Elsheskin Retinal Advance Serum Versus For Skin’s Sake (FSS) Retinal Serum 0.15% With Samphira Oil
Updated on January 30, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. 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, oils, 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
Elsheskin Retinal Advance Serum 67 ingredients
For Skin’s Sake (FSS) Retinal Serum 0.15% With Samphira Oil 27 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Elsheskin Retinal Advance Serum 67 ingredients
For Skin’s Sake (FSS) Retinal Serum 0.15% With Samphira Oil 27 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
Smoothing
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ceteareth-25
CleansingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behenic Acid
Cleansing
Cholesterol
Emollient
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Eos
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCaprooyl Sphingosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lecithin
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Chloride
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Asparagopsis Armata Extract
Skin ProtectingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Callus Extract
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-52
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyvinyl Alcohol
Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-18
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPhenylpropanol
Masking
Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sodium Nitrate
SoothingGlyoxal
Antimicrobial
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Water, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alpha-Arbutin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Retinal, Ascorbic Acid, Phospholipids, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ceteareth-25, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenic Acid, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide Eos, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Oleate, Citric Acid, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Magnesium Chloride, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Callus Extract, Xanthan Gum, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-18, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenylpropanol, Oligopeptide-1, Squalane, Ubiquinone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Nitrate, Glyoxal, Ethoxydiglycol, Hyaluronic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingLactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sucrose Laurate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
PEG-75 Stearate
Water, Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Lactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Retinal, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Tromethamine, Polyglutamic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Sucrose Laurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, PEG-75 Stearate
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 GlycerinRetinal is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the gold-standard class of anti-aging ingredients.
Retinal has many benefits as other retinoids: improve skin texture, reduce large pores, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, heal scars, and fight acne.
Studies show retinal may work at a faster rate than retinol due to its structure.
All retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid before starting to work. Some retinoids take several steps of conversion before binding. Retinal is only one step away, making it more potent.
Like other retinoids, retinal may be irritating. It is best to ease into using this ingredient frequently.
Using the 'ramp up' method, start by using retinol once a week. This gives your skin time to adjust and decrease irritation. Once you feel ready, you can slowly increase the frequency of retinol use.
Using 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.
Learn more about RetinalThis 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 TriglycerideButylene 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.
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCeramide 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 NPPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Elsheskin Retinal Advance Serum 67 ingredients
For Skin’s Sake (FSS) Retinal Serum 0.15% With Samphira Oil 27 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Elsheskin Retinal Advance Serum 67 ingredients
For Skin’s Sake (FSS) Retinal Serum 0.15% With Samphira Oil 27 ingredients
sukaaa pol sama retinal serum satu ini. aku pakai sudah sekitar 4 bulanan dan progresnya di kulitku cukup baik. pori poriku lumayan samar, kulit jg jadi lebih glowing. pemakain awal di aku nggak bikin purging ya, mungkin karena sudah biasa pakai tretinoin sebelumnya jd pas turun ke retinal gak kaget malah jd cocok & pori poriku jg sudah bersih sebelumnya. di awal ada rasa cekat cekit dikit tp Show more
