Minimalist Granactive Retinoid 02% Versus Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 20 0.2% Retinal Serum
Updated on October 17, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Minimalist Granactive Retinoid 02% 38 ingredients
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 20 0.2% Retinal Serum 20 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Minimalist Granactive Retinoid 02% 38 ingredients
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 20 0.2% Retinal Serum 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventEthoxydiglycol
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lysine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantArginine
Masking
Aspartic Acid
MaskingThreonine
Serine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantProline
Skin ConditioningGlycine
Buffering
Alanine
MaskingValine
MaskingMethionine
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingCysteine
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Pullulan
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Lecithin
EmollientWater, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lysine, Histidine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Cysteine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Pullulan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sclerotium Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Lecithin
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOleyl Erucate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Cellulose
AbsorbentAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleyl Erucate, Glycerin, Triheptanoin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Panthenol, Ectoin, Cellulose, Allantoin, Retinal, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 TriglycerideTocopheryl 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 AcetatePhenoxyethanol 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.
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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Minimalist Granactive Retinoid 02% 38 ingredients
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 20 0.2% Retinal Serum 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Minimalist Granactive Retinoid 02% 38 ingredients
I have been using this for almost a month or so and this really helps with my closed comedos around my cheek and I’m pretty sure my fine lines slowly fades??? Maybe because other products too but still it’s faster than not!! And this doesn’t really sting me just smells a bit smoky but it’s not bothering me whatsoever just thought it was pretty cool.
But of course you have to be consistent and Show more
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 20 0.2% Retinal Serum 20 ingredients
This is BY FAR the BEST inexpensive Retinal product. Retinal 0.2% strength is the highest OTC strength you can get. Due to the Ectoin, which is an amazing ingredient that is not in the lower versions, it is much easier to handle the irritation.
Also: This one is better than The Ordinary Retinal, better ingredients and Ectoin makes it superior. It has a Clean Ingredient list and a great dupe of Show more
