoic Acid • Dehydroacetic Acid • Sodium Phytate • Glyceryl Polyacrylate • Polysorbate 80 • Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid • Stearic Acid • Brassica Campestris Sterols • Pvp • Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer • Sodium Benzoate • Alcohol • Potassium Phosphate • Decyl Glucoside • Phenoxyethanol • Hexylene Glycol • Potassium Sorbate • Tocopherol
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 WaterDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Dimethyl 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 IsosorbideDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 GlycerinDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 RetinolDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
Phospholipids are naturally found in our skin as they are the main component of cell membranes. Phospholipids have humectant, emollient, antioxidant properties.
The phospholipids in our skin can be naturally depleted. Replenishing the phospholipids in our skin can help hydrate your skin. Due to their hygroscopic nature, they act as humectants and emollients. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin, while emollients help trap moisture in. This ingredient is non-occlusive.
Studies show phospholipids display antioxidant activity and may help with reducing the signs of aging.
Phospholipids are complex lipids that contain glycerin, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group. Some foods that contain phospholipids include soybeans and milk. The phospholipids found in soy come from Lecithin. This ingredient can also be synthetically created.
Some types of phospholipids:
Learn more about PhospholipidsDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) is a molecule already found in our bodies. It is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient.
Aging and environmental exposure diminishes our skin's natural ubiquinone levels. This is much like our natural collagen and elastin.
The good news is: studies show applying this ingredient topically replenishes ubiquinone levels in our skin. This also comes with a ton of skin benefits. These benefits include:
Ubiquinone is considered a large molecule and cannot be absorbed into the lower layers of skin. This is why it is believed to be such an effective antioxidant: it protects our skin in the upper layers and prevents damage in the deeper layers.
When used in sunscreen, ubiquinone is shown to increase ingredient stability, increase SPF factor, and add to infrared protection.
Fun fact: ubiquinone is fat-soluble.
Learn more about UbiquinoneDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
Sodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 36.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.
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.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 52.
Sodium 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.
Sodium Benzoate 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 BenzoateDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 48.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 54.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum 41 ingredients
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum 55 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum 41 ingredients
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum 55 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!
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!
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum 55 ingredients
Definitely high-dose retinol!
This is a powerful retinol serum that is no joke. I tried easing into it by going every other night, then moved to every night. I ended up with signs of a damaged skin barrier (redness) on my chin. I'm going...
Definitely high-dose retinol!
This is a powerful retinol serum that is no joke. I tried easing into it by going every other night, then moved to every night. I ended up with signs of a damaged skin barrier (redness) on my chin. I'm going to lay off this on my chin for a couple weeks, then try again, but stick to every other night. I like that I'm getting a strong dose of an excellent skincare ingredient, but I need to take care not to overdo it.
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