Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 versus CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum .
Last updated on September 19, 2023. Published on August 11, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 8 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils or parabens
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.
Night Moisturizer
Night Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin overnight.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 30 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 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 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
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 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 30 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 30 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Water • Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate • Dimethicone • Glycerin • Ppg-15 Stearyl Ether • Cetearyl Alcohol • Stearyl Alcohol • Butylene Glycol • Ceteareth-20 • Isohexadecane • Trisiloxane • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Polyacrylamide • Polyethylene • Parfum • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Chlorphenesin • Ptfe • Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract • Polysorbate 20 • Retinol • BHA • Ascorbic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate • Disodium EDTA • Laureth-7 • Sodium Hydroxide
Water • Propanediol • Dimethicone • Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate • Niacinamide • Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Potassium Phosphate • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Carbomer • Cetearyl Alcohol • Behentrimonium Methosulfate • Dimethiconol • Lecithin • Sodium Citrate • Retinol • Sodium Hyaluronate • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Cholesterol • Phenoxyethanol • Alcohol • Isopropyl Myristate • Caprylyl Glycol • Citric Acid • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • Pentylene Glycol • Phytosphingosine • Xanthan Gum • Polysorbate 20 • 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 WaterNeutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
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.
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 AlcoholNeutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 6.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
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.
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 13.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.
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 GlycolNeutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 14.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.
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 20Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 23.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.
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 RetinolNeutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 24.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
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 HyaluronateNeutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 27.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 30 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 30 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 30 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
SkincareSimba
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)
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 16 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30.
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