Easydew DW-EGF Mela-A Retinol 0.03% Cream Versus Dr. Diamond's Metacine InstaFacial Emulsion
Updated on August 26, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 11 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 common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils and silicones
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
Easydew DW-EGF Mela-A Retinol 0.03% Cream 79 ingredients
Dr. Diamond's Metacine InstaFacial Emulsion 35 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Easydew DW-EGF Mela-A Retinol 0.03% Cream 79 ingredients
Dr. Diamond's Metacine InstaFacial Emulsion 35 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Decyl Esters
Emulsion Stabilising
Tapioca Starch
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Chitosan
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate
Perfuming
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlucose
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Tromethamine
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingFructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDilauryl Thiodipropionate
Antioxidant
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Brassica Campestris Sterols
Emollient
Sodium Phytate
Cholesterol
Emollient
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Sorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Humectant
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingC12-16 Alcohols
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Squalane, Niacinamide, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Tapioca Starch, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Retinal, Chitosan, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Methyl Trimethicone, Panthenol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glucose, Butylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dilauryl Thiodipropionate, Palmitic Acid, Adenosine, Retinol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Sodium Phytate, Cholesterol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tranexamic Acid, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Ceramide NP, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Silica, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Retinyl Palmitate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Bakuchiol, Ubiquinone, Sorbitan Laurate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Carbomer, C12-16 Alcohols, Alcohol Denat., Disodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Squalane
Emollient
Cyclic Lysophosphatidic Acid
HumectantSodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
CleansingGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientDimethiconol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phospholipids, Sodium Phytate, Squalane, Cyclic Lysophosphatidic Acid, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Lecithin, Dimethiconol, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Polysorbate 60, Phenoxyethanol
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePentylene 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 also help thicken or stabilize a product.
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 GlycolSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateButylene 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.
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.
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.
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 IsosorbideThis ingredient is a retinoid. It usually goes by a more common name: "Granactive".
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes retinol and tretinoin.
Retinoids have been proven to:
So what is the difference between all the retinoids? Most retinoids need to go through a conversion line to become effective on skin. The ending product is retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is AKA tretinoin.
HPR is an ester of tretinoin. Emerging studies suggest HPR to have an added benefit that other retinoids don't have: Low irritation.
A study from 2021 found HPR to have the greatest stability when exposed to light and temperature out of all the commercial retinoids.
A note about naming: The name "Granactive" is the trade name and the name most commonly used on packages.
Granactive is the name of the mixture - about 90% solvent and 10% HPR. A product with 5% granactive has 0.5% HPR.
Learn more about Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateIngredient Ratings
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