ISANA Bakuchiol Serum Versus Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol
Updated on March 27, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening 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, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
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
ISANA Bakuchiol Serum 19 ingredients
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol 18 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
ISANA Bakuchiol Serum 19 ingredients
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Coco-Caprylate, Glycerin, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Bakuchiol, Retinol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phospholipids, Citric Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Methyl Gluceth-20
HumectantPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Squalane
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Polysorbate 80, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Phenoxyethanol, Squalane, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid
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 WaterPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil comes from the sweet almond, a tree native to Iran. This oil has no fragrance and is non-volatile.
Almonds contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a rich source of Vitamin E, a great antioxidant and skin conditioning ingredient. Sweet almond oil contains fatty acids such as linolenic acid and triglycerides.
The content of sweet almond oil makes it a great emollient; it can help soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a barrier over your skin to trap moisture in. Sweet almond oil has antioxidant properties.
Those with an almond allergy should be careful of this ingredient and speak with a professional about using it in your skincare.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis OilGlycerin 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 GlycerinSqualane 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 SqualaneRetinol 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 RetinolPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
ISANA Bakuchiol Serum 19 ingredients
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol 18 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
ISANA Bakuchiol Serum 19 ingredients
Didn't have the chance to properly test this one. Used it once and the next day I saw some small bumps on my face. I'm not 100% sure but it might be unsuitable for acne prone skin.
