Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum versus Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum .
Published on March 26, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, 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 parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols and oils
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
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum 47 ingredients
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 43 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
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 🎉
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 🎉
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:
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 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum 47 ingredients
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 43 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum 47 ingredients
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 43 ingredients
Water • Glycolic Acid • Propanediol • Sodium Hydroxide • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Ethylhexyl Olivate • Polyglyceryl-2 Distearate • C9-12 Alkane • Arachidyl Alcohol • Zea Mays Starch • Glyceryl Stearate • Niacinamide • Tocopherol • Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil • Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil • Retinol • Collagen • Adenosine • Squalane • Allantoin • Ascorbic Acid • Panthenol • Lecithin • Ceramide NP • Volcanic Soil • Pullulan • Sodium Phytate • Arachidyl Glucoside • Amylopectin • Polysorbate 20 • 1,2-Hexanediol • Silica • Sodium Hyaluronate • Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate • Potassium Sorbate • Sclerotium Gum • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate • Sodium Benzoate • Xanthan Gum • Lysolecithin • Pentylene Glycol • Potassium Phosphate • Ethylhexylglycerin • Behenyl Alcohol • Alcohol • Phenoxyethanol • Mica
Water • Squalane • Glycerin • Hexyldecanol • Propanediol • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Hydroxyacetophenone • Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate • Retinol • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil • Aniba Rosodora Wood Oil • Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil • Santalum Album Oil • Oryza Sativa Bran Extract • Helianthus Annuus Extract • Cupressus Sempervirens Oil • Juniperus Virginiana Oil • Abies Sibirica Oil • Tocopherol • Beta-Glucan • Caprylyl Glycol • BHA • Ceramide NP • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Cetyl Palmitate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Polysorbate 60 • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate • Hydroxystearic Acid • Polysorbate 20 • Sorbitan Isostearate • Laureth-23 • Trideceth-6 Phosphate • Sodium Hydroxide • Citric Acid • Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 • Sodium Benzoate • Benzyl Alcohol • Linalool
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 WaterPeter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 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 PropanediolPeter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
Sodium 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 HydroxidePeter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 38.
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 TocopherolPeter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and proven to help with anti-aging.
It promotes collagen production, increases new cell turnoever, and protects your skin as an antioxidant.
Retinol boosts collagen production and increases cell turnover. This makes retinol effective in removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Retinol is less effective when exposed to sun. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent.
Using retinol and retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. 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 RetinolPeter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualanePeter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide NPPeter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin 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 20Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoatePeter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains this as ingredient number 38.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.
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.
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains this as ingredient number 43.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum 47 ingredients
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 43 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum 47 ingredients
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 43 ingredients
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