Versus

Dr.G Black Snail Retinol Ampoule Versus Cos De BAHA Retinol 2.5% Facial Serum With Vitamin E

Ampoule
Serum
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on October 10, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, 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 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Black Snail Retinol Ampoule

Snail Secretion Filtrate 34%

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

C13-16 Isoalkane

Solvent

Glycereth-26

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Heptyl Undecylenate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Hydrogenated Polydecene

Emollient

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

Emollient
1 / 2

Undecane

Emollient

Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)

Emollient

Synthetic Sapphire

Tridecane

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cetyl Palmitate

Emollient
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Malt Extract

Skin Protecting

Sorbitan Olivate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sorbitan Palmitate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Glyceryl Stearate Citrate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Tromethamine

Buffering

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Eclipta Prostrata Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Corn Starch

Humectant

Disodium EDTA

Beta-Glucan

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sodium Polyacrylate

Absorbent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sucrose

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Biosaccharide Gum-1

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyether-1

Allantoin

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Solvent

Glyceryl Oleate

Emollient
Fragrance IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Lauryl Glucoside

Cleansing

Myristyl Glucoside

Cleansing

Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

Skin Conditioning
Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Octyldodecanol

Emollient

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Retinol

Skin Conditioning
Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Maltodextrin

Absorbent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycolipids

Skin Conditioning

Brassica Campestris Sterols

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Phosphatidylcholine

Emulsifying

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate

Emulsion Stabilising

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Zymomonas Ferment Extract

Humectant

Pearl Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate

Stabilising

Ferulic Acid

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Honey Extract

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

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.

Solvent

Propanediol 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 Propanediol
Smoothing

Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.

And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.

You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.

In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.

If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.

In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).

Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.

Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.

The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.

Learn more about Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-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 

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 EDTA
Skin Conditioning

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 Retinol

When to use

12 Routines
0% use in am
100% use in pm
67% use every day
33 Routines
9% use in am
91% use in pm
45% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Dr.G Black Snail Retinol Ampoule 75 ingredients

Black Snail Retinol Ampoule hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Cos De BAHA Retinol 2.5% Facial Serum With Vitamin E 14 ingredients

2.7 /5
from 3 ratings
Doesn't Work (2) Great Value (2) Hydrating (1)
Elapidae's avatar

Ela

5 months ago
Review

UPDATE: their homepage actually says that it’s not retinol 2.5% but only 0.13%. That low percentage does nothing for your skin 😂 For me it’s misleading advertising and I have read they do that a lot with their products. Hence I m not buying anything more from them. Also in Germany a product that contains over 1% Retinol is considered medical care and usually needs prescription (EU regulations). So Show more

#doesn't work
AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

7 months ago
Review

This was genuinely one of those products that I'm not sure if I noticed any results. Aside from the uncertainty of this product and the ingredients. I also did not enjoy the consistency of this serum. It felt as if it never fully absorbed and made my skin feel rather oily. Not sure about the other products from this brand, but I feel unlikely to repurchase this.

#great value
#heavy
#oily
#doesn't work