Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum Versus StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer
Updated on December 10, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients
StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer 65 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients
StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer 65 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
MaskingBakuchiol 0.6%
Antimicrobial
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBetaine
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 ConditioningTrimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Myristyl Nicotinate
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Distearate
Emulsifying
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Isosorbide Dicaprylate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
EmollientCetyl Palmitate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRetinal
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Bidens Pilosa Extract
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Emollient
Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
Perfuming
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCeteareth-20
Cleansing
Bisabolol
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Isohexadecane
EmollientLactic Acid
Buffering
Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidant
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Polysilicone-11
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingResveratrol
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingParfum
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Water, Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Myristyl Nicotinate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Isosorbide Dicaprylate, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Cetyl Palmitate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Retinal, Retinol, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Beta-Glucan, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ceteareth-20, Bisabolol, Polysorbate 20, Isohexadecane, Lactic Acid, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Ascorbic Acid, Propyl Gallate, PEG-40 Stearate, Polysilicone-11, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Resveratrol, Disodium EDTA, Aminomethyl Propanol, Parfum, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Phenethyl Alcohol, 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 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 GlycerinThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride1,2-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
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 TocopherolRetinol 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 EDTAAcetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a peptide. A common name for this peptide is Argireline.
Argireline has a similar function to botox; it prevents muscle movement and contractions slightly. By preventing muscles from moving, argireline also prohibits the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. However, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.
On the other hand, argireline tells our body to create more 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.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Ingredient 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
StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer 65 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
