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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum versus Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum .

Last updated on January 15, 2024. Published on June 16, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 18 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides, niacinamide, peptides, retinoid and Vitamin E

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.

Serum South Korean Brand South Korea
Serum South Korean Brand South Korea

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum

Starts at $13.73
Shop

Buy Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum

Starts at $22.30

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid (2)
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Ceramides (5)
Peptides (5)

Benefits

Hydrating (8)
Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (8)
Reduces Irritation (7)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (11)
Dark Spots (4)
Scar Healing (5)
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (5)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid (2)
Vitamin E (2)
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Peptides (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (7)
Reduces Irritation (5)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (7)
Dark Spots (6)
Scar Healing (4)
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (6)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Water • Cyclohexasiloxane • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Glycerin • Methylpropanediol • 1,2-Hexanediol • Niacinamide • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • Panthenol • Tocopheryl Acetate • Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract • Centella Asiatica Extract • Panax Ginseng Berry Extract • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Ficus Carica Fruit Extract • Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract • Centella Asiatica Root Extract • Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract • Artemisia Capillaris Extract • Eclipta Prostrata Extract • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Elaeis Guineensis Oil • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Glyceryl Stearate • Bakuchiol • Palmitic Acid • Sodium Polyacrylate • Stearic Acid • Xanthan Gum • Retinol 0.1% • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Butylene Glycol • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Adenosine • Tromethamine • Polyquaternium-51 • Beta-Glucan • Cetyl Alcohol • BHT • Collagen • Myristic Acid • BHA • Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate • Tocopherol • Bifida Ferment Lysate • Ceramide NP • Saccharomyces Ferment • Retinal • Asiaticoside • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Madecassoside • Propylene Glycol • Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate • Glycolipids • Glycine Soja Peptide • Resveratrol • Sucrose Distearate • Asiatic Acid • Madecassic Acid • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil • Peg-100 Stearate • Polysorbate 20 • Parfum • Ethylhexylglycerin

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

4
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

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.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

5
What it does: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant (it's vegan!). It is often called the replacement for retinol although it is not part of the same family.

It has similar effects as retinol: skin smoothing, reducing discoloration, and preventing wrinkles. It does not cause as much irritation as traditional retinoids.

Bakuchiol works by breaking down free radicals and stimulating collagen production in skin.

Combining bakuchiol with retinol will not have adverse side effects. Studies show using them will just boost the benefits. Bakuchiol is also found to help stabilize retinol.

While bakuchiol does not make the skin more sun sensitive, we recommend wearing SPF on a daily basis.

Read more about traditional retinol

Learn more about Bakuchiol

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
What it does: Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within.

The phospholipids in Hydrogenated Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier to be better absorbed.

As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Lecithin

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

8
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 44.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and proven to help with anti-aging.

It promotes collagen production, increases new cell turnoever, and protects your skin as an antioxidant.

Retinol boosts collagen production and increases cell turnover. This makes retinol effective in removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, and reducing the appearance of pores.

Retinol is less effective when exposed to sun. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent.

Using retinol and retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. 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 Retinol

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

10
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

11
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 20

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 63.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Adenosine 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 Adenosine

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.

13
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.

As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.

Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.

Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Stearic Acid

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide 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 NP

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 46.

15
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Asiaticoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.

Asiaticoside is an antioxidant and helps with wound healing. It has been shown to increase antioxidant activity during the wound healing process.

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 49.

16
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Madecassic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It is a triterpenoid, meaning it naturally acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect your skin against damage from environmental factors such as pollution and UV.

Studies show Madecassic Acid helps soothe the skin due to its ability to block inflammation pathways.

Learn more about Madecassic Acid

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 59.

17
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Stabilising
Community Rating: Loved

Asiatic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Studies show Asiatic Acid is able to block the pathway for skin inflammation receptors, helping to soothe skin.

As an antioxidant, asiatic acid helps protect our skin against damaging environmental factors.

Learn more about Asiatic Acid

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 58.

18
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a 3-amino acid peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a signal peptide. This means it tells our skin to create collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 can help reduce wrinkles and make the skin look more youthful.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 60.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

67% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
17% are disliked or very disliked
5% have no rating yet
57% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
23% are disliked or very disliked
6% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 review

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 1 review
YSLDave's Avatar'
Nov 7, 2023

Great for beginers
if you never used retinol Serum, buy this, is a Great Serum, absorb really quick and is perfect for oily skin

Great for beginers
if you never used retinol Serum, buy this, is a Great Serum, absorb really quick and is perfect for oily skin

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