Versus

Dr.G Black Snail Retinol Ampoule Versus innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule

Ampoule
Ampoule
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on August 26, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe ampoules. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, 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, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and oils

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

About this product

About this product

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

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

C13-16 Isoalkane

Solvent

Glycereth-26

Humectant
0 / 0

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

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

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
Good for Minimizing Pores 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 Icon

Sodium Polyacrylate

Absorbent

Sucrose

Humectant

Biosaccharide Gum-1

Skin Conditioning

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 Icon

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Solvent

Glyceryl Oleate

Emollient
Fragrance IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

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 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

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 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

Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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 Glycerin
Smoothing

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

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.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

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 
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.

This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Skin Conditioning

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine
Skin Conditioning

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.

Skin Conditioning

Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.

As an antioxidant, beta-glucan helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Studies show this ingredient may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.

Learn more about Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

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 Triglyceride
Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol
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
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.

Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.

Learn more about Cholesterol

When to use

13 Routines
0% use in am
100% use in pm
69% use every day
120 Routines
7% use in am
93% use in pm
70% 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

innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule 35 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Light (2) Great Value (2) Absorbs Well (2)
LDale's avatar

Leslie Dale

10 months ago
Review

Innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule

I have been interested in retinol for a while. Decided to try something that wasn't to intimidating.
This one had a frog on it and so it looked less intimidating.

I'm still in my 20s and this is my retinol review:

Texture: Super watery. I guess it is like most ampoules, maybe thinner, but it basically kindof drips down your skin when you apply. It is Show more

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#light scent
Ssaaraahh's avatar

Sara

9 months ago
Review

I am super sensitive to retinol, They always make my skin, super itchy, or irritated and red and I actually have a salicylic acid allergy, but I’ve been using this product and my skin has not reacted, which is a really good sign. It’s super super gentle and great if you have really sensitive skin. I’m really happy. I finally found a retinal that I can use and the salicylic acid definitely helps Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well