Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense Versus Theramid A-Retinoate
Updated on August 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, 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, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
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
Theramid A-Retinoate 39 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
Theramid A-Retinoate 39 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 ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCoco-Caprylate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingRetinal
Skin Conditioning
Retinyl Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Mannitol
HumectantPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
Emollient
Polyglycerin-3
HumectantDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Phosphoric Acid
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters, Silica, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Betaine, Panthenol, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Retinal, Retinyl Retinoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Jojoba Esters, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Mannitol, Phosphatidylcholine, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cetyl Alcohol, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Phosphoric Acid, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide
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 GlycerinButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
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 AlcoholDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 HyaluronateXanthan 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.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumRetinal 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 RetinalRetinyl Retinoate is a new member of the retinoid family. It is created by combining retinoic acid (aka Tretinoin) and retinol.
Upcoming research shows this ingredient to be as effective but less irritating than retinol. Retinoids are the anti-aging gold standard of the skincare world.
All retinoids are inactive until they are converted into retinoic acid, a biologically active drug.
Retinoids undergo a conversion process until it reaches the last step, which is retinoic acid. Therefore, retinoic acid/Tretinoin is the most effective of all retinoids because it does not need to be converted.
Retinyl Retinoate is immediately broken down into retinoic acid and retinol, therefore becoming active right away.
Retinoids are best used to:
Further research is needed for this upcoming ingredient, but the results look promising so far.
Learn more about Retinyl RetinoateCitric 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.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
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