Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment Versus Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1%
Updated on October 25, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, hyaluronic acid, retinoid and Vitamin E
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, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
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
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment 38 ingredients
Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% 31 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment 38 ingredients
Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% 31 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
C9-12 Alkane
SolventGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Volcanic Soil
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Squalane
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Amylopectin
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Phytate
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
PEG-75 Stearate
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-100 Stearate
Silica
Abrasive
Ceteth-20
CleansingSteareth-20
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, C9-12 Alkane, Glyceryl Stearate, Volcanic Soil, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylyl Methicone, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Amylopectin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Phytate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Potassium Sorbate, PEG-75 Stearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PEG-100 Stearate, Silica, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Polysorbate 60, T-Butyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Beta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Lactate
BufferingCellulose
AbsorbentDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Fructooligosaccharides, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Squalane, Pentylene Glycol, Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinal, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Allantoin, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Lactate, Cellulose, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hexylene Glycol, Propanediol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Lactic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.
As a solvent, dimethyl isosorbide helps dissolve other ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of an ingredient. It may also be used to decrease the thickness of a product.
Studies show dimethyl isosorbide is able to penetrate skin to deliver other ingredients into the skin, making them more effective.
Learn more about Dimethyl IsosorbideThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
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 TriglyceridePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
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 PropanediolPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolThis ingredient is a retinoid. It usually goes by a more common name: "Granactive".
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes retinol and tretinoin.
Retinoids have been proven to:
So what is the difference between all the retinoids? Most retinoids need to go through a conversion line to become effective on skin. The ending product is retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is AKA tretinoin.
HPR is an ester of tretinoin. Emerging studies suggest HPR to have an added benefit that other retinoids don't have: Low irritation.
A study from 2021 found HPR to have the greatest stability when exposed to light and temperature out of all the commercial retinoids.
A note about naming: The name "Granactive" is the trade name and the name most commonly used on packages.
Granactive is the name of the mixture - about 90% solvent and 10% HPR. A product with 5% granactive has 0.5% HPR.
Learn more about Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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 even out skin tone.
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.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSqualane 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 SqualaneSodium 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 HyaluronateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateThis is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment 38 ingredients
Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% 31 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Vitamin A/C/E Retinoid Treatment 38 ingredients
Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% 31 ingredients
Great beginner retinol! I have SUPER sensitive skin , but I experienced very minor irritation when starting this one, a small purge around the 4 week mark (I am talking 4 deep pimples at once when I normally get just one a month). I also saw first results after the first 4 weeks! Even my friends commented my skin looks more youthful and I can see the fine lines fading! Now after 3 months I no Show more
This is my first retinol. I’m 29 and late to the game. But now is better than never haha. I don’t have anything to compare this too. But what I like about it is there is no burning, doesn’t dry my face out. The “purge” isn’t bad for me, just a few white heads that are very small. To me it also have a very light cinnamon smell. Also a little goes a very long way. So you really don’t have to use the Show more
