Estée Lauder Perfectionist CP+R Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum Versus CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid 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 or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain silicones and 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
Estée Lauder Perfectionist CP+R Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum 72 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Estée Lauder Perfectionist CP+R Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum 72 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicColeus Forskohlii Root Extract
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Palmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Silybum Marianum Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientPadina Pavonica Thallus Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningPantethine
EmollientAlgae Extract
Emollient
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Kernel Extract
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Whey Protein
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
Cleansing
Lecithin
Emollient
Collagen
Moisturising
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Yeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil
Emollient
Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 40
Emulsifying
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientSodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Isohexadecane
EmollientPEG-8
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate
UV AbsorberLaureth-12
EmulsifyingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Beta-Sitosteryl Sulfate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
Masking
Disodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, Water, Polysilicone-11, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Silybum Marianum Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Artemia Extract, Pantethine, Algae Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Cholesterol, Squalane, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Zea Mays Kernel Extract, Glycine Soja Protein, Caffeine, Whey Protein, Linoleic Acid, Lecithin, Collagen, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glycerin, Yeast Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Phytosphingosine, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl, Polysorbate 40, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sodium PCA, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Zinc PCA, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isohexadecane, PEG-8, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 80, Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate, Laureth-12, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Beta-Sitosteryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLecithin
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Cichorium Intybus Root Extract
MaskingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
Potassium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCeramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 6 Ii
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide 1
Skin Conditioning
Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Polysorbate 20, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, PEG-40 Stearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Tocopherol, Niacinamide, Alcohol, Retinol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 Ii, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Ceramide 1
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 WaterSilica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaCholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin as a building block for ceramides.. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine contributes to your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.
Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.
Fun fact: Phytosphingosine is abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosinePentylene 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumSodium 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 HydroxidePhenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Estée Lauder Perfectionist CP+R Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum 72 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
Going back to Cerave's Resurfacing retinol. This bottle seemed less product than that. I don't think it worked as hard as the other retinol serum to prevent breakouts. Renewal had an unattractive yellow color, and a strange texture that takes a long time to sink in. Don't plan to repurchase this.
