Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum Versus Frankly Retinol 0.1 Wrinkle Repair Cream
Updated on April 29, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, niacinamide 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, fragrances, 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.
Ingredient Info
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients
Frankly Retinol 0.1 Wrinkle Repair Cream 51 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients
Frankly Retinol 0.1 Wrinkle Repair Cream 51 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Bakuchiol 0.6%
Antimicrobial
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Betaine
Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate 0.3%
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Retinol 0.1%
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingPolydextrose
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bakuchiol 0.6%, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Betaine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Retinyl Palmitate 0.3%, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Retinol 0.1%, Allantoin, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Adenosine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Stearic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Polydextrose, Ceramide NP, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Ceramide Ns, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Ferulic Acid, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Ceramide EOP
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Laminaria Japonica Extract
Skin Protecting
Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Berry Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Elaeis Guineensis Oil
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Emulsifying
Polyacrylate-13
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Retinol 0.1%
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Methylpropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Cholesterol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Fructooligosaccharides
Humectant
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
BHA
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Niacinamide, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Propanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Polyacrylate-13, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, BHT, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Retinol 0.1%, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Methylpropanediol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Sorbitan Isostearate, Disodium EDTA, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Polyquaternium-51, BHA, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 20, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about Niacinamide1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.
In higher amounts, it may act as a cleansing agent.
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 RetinolPolysorbate 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 20Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDisodium 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 EDTACeramide 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 NPCholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients
Frankly Retinol 0.1 Wrinkle Repair Cream 51 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients
6 Month Update: I liked the feel of this product on my skin. I don’t reach for it as much because I feel like Taz has taken over in the ACTIVES category. It definitely gets a thumbs up from me and I did use the entire bottle.
While I really like this serum, the size is a major turn-off, and here’s why.
At almost 20.00 USD for just over half an ounce, it feels like a cheapskate move not Show more
My skin liked it in the beginning. But after a few uses, my acne always worsened a little after applying this. It doesn't sting or burn. It just further irritated my skin
