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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream versus Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum .

Published on April 13, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 10 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides, 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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens 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 need an update? Let us know.

Facial Treatment American Brand United States
Serum American Brand United States

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E (2)
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides (3)

Benefits

Hydrating (6)
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (5)
Dark Spots (4)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (5)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (5)
Acne Trigger (3)
Irritating (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Retinoid
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

WaterGlycerinCoco-CaprylateStearic AcidCoconut AlkanesGlyceryl StearateNiacinamideCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl AlcoholPentylene GlycolPassiflora Edulis Seed OilRetinolSimmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSclerocarya Birrea Seed OilPrunus Armeniaca Kernel OilCetyl EthylhexanoatePalmitoyl Tripeptide-1Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf ExtractBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract Ascorbyl TetraisopalmitateChrysinPersea Gratissima OilLinoleic AcidLinolenic AcidCeramide NPXanthophyllsPhytosphingosinePhytosterolsJojoba EstersPhysalis Pubescens Fruit JuiceStearyl GlycyrrhetinateOryza Sativa ExtractGlycine Soja OilCarthamus Tinctorius Seed OilPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12Cetyl PalmitateTrehaloseLauric AcidSodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerOlea Europaea Fruit OilGlucosamine HclTocopheryl AcetateCoco-Caprylate/CapratePisum Sativum ExtractTocopherolBambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem ExtractPhenoxyethanolCaprylyl GlycolCarbomerTrideceth-6 PhosphateN-HydroxysuccinimideCeteareth-20Sodium HydroxideLaureth-23Steareth-20PropanediolChlorhexidine DigluconatePolysorbate 20Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateChlorphenesinPotassium SorbateEthylhexylglycerin

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 26.

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Glycine Soja Oil comes from the soybean. Glycine Soja is native to eastern Asia.

Soybean oil is an emollient. It is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids including palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids.

As an emollient, the fatty acids in soybean oil helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. It does so by creating a film on top that traps moisture in.

Soybean oil is also rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E is also anti-inflammatory and provides a soothing effect.

Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB. It does so by disrupting the melanin process from UVB induced skin inflammation.

This ingredient may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.

Soybeans are rich in proteins and are part of the legume family. Foods made with soybeans include tofu, soymilk, edamame, miso, and soy sauce.

Learn more about Glycine Soja Oil

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 34.

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

6
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 48.

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

7
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 49.

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

8
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 54.

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

9
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 20

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 59.

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

10
What it does: Antimicrobial, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.

Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.

Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.

Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.

Learn more about Chlorphenesin

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 61.

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

35% are loved or liked
21% have mixed ratings
33% are disliked or very disliked
11% have no rating yet
26% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
45% are disliked or very disliked
16% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 6 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 15 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum.

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