Updated on December 29, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 1 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A 0.025% (Tretinoin) 9 ingredients
Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream 24 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A 0.025% (Tretinoin) 9 ingredients
Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream 24 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
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Ingredients Side-by-side
3 Benefits 2 Concerns
Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
Isopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
Peg-8 Stearate is an emulsifier and humectant.
Stearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.
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.
May worsen Eczema
Sorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
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.
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.
This synthetic solvent is more commonly known as 'hemi-squalane'. This is due to it having a similar composition of bonded hydrogen and carbon as squalane.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
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.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
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.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil comes from a green tea plant native to China. It is closely related to Camellia sinensis. Both plants have very similar properties. This plant also has similar properties to olive oil.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
3 Benefits
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant (it's vegan!). It is often called the replacement for retinol although it is not part of the same family.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
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.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
8 Benefits 3 Concerns
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.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Helps hydrate Dry Skin 2 Concerns
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
5 Benefits
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
Water, C13-16 Isoparaffin, Glycerin, Diheptyl Succinate, Heptyl Undecylenate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Propanediol, Vitis Vinifera, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bakuchiol, Tocopherol, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Butylene Glycol, Retinol, Allantoin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
When to use
Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A 0.025% (Tretinoin) 9 ingredients
Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A 0.025% (Tretinoin) 9 ingredients
SpaceyTrxsh
Retinol did nothing for my skin. After using different kinds of strengths and seeing no results I decided to give up on retinol and start using...
Retinol did nothing for my skin. After using different kinds of strengths and seeing no results I decided to give up on retinol and start using tretinoin and it was the best decision ever. My skin is becoming clearer and clearer every day.
Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream 24 ingredients
TimWizard
This triggered seborrheic dermatitis all over my face. I never had trouble with this until I used this. Now I have to use dandruff shampoo to treat...
This triggered seborrheic dermatitis all over my face. I never had trouble with this until I used this. Now I have to use dandruff shampoo to treat the problem. :,(
Qinasofree
Good beginner retinol
Been using it for almost a year, and this one tube is plenty. Just remember the precautions you need to take while wearing...
Good beginner retinol
Been using it for almost a year, and this one tube is plenty. Just remember the precautions you need to take while wearing retinol (wearing sunscreen is a must, no acids or vit c on the day you are wearing it). I noticed my acne scars are fading.
