Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense Versus Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, 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 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
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense 68 ingredients
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 43 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense 68 ingredients
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 43 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isododecane
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolylactic Acid
Abrasive
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentPPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Cholesteryl Nonanoate
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Canola Oil
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningRetinal
Skin Conditioning
Retinyl Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Alumina
Abrasive
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Lecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
Cleansing
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Phytosterols
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Sodium Polyaspartate
HumectantPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14
Skin Conditioning
Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
C12-16 Alcohols
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientLactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyvinyl Alcohol
Phenylpropanol
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Isododecane, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polylactic Acid, Cyclodextrin, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Titanium Dioxide, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Cholesteryl Nonanoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Canola Oil, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Retinal, Retinyl Retinoate, Citric Acid, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Stearic Acid, Ceramide AP, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linoleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Ceramide NP, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Phytosterols, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Sodium Polyaspartate, Phytosphingosine, Parfum, Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14, Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate, Ceramide EOP, Cholesterol, C12-16 Alcohols, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Phenylpropanol, BHT, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Hexyldecanol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Aniba Rosodora Wood Oil
Astringent
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Santalum Album Oil
Masking
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientCupressus Sempervirens Oil
Masking
Juniperus Virginiana Oil
Masking
Abies Sibirica Oil
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBHT
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetyl Palmitate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Hydroxystearic Acid
Cleansing
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Laureth-23
CleansingTrideceth-6 Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Hexyldecanol, Propanediol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Aniba Rosodora Wood Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Santalum Album Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Abies Sibirica Oil, Tocopherol, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, BHT, Ceramide NP, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Palmitate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 60, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Hydroxystearic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Laureth-23, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool
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 WaterThis 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 TriglycerideGlycerin 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 GlycerinSqualane 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 SqualaneCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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 NPCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolIngredient Ratings
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