Esmi Skin Minerals Encapsulated Retinol 0.75% Level 3 Versus Cosmedix Define Age-Defying Treatment
Updated on March 22, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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 parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Esmi Skin Minerals Encapsulated Retinol 0.75% Level 3 23 ingredients
Cosmedix Define Age-Defying Treatment 49 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Esmi Skin Minerals Encapsulated Retinol 0.75% Level 3 23 ingredients
Cosmedix Define Age-Defying Treatment 49 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion Stabilising
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Emollient
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Behentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Sucrose Laurate
Emollient
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Squalane, Polysorbate 80, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Behentrimonium Chloride, Sucrose Laurate
Water
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Retinyl Acetate
Skin Conditioning
Albumen
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Malic Acid
Buffering
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Pichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningResveratrol Dimethyl Ether
Antioxidant
Galactoarabinan
Proline
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Masking
Bisabolol
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Limonene
Perfuming
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningBHA
Antioxidant
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
BHT
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Polysorbate 60, Lactic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tartaric Acid, Retinyl Acetate, Albumen, Cetyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Malic Acid, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Retinol, Pichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract, Resveratrol Dimethyl Ether, Galactoarabinan, Proline, Retinyl Palmitate, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Allantoin, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Sodium Gluconate, BHA, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Alcohol Denat., BHT, Xanthan Gum, 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 GlycerinGlyceryl 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 StearateRetinol 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 RetinolPolysorbate 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 20Phenoxyethanol 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.
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 AllantoinIngredient Ratings
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