Hanasui Advance Retinol Serum Versus Azarine Retinol Complex + 5x Ceramide Mighty Serum
Updated on January 16, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides 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, 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
Hanasui Advance Retinol Serum 48 ingredients
Azarine Retinol Complex + 5x Ceramide Mighty Serum 26 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Hanasui Advance Retinol Serum 48 ingredients
Azarine Retinol Complex + 5x Ceramide Mighty Serum 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventBiosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Methyl Gluceth-20
HumectantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Triethylene Glycol
Masking
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentTetrahydropiperine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingBisabolol
Masking
Arachis Hypogaea Oil
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Glycosphingolipids
EmollientWater, Niacinamide, Squalane, Glycerin, Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phenoxyethanol, Lactic Acid, Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 80, Xanthan Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Allantoin, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Retinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethylene Glycol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Tetrahydropiperine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, Bisabolol, Arachis Hypogaea Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hcl, Retinyl Palmitate, Sucrose Stearate, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Hyaluronic Acid, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ng, Glycosphingolipids
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Squalane
Emollient
Ceteareth-25
CleansingHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingBehenic 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 ConditioningMannitol
HumectantPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingRetinal
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Retinol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Chlorphenesin, Squalane, Ceteareth-25, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Behenic Acid, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide Eos, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Mannitol, Phosphatidylcholine, Retinal, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride
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 WaterSqualane 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 SqualaneGlycerin 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 GlycerinPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.
It is be used to thicken water-based products and create a gel-texture with a velvet feel.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient to have a pH range of 2-8 and to be biodegradable.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Retinol 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 RetinolThis 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 RetinoateCeramide 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 NPCeramide AP is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. 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 NP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide APIngredient Ratings
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