Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Is Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 versus NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex .
Last updated on April 15, 2024. Published on April 15, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, hyaluronic acid, retinoid and Vitamin C
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 or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
Is Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 57 ingredients
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex 32 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Is Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 57 ingredients
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex 32 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Is Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 57 ingredients
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex 32 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Squalane • Pentylene Glycol • Sodium Hyaluronate • Ectoin • Glyceryl Oleate Citrate • Polyglyceryl-4 Cocoate • Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate • Glyceryl Caprylate • Chlorella Vulgaris Extract • Tocopherol • Butylene Glycol • Bakuchiol • Triethanolamine • Carbomer • Retinol • Phragmites Communis Extract • Poria Cocos Extract • Oryza Sativa Bran Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Phosphatidylcholine • Propanediol • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Polysorbate 20 • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Lecithin • Lactic Acid • Polysorbate 40 • Helianthus Annuus Extract • Phenoxyethanol • Polyacrylamide • C13-16 Isoparaffin • Laureth-7 • Tripeptide-1 • Dextran • Ascorbic Acid • Colloidal Gold • Glutathione • Panthenol • Heptyl Undecylenate • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Bidens Pilosa Extract • Elaeis Guineensis Oil • Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil • Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil • Glycine Soja Extract • Sodium Hydroxide • Disodium EDTA • Phenylpropanol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Caprylyl Caprylate • Diisopropyl Adipate • Triethyl Citrate • Xanthan Gum • Sorbitol • Parfum
Water • Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate • Glycerin • Caprylyl Methicone • Ppg-15 Stearyl Ether • Niacinamide • Stearyl Alcohol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Acetyl Glucosamine • Butylene Glycol • Ceteareth-20 • Isohexadecane • Cellulose • Retinol • Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract • Citric Acid • Ascorbic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate • Bisabolol • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Glyceryl Dilaurate • Laureth-7 • Polysorbate 20 • Caprylyl Glycol • Steareth-10 • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer • Polyacrylamide • Disodium EDTA • Sodium Hydroxide • Xanthan Gum • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIs Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 1.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 1.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinIs Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 2.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 3.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateIs Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 5.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 18.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Is Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 13.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 10.
Retinol 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 RetinolIs Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 17.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 14.
Polysorbate 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 20Is Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 25.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 23.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Is Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 31.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 31.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer. It is used to stabilize products and bind ingredients. When hydrated, Polyacrylamide forms a soft gel.
Polyacrylamide is low-toxicity. If source properly, it is deemed safe to use in cosmetics.
It should be noted the precursor to Polyacrylamide is acrylamide. Acrylamide is a carcinogen. Most reputable sources of Polyacrylamide will screen for residual acrylamide to make sure the count is in a safe range. Acrylamide is not able to be absorbed through the skin.
We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about PolyacrylamideIs Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 32.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 27.
Laureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.
Laureth-7 is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.
Is Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 34.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 22.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidIs Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 37.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 17.
Sodium 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 HydroxideIs Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 48.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 29.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAIs Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 49.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 28.
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 GumIs Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 55.
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex contains this as ingredient number 30.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Is Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 57 ingredients
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex 32 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Is Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 57 ingredients
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex 32 ingredients
Alternatives
We haven't detected any alternatives for Is Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3.
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