Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum versus StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum .
Published on April 24, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid 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 harsh alcohols, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens and fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum 47 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 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
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 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum 47 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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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
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum 47 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 • Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate • Glycereth-7 Triacetate • Pentylene Glycol • Polysorbate 20 • Dipropylene Glycol • Glycerin • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Ascorbic Acid • Malpighia Glabra Fruit Juice • Retinol • Sodium Hyaluronate • Myristyl Nicotinate • Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide • Orobanche Rapum Extract • Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Xylitylglucoside • Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate • Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone • Anhydroxylitol • Adenosine • Xylitol • Glucose • Ethylhexylglycerin • Lecithin • Xanthan Gum • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Propanediol • Maltodextrin • Rhizobian Gum • Mica • Parfum • Limonene • Linalool • Geraniol • Citral • Citronellol • Benzyl Benzoate • Chlorphenesin • Phenoxyethanol • BHA • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • CI 77491 • CI 77891
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.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 PropanediolMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.
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.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
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.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
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.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
Dimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.
As a solvent, dimethyl isosorbide helps dissolve other ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of an ingredient. It may also be used to decrease the thickness of a product.
Studies show dimethyl isosorbide is able to penetrate skin to deliver other ingredients into the skin, making them more effective.
Learn more about Dimethyl IsosorbideMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.
Lecithin is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin. The phospholipids in Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Learn more about LecithinMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.
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 20Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
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.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 42.
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.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 44.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 49.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 48.
Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 52.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 53.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 53 ingredients
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum 47 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
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum 47 ingredients
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