Updated on July 08, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both prescription. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, silicones 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
Janssen Retin-A 0.05% 8 ingredients
Medihealth Betarretin Crema 0.025% 10 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Janssen Retin-A 0.05% 8 ingredients
Medihealth Betarretin Crema 0.025% 10 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Ingredients Side-by-side
3 Benefits 2 Concerns
Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.
Peg-8 Stearate is an emulsifier and humectant.
Stearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.
Isopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
May worsen Eczema
Sorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
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.
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.
3 Benefits 2 Concerns
Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.
Paraben 2 Concerns
Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.
Paraben 2 Concerns
Propylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
Paraffinum Liquidum is also known as liquid paraffin. It is a type of highly refined mineral oil.
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Sorbitan Stearate comes from sorbitol and stearic acid. Sorbitol is a type of sugar and stearic acid is a fatty acid.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
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.
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.
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.
All forms of OTC retinoids goes through a conversion line until it can become effective. The final step of conversion is retinoic acid; retinoic acid IS Tretinoin.
This is why tretinoin is so effective; it gets to work immediately on the skin.
Research on tretinoin has found it to be incredibly effective for reducing the signs of aging. It helps improve damage from the sun, even the skin tone, and smooth out wrinkles. It is also an effective acne treatment by reducing and balancing out sebum production in pores.
Tretinoin, like other forms of Vitamin A, increases the turnover cycle of skin cells. This helps the skin create newer and healthier skin cells faster.
It can cause irritation, redness, and dry skin because it is considered a "strong" ingredient. Those with sensitive skin should consult a professional about using tretinoin.
Using 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.
Read about a form of retinoid you can purchase at the store, retinol.
Learn more about TretinoinWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
When to use
Janssen Retin-A 0.05% 8 ingredients
Medihealth Betarretin Crema 0.025% 10 ingredients
