First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides

Versus

First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

Serum

Exfoliator

American Brand

Updated on January 04, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for 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, fragrances, oils, parabens 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.

New Comparison

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides 25 ingredients

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant 23 ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides 25 ingredients

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant 23 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides

Water

Dimethicone

Glycerin

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Retinyl Propionate

Skin Conditioning

Retinol

Skin Conditioning

Pentapeptide-34 Trifluoroacetate

Emollient

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Citric Acid

Buffering

Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Dimethiconol

Emollient

Disodium EDTA

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Laureth-4

Emulsifying

5 / 4 May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysorbate 60

Propanediol

Sodium Citrate

Sorbitan Isostearate

1-2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

BHT

Phenoxyethanol

Sodium Benzoate

CI 77891

Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

Water

2,3-Butanediol

Mandelic Acid

Lactic Acid

Sodium Hydroxide

Myrica Cerifera Fruit Extract

Humectant

Akebia Quinata Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning

Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate

Skin Conditioning

Saccharomyces Lysate

Skin Conditioning

Achillea Millefolium Extract

Saccharide Isomerate

Arginine

Hydroxyacetophenone

Butylene Glycol

1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Phytate

Pentylene Glycol

Xanthan Gum

Citric Acid

Sodium Citrate

1,2-Hexanediol

Caprylyl Glycol

Sodium Benzoate

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Citric Acid

Masking, Buffering

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.

This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.

Sodium Benzoate

Masking, Preservative

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

Sodium Citrate

Buffering, Masking

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.

Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.

The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).

Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Learn more about Sodium Citrate

Water

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water