Versus

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

Serum
Overnight Mask
British Brand United Kingdom
American Brand United States

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan and cruelty-free . They have a total of 9 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, retinoid and Vitamin E

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 parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances and 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Crystal Retinal 10

Water

Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Isododecane

Emollient

Cetearyl Olivate

Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer

Emollient

Sorbitan Olivate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Titanium Dioxide

Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Eclipta Prostrata Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Cyclodextrin

Absorbent

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Alumina

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Isostearic Acid

Cleansing
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lecithin

Emollient

Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Disodium EDTA

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Vitamin C IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores Icon

Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil Icon

Sodium Polyaspartate

Humectant

Climbazole

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Retinal

Skin Conditioning
Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysorbate 60

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sorbitan Isostearate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Decylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Coumarin

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon
Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

Water

Skin Conditioning

Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Diisostearyl Malate

Emollient

Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate

Emollient

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Propylene Glycol

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Cetyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Bakuchiol

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Retinol

Skin Conditioning
Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Ferulic Acid

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Oenothera Biennis Oil

Emollient
3 / 2 Oil IconHelps reduce irritation IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ceramide Ng

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Silybum Marianum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil

Skin Conditioning
3 / 0 Oil IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Jojoba Esters

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Soy Isoflavones

Skin Conditioning

Phospholipids

Skin Conditioning

Saccharide Isomerate

Humectant

Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil

Skin Protecting
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Ursolic Acid

Masking

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Camellia Japonica Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Emollient
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Arnica Montana Flower Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Salix Alba Bark Extract

Astringent
Good for Oily Skin Icon

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Glycine Soja Oil

Emollient
3 / 0 Oil IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Lactic Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein

Humectant

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate

Cleansing

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Tetrahydropiperine

Skin Conditioning

Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ethylhexyl Olivate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate Citrate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Caprylate

Emollient

Maltodextrin

Absorbent

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer

Sodium Phytate

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sodium Citrate

Buffering

Ilomastat

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Limon Peel Extract

Emollient

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Benzyl Alcohol

Perfuming
Alcohol IconFragrance IconPreservative IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This 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 Triglyceride
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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
Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetearyl 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 Alcohol
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Squalane 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 Squalane
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.

This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.

Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.

Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.

Learn more about Pentylene Glycol

When to use

62 Routines
2% use in am
98% use in pm
74% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
18 Routines
11% use in am
89% use in pm
94% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream 64 ingredients

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