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Is Clinical Active Serum Versus CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Serum
Serum
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on February 03, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any fragrances, oils or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

When to use

69 Routines
20% use in am
80% use in pm
88% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
2,215 Routines
7% use in am
93% use in pm
67% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Is Clinical Active Serum 13 ingredients

Active Serum hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 42 ratings
Light (12) Absorbs Well (9) Great Value (8)
CentellaAddict's avatar

CentellaAddict

1 year ago
Review

No more acne, very slow at reducing pigmentation tho

#absorbs well
#works well
SkincareSimba's avatar

SkincareSimba

1 year ago
Review

The only retinol my partner's skin can tolerate.
Their skin is extremely reactive and sensitive but this retinol has worked great.

I also use it every other day because I alternate between this retinol and A313.
It works great and is gentle enough to allow me to build tolerance without purging effects (at least on my skin and my partner's)

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent