Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel Versus Galderma Retacnyl (Tretinoin) 0.025% Cream
Overview
What they are
These products are both prescription. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain parabens
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
Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel 16 ingredients
Galderma Retacnyl (Tretinoin) 0.025% Cream 20 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel 16 ingredients
Galderma Retacnyl (Tretinoin) 0.025% Cream 20 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Retinoic Acid 0.05%
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Butylparaben
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylparaben
Preservative
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Isobutylparaben
Antimicrobial
Methylparaben
Preservative
Octoxynol-9
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Triethanolamine
BufferingTretinoin 0.025%
Skin Conditioning
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Glycol Stearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
BHA
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Propylparaben 0.05%
Preservative
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
Humectant
Methyl Dihydroxybenzoate 0.1%
Disodium EDTA
Triethanolamine
BufferingIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Sorbic Acid 0.2%
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningTretinoin 0.025%, Polyethylene, Glycol Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Squalane, BHA, BHT, Propylparaben 0.05%, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Glycerin, Methyl Dihydroxybenzoate 0.1%, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, Isopropyl Myristate, Sorbic Acid 0.2%, Water
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
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 GlycerinPropylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
This ingredient can be naturally found in plants and insects, but most of it is synthetically manufactured for human use. In cosmetics, it is usually created by reacting para-aminobenzoic acid and propanol (an alcohol).
You can usually find this ingredient in water-based products.
Parabens have come under controversy due to the claim they are hormone disruptors. Studies show conflicting results. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Propylparaben is commonly found in food, medicine, and cosmetics.
Learn more about PropylparabenWater. 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 WaterTriethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
Learn more about TriethanolamineIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel 16 ingredients
Galderma Retacnyl (Tretinoin) 0.025% Cream 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel 16 ingredients
Galderma Retacnyl (Tretinoin) 0.025% Cream 20 ingredients
Acne treatment. Cant tell if its working right now bc im actually experiencing purging. But i came from 0.05 effederm that was burning my skin so much even if i use it once a week during 6 month. After a break to heal my skin barrier i got this one i'm now at 2 or 3 times a week without any irritation or burning (sandwich method with barrier cream). Hope my acne will be gone!
I started using retinol for 6 months and wanted to explore Tretinoin. I use it on alternative days sandwich between moisturizer and its works.
