Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum versus NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream .
Published on February 25, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, 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, 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 need an update? Let us know.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Price
Ingredient Info
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream 25 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream 25 ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream 25 ingredients
Water • Cyclopentasiloxane • Isopropyl Palmitate • C14-22 Alcohols • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Dimethicone • Propanediol • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Shea Butter Ethyl Esters • Retinol • Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate • Ceramide NP • Sodium Hyaluronate • Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract • Swertia Chirata Extract • Squalane • Punica Granatum Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Glycine Soja Extract • Urea • Yeast Amino Acids • Trehalose • Inositol • Taurine • Betaine • Glycerin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Silica • Ethylhexyl Palmitate • Silica Dimethyl Silylate • Butylene Glycol • Lecithin • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside • Cetyl Palmitate • Laureth-23 • Polysorbate 20 • Trideceth-6 Phosphate • Synthetic Fluorphlogopite • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Chlorphenesin • Disodium EDTA • Sodium Hydroxide • Tristearyl Citrate • Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate • CI 77891 • CI 14700 • Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone • Citronellol • Parfum
Water • Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil • Cyclopentasiloxane • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Cetearyl Alcohol • Retinyl Palmitate • Polysorbate 60 • Squalane • Retinol • Sodium Hyaluronate • Tocopherol • Dimethicone • Polyacrylamide • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Laureth-7 • Glycerin • Polysorbate 80 • Cetyl Palmitate • Laureth-23 • Trideceth-6 Phosphate • Triethanolamine • Ceramide AP • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.
Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.
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 RetinolMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.
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 HyaluronateMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.
Squalane 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 SqualaneMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 17.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
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 TriglycerideMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 15.
Cetyl Palmitate is a wax-like substance.
It comes from palmitic acid and palmityl alcohol. Cetyl Palmitate may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne.
This ingredient is naturally found in the guava fruit and stony corals.
Learn more about Cetyl PalmitateMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 37.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 19.
Laureth-23 is created by reacting ethylene oxide with Lauryl Alcohol.
It is a cleansing ingredient. This means it helps lift oils and dirt so they may be rinsed away with water.
The 23 refers to the number of repeating ethylene oxides in the molecule.
Learn more about Laureth-23Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 38.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 20.
We don't have a description for Trideceth-6 Phosphate.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 40.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 21.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 42.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 24.
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.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 43.
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains this as ingredient number 25.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream 25 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream 25 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 18 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum.
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