Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Naturium Retinol Complex Cream versus COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream .
Published on July 17, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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 common allergens, 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.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
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
Naturium Retinol Complex Cream 35 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
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 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is 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:
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
- Glycine Soja Oil
- Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
- Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Oryza Sativa Bran Wax
- Stearic Acid
- Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
- Palmitic Acid
- Sorbitan Isostearate
- Elaeis Guineensis Oil
- Myristic Acid
- Lauric Acid
- Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of 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
Naturium Retinol Complex Cream 35 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Naturium Retinol Complex Cream 35 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Dimethicone • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Cellulose Acetate Butyrate • Retinol • Bakuchiol • Retinyl Palmitate • Linoleic Acid • Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Squalane • Tricaprylin • Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides • Triolein • Oleic Acid • Hydroxyacetophenone • Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate • Palmitic Acid • Cetearyl Alcohol • Tocopherol • Tocopheryl Acetate • Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 • Sodium Acrylates Copolymer • Glyceryl Polyacrylate • Polysorbate 20 • Caprylyl Glycol • Lecithin • Polysorbate 60 • Hexylene Glycol • Stearic Acid • T-Butyl Alcohol • Potassium Sorbate • Phenoxyethanol
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Propanediol • Glycerin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Panthenol • Trehalose • Glycine Soja Oil • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Dimethicone • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Carbomer • Tromethamine • Glyceryl Stearate • Polysilicone-11 • Sodium Sulfite • Tocopherol • Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract • Allantoin • Glyceryl Caprylate • Oryza Sativa Bran Wax • Retinol • Tocotrienols • Stearic Acid • Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate • Palmitic Acid • Disodium EDTA • Ethylhexylglycerin • Adenosine • Sorbitan Isostearate • Elaeis Guineensis Oil • BHT • Beta-Carotene • Myristic Acid • Lauric Acid • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Ascorbic Acid • Glutathione • Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil • Sodium Hyaluronate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer • Hyaluronic Acid • Sodium 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
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 WaterNaturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 GlycerinNaturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterNaturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 7.
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.
Naturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.
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 TriglycerideNaturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.
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 RetinolNaturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 7.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 28.
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 HyaluronateNaturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 46.
Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid found in our skin. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It is a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
As an emollient, it helps hydrate the skin. The emulsifying properties keep ingredients together in a product.
Palmitic Acid may not be fungal-acne safe. It can worsen oily skin and cause breakouts due to its emollient nature.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidNaturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 20.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 32.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholNaturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 21.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 TocopherolNaturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 22.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 23.
Tocopheryl 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 AcetateNaturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 23.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidNaturium Retinol Complex Cream contains this as ingredient number 32.
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains this as ingredient number 30.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Naturium Retinol Complex Cream 35 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Naturium Retinol Complex Cream 35 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Naturium Retinol Complex Cream 35 ingredients
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 51 ingredients
AshN.
(Started Dec 2023) This was a bit of an impulse buy with a friend, but I'm honestly glad I got it! I have previous experience with using retinoids...
(Started Dec 2023) This was a bit of an impulse buy with a friend, but I'm honestly glad I got it! I have previous experience with using retinoids (specifically from The Ordinary Line) and wanted to try something a bit stronger. On Amazon it is priced at $13, so I would say this is a wonderful budget buy. The formulation is very gentle given the strength and I experienced no problems with irritation! My skin actually ended up feeling smoother and softer the following morning with this. I would highly recommend this as a starter Retinol. Planning to get the .3 formulation after I go through another one.
sarahabma
Wonderful beginner retinol
Ny first ever retinol but 2nd time using a retinoid. for context I have highly acne-prone skin.
I've been using this...
Wonderful beginner retinol
Ny first ever retinol but 2nd time using a retinoid. for context I have highly acne-prone skin.
I've been using this every other night for a couple weeks now and I see that my acne is healing much faster than usual, i.e. less redness and irritation on acne that I would usually experience.
Though there are ingredients rated by SkinSort as not good for acne-prone skin (Cetearyl Alcohol, Myristic Acid and Lauric Acid), I have not noticed a negative reaction whatsoever. So, I would still recommend this product for other retinol beginners, especially those with acne-prone skin like me.
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