Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster Serum Versus The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
Updated on January 06, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, retinoid, Vitamin C 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, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster Serum 64 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster Serum 64 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPolyglycerin-3
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Tromethamine
BufferingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Cholesterol
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Brassica Campestris Sterols
Emollient
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Potentilla Anserina Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
Emulsion StabilisingPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningCynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking
Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Canola Oil
Emollient
Myristyl Alcohol
Emollient
PCA
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Sucrose Distearate
Emollient
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Polyglycerin-3, Niacinamide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Xanthan Gum, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Tocopherol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Retinal, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Potentilla Anserina Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Polyquaternium-51, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Beta-Glucan, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Canola Oil, Myristyl Alcohol, PCA, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobionic Acid, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Beta-Carotene, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Panthenol, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Sucrose Distearate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyapatite
Abrasive
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
Skin Conditioning4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Masking
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningErgothioneine
Antioxidant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Brassica Campestris Sterols
Emollient
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Isohexadecane
EmollientHexyldecanol
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Isoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Lactate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyapatite, Retinal, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ergothioneine, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Bisabolol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Hexyldecanol, Maltodextrin, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
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 WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolButylene 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.
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.
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.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolBrassica Campestris Sterols isn't fungal acne safe.
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 RetinalIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster Serum 64 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster Serum 64 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
So far I have been using this retinol for 2 weeks and already i'm seeing a huge difference in my skin! My skin is so much clearer and my skin texture is slowly being reduced,however this makes ur skin extremely dry after you put it on so wait a couple minutes (10-20) and then put on a GOOD moisturiser for extra barrier strengthening - it is bright yellow and the bottle is literally stained yellow😭 Show more
The best retinal serum for oily skin/acne. Affordable and easy to apply.
