Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum versus Shani Darden Retinol Reform .
Published on April 02, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and reef safe serums. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid 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, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum 32 ingredients
Shani Darden Retinol Reform 43 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
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 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
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 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
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 🎉
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum 32 ingredients
Shani Darden Retinol Reform 43 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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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.
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum 32 ingredients
Shani Darden Retinol Reform 43 ingredients
Water • Propanediol • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Cetearyl Olivate • Sorbitan Olivate • Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate • Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract • Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract • Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract • Ganoderma Lucidum Extract • Trametes Versicolor Extract • Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract • Melatonin • Oryza Sativa Bran Extract • Helianthus Annuus Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Tocopherol • Glycerin • Linoleic Acid • Phytosterols • Phospholipids • Jojoba Esters • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Sodium Hyaluronate • Xanthan Gum • Acacia Senegal Gum • Sodium Gluconate • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Ethylhexylglycerin • Caprylhydroxamic Acid • Caprylyl Glycol • Citric Acid
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Glycerin • Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract • Lactic Acid • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Lactobacillus Ferment • Isohexadecane • Retinol • Copernicia Cerifera Wax • Glucosamine Hcl • Plankton Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Tocopheryl Acetate • Niacinamide • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Linoleic Acid • Glycine Soja Sterols • Phospholipids • Propanediol • Sodium Cocoamphoacetate • Sorbitan Isostearate • Polysorbate 60 • Oryza Sativa Bran Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Helianthus Annuus Extract • Tocopherol • Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum • Maltodextrin • Xanthan Gum • Lecithin • Hydrolyzed Algin • Xylitylglucoside • Anhydroxylitol • Xylitol • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate • BHA • Sodium Hydroxide • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Hexylene Glycol
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 WaterPacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 1.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.
It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 21.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract is moisturizing. This is due to its components of polysaccharides and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract contains numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran ExtractPacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 25.
Helianthus Annuus Extract comes from the common sunflower.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflowers include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus ExtractPacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 27.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, this component is usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract can help protect your skin against damage from free-radical molecules. It contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractPacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 26.
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 TocopherolPacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 28.
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 GlycerinPacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 3.
Linoleic Acid is Vitamin F and a fatty acid. It is an emollient and helps thicken texture. Linoleic acid helps with hydrating skin and nourishing the skin's barrier. The top layer of skin, or epidermis, contains high amounts of linoleic acid naturally.
Your body uses linoleic acid to build ceramides and prostaglandins. Ceramides keep your skin's barrier plump and firm. Prosaglandins help control inflammation and healing.
This makes linoleic acid effectives for reducing inflammation, hydrating skin, and firming skin. A side effect may include extra protection against UV damage and free radicals. This is due to linoleic acid strengthening the skin barrier.
Low levels of linoleic acid is also associated with acne-prone skin. By keeping sebum soft, it prevents pores from clogging.
Linoleic acid can is in common foods such as nuts, sunflower oil, corn oil, and soybean oil.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
CHEM: 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (9Z, 12Z)-
Learn more about Linoleic AcidPacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 18.
Phospholipids are naturally found in our skin as they are the main component of cell membranes. Phospholipids have humectant, emollient, antioxidant properties.
The phospholipids in our skin can be naturally depleted. Replenishing the phospholipids in our skin can help hydrate your skin. Due to their hygroscopic nature, they act as humectants and emollients. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin, while emollients help trap moisture in. This ingredient is non-occlusive.
Studies show phospholipids display antioxidant activity and may help with reducing the signs of aging.
Phospholipids are complex lipids that contain glycerin, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group. Some foods that contain phospholipids include soybeans and milk. The phospholipids found in soy come from Lecithin. This ingredient can also be synthetically created.
Some types of phospholipids:
Learn more about PhospholipidsPacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 20.
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 TriglyceridePacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 2.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 32.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 44.
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 GlycolPacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform contains this as ingredient number 43.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum 32 ingredients
Shani Darden Retinol Reform 43 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum 32 ingredients
Shani Darden Retinol Reform 43 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum 32 ingredients
Shani Darden Retinol Reform 43 ingredients
screamadelica
the ingredients are fantastic. if you’re willing to splurge on a quality retinol serum, this one would be a great choice.
however, the smell is...
the ingredients are fantastic. if you’re willing to splurge on a quality retinol serum, this one would be a great choice.
however, the smell is horrible. if you can get past the smell, though, this would probably be a great option for sensitive skin as it doesn’t have any added fragrance.
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