Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol versus SLMD Retinol Serum .
Published on February 13, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 18 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, retinoid and Vitamin C
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, oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
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
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol 39 ingredients
SLMD Retinol Serum 29 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
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 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
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 🎉
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 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol 39 ingredients
SLMD Retinol Serum 29 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol 39 ingredients
SLMD Retinol Serum 29 ingredients
Water • Cyclopentasiloxane • Peg-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Dimethiconol • Dimethicone • Laureth-23 • Laureth-4 • Butylene Glycol • Glycerin • Retinol • Retinyl Sunflowerseedate • Lysophosphatidic Acid • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Ceramide 3 • Ceramide 6 Ii • Ceramide 1 • Phytosphingosine • Cholesterol • Carbomer • Plankton Extract • Lecithin • Micrococcus Lysate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Retinyl Palmitate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Ascorbyl Linoleate • Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate • Behentrimonium Methosulfate • Hydroxypropylcellulose • Xanthan Gum • Sodium Polyacrylate • Trideceth-6 • Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone • Polysorbate 80 • Sodium Citrate • Polyaminopropyl Biguanide • Tromethamine
Water • Cyclopentasiloxane • Butylene Glycol • Dipropylene Glycol • Glycerin • Peg-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Dimethiconol • Dimethicone • Laureth-23 • Laureth-4 • Pentylene Glycol • Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine • Retinyl Sunflowerseedate • Polysorbate 80 • Retinol • Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 • Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 • Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-13 • Lysophosphatidic Acid • Ascorbyl Linoleate • Ethyl Linoleate • Ethyl Formate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Allantoin • Panthenol • Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate • Polyaminopropyl Biguanide • Tromethamine
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 WaterPhotozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 1.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxanePhotozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 2.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
We don't have a description for Peg-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 3.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 5.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
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.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 6.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
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.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 7.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.
Laureth-23 is created by reacting ethylene oxide with Lauryl Alcohol.
It is a cleansing ingredient. This means it helps lift oils and dirt so they may be rinsed away with water.
The 23 refers to the number of repeating ethylene oxides in the molecule.
Learn more about Laureth-23Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 8.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
Laureth-4 is created by reacting ethylene oxide with Lauryl Alcohol. It is a surfactant and emulsifier.
Surfactants reduce the surface tension of ingredients so they can mix better. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients such as oil and water from separating.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 9.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 10.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 GlycerinPhotozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 11.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.
Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. 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 RetinolPhotozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 12.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
Retinyl Sunflowerseedate is a form of retinoid. It can be good for be good for oily skin. It can help to improve skin texture, reduce large pores, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, heal scars, and fight acne. It can be bad for dry skin and cause irritation.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 13.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
Lysophosphatidic Acid isn't fungal acne safe.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 14.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
Sodium 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 HyaluronatePhotozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 27.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
Ascorbyl Linoleate is a form of Vitamin C and is an antioxidant. It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, and reduce the visibility of dark spots.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 28.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.
It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.
Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 80Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 36.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide is a preservative.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 38.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethaminePhotozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol contains this as ingredient number 39.
SLMD Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol 39 ingredients
SLMD Retinol Serum 29 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol 39 ingredients
SLMD Retinol Serum 29 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 12 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol.
See 12 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 5 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SLMD Retinol Serum.
See 5 alternatives