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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum versus Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer .

Published on February 08, 2021

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, niacinamide, peptides and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Serum American Brand United States
General Moisturizer American Brand United States

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Price

Shop

Buy Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum

Starts at $24.99
Shop

Buy Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer

Starts at $27.48

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Rosacea
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (6)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (4)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Water • Cyclopentasiloxane • Glycerin • Niacinamide • Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate • Dimethicone • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Polyethylene • Panthenol • Tocopheryl Acetate • Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 • Sodium Peg-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate • Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract • Polyacrylamide • Titanium Dioxide • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Caprylyl Glycol • Ceramide AP • 1,2-Hexanediol • Phenoxyethanol • Laureth-4 • Laureth-7 • Dimethiconol • Parfum • BHA • Disodium EDTA • Citric Acid • Mica

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide 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 Niacinamide

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 4.

4
What it does: Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 6.

5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 8.

6
What it does: Abrasive
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.

Polyethylene is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 17.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 9.

8
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Acetate

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 10.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

You might know this ingredients as Matrixyl. It is a peptide.

Peptides are building blocks for protein. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 consists of five amino acids. These amino acids include: 2 lysines, 2 threonines, and serine

This ingredients tells our body to create more 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.

Thus, Matrixyl may help improve the look of wrinkles.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 11.

10
What it does: Emulsifying

Sodium Peg-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate is an oil.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 12.

11
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 15.

12
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer. It is used to stabilize products and bind ingredients. When hydrated, Polyacrylamide forms a soft gel.

Polyacrylamide is low-toxicity. If source properly, it is deemed safe to use in cosmetics.

It should be noted the precursor to Polyacrylamide is acrylamide. Acrylamide is a carcinogen. Most reputable sources of Polyacrylamide will screen for residual acrylamide to make sure the count is in a safe range. Acrylamide is not able to be absorbed through the skin.

We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Polyacrylamide

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 26.

13
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Mixed

Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.

Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.

With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.

Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.

Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.

Learn more about Titanium Dioxide

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 21.

14
What it does: Emollient, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

C13-14 Isoparaffin is created from petroleum-based mineral oils. It is an emollient and helps thicken a product.

As an emollient, it helps keep the skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier on top. This barrier traps moisture in, keeping the skin hydrated.

C13-14 Isoparaffin may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about C13-14 Isoparaffin

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 32.

15
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Laureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.

Laureth-7 is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 38.

16
What it does: Emollient, Moisturising
Community Rating: Disliked

Dimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.

This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 25.

17
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Parfum

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 27.

18
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 33.

19
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 27.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 34.

20
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.

Mica is found to be safe. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.

Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.

Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.

Learn more about Mica

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 40.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

32% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
11% have no rating yet
18% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
63% are disliked or very disliked
10% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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