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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 Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream .

Published on March 17, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 13 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, 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 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
Overnight Mask 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.

Overnight Mask

Overnight masks are usually used after the whole nighttime skincare routine (check your product’s instructions). Overnight masks are used to treat a variety of skin concerns and boost moisture in the skin.

Price

Shop

Buy A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream

Starts at $74.00
Shop

Buy Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

Starts at $77.00

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
Vitamin E
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid (3)

Benefits

Hydrating (6)
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (7)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (4)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (5)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (4)
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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

WaterMethyl Glucose SesquistearateGlycerinDiisostearyl MalateCaprylyl Caprylate/CaprateCetearyl AlcoholButyrospermum Parkii ButterDimethiconePropylene GlycolCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetyl AlcoholBakuchiolRetinolFerulic AcidNephelium Lappaceum Leaf ExtractSodium HyaluronateSqualaneOenothera Biennis OilCeramide NgEmblica Officinalis Fruit Extract Silybum Marianum ExtractPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis OilJojoba EstersSoy IsoflavonesPhospholipidsSaccharide IsomerateHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit ExtractUrsolic AcidAdenosineCamellia Japonica Seed OilHelianthus Annuus Seed OilArnica Montana Flower ExtractSalix Alba Bark ExtractPyrus Malus Fruit ExtractHydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerGlycine Soja OilTocopherolSodium Acetylated HyaluronateLactic AcidHydrolyzed Soy ProteinPentylene GlycolSodium Stearoyl GlutamateEthylhexylglycerinButylene GlycolTetrahydropiperinePolyglyceryl-4 OleateEthylhexyl OlivateGlyceryl Stearate CitrateGlyceryl CaprylateMaltodextrinSodium Acrylates CopolymerSodium PhytateCitric AcidSodium CitrateIlomastatCitrus Limon Peel ExtractCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit ExtractLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem ExtractPhenoxyethanolBenzyl AlcoholSodium BenzoatePotassium Sorbate

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.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream 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.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.

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

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.

4
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 6.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.

This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.

Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.

Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.

Learn more about Pentylene Glycol

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 43.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Retinol

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

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 13.

7
What it does: Emollient, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Disliked

Jojoba Esters is a wax created from Jojoba oil. It is an emollient and film-forming ingredient. In bead form, it is an exfoliator.

This ingredient has high oxidative stability, meaning it doesn't break down when exposed to oxygen.

Its similarity to our skin's natural oils makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe our skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier helps trap moisture in, keeping skin hydrated.

It is created using either the hydrogenation or transesterification processes on jojoba oil.

Learn more about Jojoba Esters

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 30.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 24.

8
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.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 38.

9
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a type of hyaluronic acid. In fact, it is modified version of hyaluronic acid.

The structure of Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer allows it to stay in the skin's top layer for a longer period of time. This allows for even more hydration and humectant action than hyaluronic acid.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 40.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 37.

10
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 46.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 39.

11
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.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 61.

12
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Sorbate

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 62.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 64.

13
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 63.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream contains this as ingredient number 45.

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

35% are loved or liked
19% have mixed ratings
33% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet
33% are loved or liked
17% have mixed ratings
29% are disliked or very disliked
21% 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 2 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream.

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