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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum versus CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum .

Last updated on September 19, 2023. Published on November 04, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and retinoid

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 common allergens or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Serum South Korean Brand South Korea
Serum Canadian Brand Canada

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum

Shop

Buy Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Starts at $15.45

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Retinoid
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid (5)
Peptides (3)

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Skin Texture (3)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (6)
Dark Spots (4)
Scar Healing (4)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (6)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (4)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Niacinamide
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (6)
Reduces Irritation (4)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (4)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

WaterMethylpropanediolNiacinamideGlycerinNeopentyl Glycol DicaprateCyclodextrin1,2-HexanediolHydrogenated LecithinPropanediolPolyglyceryl-10 LaurateCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideHydroxyacetophenoneBakuchiolButyrospermum Parkii ButterSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerGlyceryl StearatePolyisobuteneSodium PolyacrylatePanthenolMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil Hydrogenated PhosphatidylcholineHydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseSqualanePullulanBHTDipropylene GlycolPolysorbate 20Alcohol Denat.RetinolCitric AcidCitrus Reticulata Peel ExtractGleditsia Australis Fruit ExtractSophora Flavescens Root ExtractPeg-5 Rapeseed SterolBrassica Campestris SterolsAdenosineCaprylyl/Capryl GlucosideSorbitan OleateXanthan GumCitrus Nobilis Peel ExtractDipotassium GlycyrrhizateCeteth-5Ceteth-3Larix Leptolepis Bark ExtractPoterium Officinale Root ExtractAloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractSodium HyaluronateCholesterolCrithmum Maritimum ExtractPorphyridium Cruentum ExtractHexapeptide-61 DimerPotassium Cetyl PhosphateCaprylyl GlycolGlucoseCopper Tripeptide-1Ceramide NPAcetyl Tetrapeptide-15Disodium EDTAHyaluronic AcidHydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidHydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateHydroxypropyltrimonium HyaluronatePotassium HyaluronatePentylene GlycolSodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

3
What it does: Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within.

The phospholipids in Hydrogenated Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier to be better absorbed.

As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Lecithin

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

4
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

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 Propanediol

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

5
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.

Why is retinol famous?

It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.

Retinol is proven to:

This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.

Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).

Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.

We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.

Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.

Read about Tretinoin

Learn more about Retinol

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

7
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

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.

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 look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

8
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan 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 Gum

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.

9
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.

Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.

One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.

Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.

Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.

Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.

Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.

Learn more about Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

10
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Hyaluronate

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 47.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.

11
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Stabilising
Community Rating: Liked

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.

Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.

Learn more about Cholesterol

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 48.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

12
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl 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 Glycol

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 53.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

13
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 NP

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 56.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.

This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.

Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.

Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.

Learn more about Pentylene Glycol

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum contains this as ingredient number 64.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

42% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
23% are disliked or very disliked
26% have no rating yet
52% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
39% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Mizon 0.1% Retinol Youth Serum 66 ingredients

0.1% Retinol Youth Serum hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients

4.1 /5
from 19 ratings
Great Value (3) Light (3) Works Well (2) Hydrating (2) Absorbs Well (2) No Scent (1)
SkincareSimba's avatar

SkincareSimba

2 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

The only retinol my partner's skin can tolerate.
Their skin is extremely reactive and sensitive but this retinol has worked great.

I also use...

The only retinol my partner's skin can tolerate.
Their skin is extremely reactive and sensitive but this retinol has worked great.

I also use it every other day because I alternate between this retinol and A313.
It works great and is gentle enough to allow me to build tolerance without purging effects (at least on my skin and my partner's)

CentellaAddict's avatar

CentellaAddict

4 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

No more acne, very slow at reducing pigmentation tho

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