Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 versus Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 .
Last updated on August 15, 2023. Published on November 25, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free serums. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid, Vitamin C 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 need an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 45 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 45 ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 45 ingredients
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Glycerin • Isododecane • Cetearyl Olivate • Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Cetearyl Alcohol • Ppg-12/Smdi Copolymer • Sorbitan Olivate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Titanium Dioxide • Squalane • Eclipta Prostrata Extract • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Phenoxyethanol • Cyclodextrin • Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose • Sodium Hyaluronate • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Alumina • Isostearic Acid • Lecithin • Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate • Disodium EDTA • Hydroxyacetophenone • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Stearic Acid • Ethylhexylglycerin • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil • Sodium Polyaspartate • Climbazole • Retinal • Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract • Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract • Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract • Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil • Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil • Polysorbate 60 • Sorbitan Isostearate • Pentylene Glycol • Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract • Decylene Glycol • BHA • 1,2-Hexanediol • Coumarin
Water • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Isononyl Isononanoate • Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate • Glycerin • Squalane • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Dimethicone • Ethylhexyl Isononanoate • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Bakuchiol • Cetyl Alcohol • Glycine Soja Extract • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Benzyl Alcohol • Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate • Retinal • Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil • Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil • Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Glyceryl Stearate • Polysilicone-11 • Bidens Pilosa Extract • Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Withania Somnifera Root Extract • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Hordeum Vulgare Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Tocopherol • Cucumis Sativus Seed Extract • Zingiber Officinale Root Extract • Ascorbic Acid • Polyisobutene • Bisabolol • Caprylhydroxamic Acid • Xanthan Gum • Phytosterols • Citric Acid • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • Peg-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether • Sorbitan Isostearate • Phospholipids • Phenethyl Alcohol
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterMedik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
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 TriglycerideMedik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 contains this as ingredient number 7.
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 GlycerinMedik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateMedik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 contains this as ingredient number 30.
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 SqualaneMedik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 contains this as ingredient number 6.
This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 14.
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 contains this as ingredient number 14.
Retinal is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the gold-standard class of anti-aging ingredients.
Retinal has many benefits as other retinoids: improve skin texture, reduce large pores, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, heal scars, and fight acne.
Studies show retinal may work at a faster rate than retinol due to its structure.
All retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid before starting to work. Some retinoids take several steps of conversion before binding. Retinal is only one step away, making it more potent.
Like other retinoids, retinal may be irritating. It is best to ease into using this ingredient frequently.
Using the 'ramp up' method, start by using retinol once a week. This gives your skin time to adjust and decrease irritation. Once you feel ready, you can slowly increase the frequency of retinol use.
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.
Learn more about RetinalMedik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 34.
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 contains this as ingredient number 17.
Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateMedik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 41.
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 contains this as ingredient number 43.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 45 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 45 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 45 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 6 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10.
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