Necessaire The Hand Retinol Versus Necessaire The Hand Cream
Updated on February 18, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and reef safe hand cream. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, niacinamide, peptides and Vitamin E
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 and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
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
Necessaire The Hand Retinol 64 ingredients
Necessaire The Hand Cream 36 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Necessaire The Hand Retinol 64 ingredients
Necessaire The Hand Cream 36 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Cetearyl Olivate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Magnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
SolventArginine
Masking
Alanine
MaskingValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningGlycine
Buffering
Serine
MaskingThreonine
Histidine
HumectantProline
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
HumectantPCA
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-11
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Skin Protecting
Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract
Antioxidant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Acetyl Glutamine
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingTricaprylin
Masking
C13-14 Alkane
SolventC15-23 Alkane
SolventLecithin
EmollientCitric Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Lactate
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Silica Silylate
EmollientSodium Carbonate
BufferingSodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Retinol, Mandelic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Propanediol, Arginine, Alanine, Valine, Isoleucine, Glycine, Serine, Threonine, Histidine, Proline, Phenylalanine, Aspartic Acid, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Sodium PCA, PCA, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Acetyl Glutamine, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Decyl Glucoside, Tricaprylin, C13-14 Alkane, C15-23 Alkane, Lecithin, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silica, Silica Silylate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Humectant
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Butter
EmollientCetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminohydroxybutyrate
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydrated Silica
Abrasive
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientCeramide Ag
Humectant
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Cholesterol
Emollient
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Butter, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminohydroxybutyrate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrated Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Ceramide Ag, Ceramide AP, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide NP, Ceramide EOP, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Cholesterol, Dipropylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide
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 TriglycerideGlycerin 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 GlycerinCetearyl 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 AlcoholCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideTocopherol (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 TocopherolPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a 3-amino acid peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.
This ingredient is a signal peptide, meaning it tells our skin to create collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 can help reduce wrinkles and make the skin look more youthful.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a synthetic peptide made with glycine, histidine, lysine, and palmitic acid.
The sequence of this peptide matches that of elastin, a key protein that plays a role in how firm our skin is.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Necessaire The Hand Retinol 64 ingredients
Necessaire The Hand Cream 36 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Necessaire The Hand Retinol 64 ingredients
Necessaire The Hand Cream 36 ingredients
Works well and, crucially, doesn’t dry my hands out or cause irritation. Which is rare! Lacks the ‘oomph’ factor, though; I think I’ll alternate it with my favourite: Pelegrims hand balm.
