Versus

Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A (Tretinoin) Cream 0.05% Versus Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

Prescription
General Moisturizer
South African Brand South Africa
American Brand United States

Updated on January 15, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Stearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.

Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols. FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

Learn more about Stearyl Alcohol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water

When to use

678 Routines
2% use in am
98% use in pm
66% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
3,087 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A (Tretinoin) Cream 0.05% 9 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Works Well (2) Great Value (1) Heavy (1)
chlolands's avatar

chlolands

1 year ago
Review

Never gave me the miracle results I've seen all over TikTok but served me well for the 3+ years I was on this.

#heavy
#works well
hmmh's avatar

hmmh

1 year ago
Review

Been on this for 4 years. It does not perform miracles but it does keep your skin youthful to some extent sans procedures. Worked on reducing inflammation and acne but dried my skin out, even after a full year of consistent use. With this, sunscreen is non-negotiable.

#great value
#drying
#irritating
#sticky

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer 19 ingredients

3.2 /5
from 79 ratings
No Scent (34) Light (31) Hydrating (29)
sword's avatar

sword

1 year ago
Review

Lightweight, calming, noncomedogenic moisturizer. It has a light/buttery texture and absorbs quickly. This works for my sensitive oily skin and doesn't break me out, and it doesn't cause sunscreen to pill/peel or anything.

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
SpikedMatcha316's avatar

SpikedMatcha316

2 years ago
Review

Best lightweight every face cream
This product is perfect for my dry combo skin. It's scentless and lightweight and makes my face feels hydrated. Perfect for everyday use.