RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum Versus CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Updated on February 21, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and retinoid
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 common allergens 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum 44 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum 44 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSqualane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Sea Water
HumectantSodium PCA
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Phytosterols
Skin ConditioningWithania Somnifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Polyisobutene
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
EmulsifyingCucumis Sativus Seed Oil
Emollient
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Dimethicone, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Propanediol, Glycerin, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Retinol, Glycine Soja Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sea Water, Sodium PCA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Panthenol, Phytosterols, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyisobutene, Phenoxyethanol, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyproline, Proline, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Lecithin
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
Buffering
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dimethiconol, Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentylene Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 WaterDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolRetinol 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 RetinolCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholXanthan 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.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPhenoxyethanol 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.
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.
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 HyaluronatePolysorbate 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 20Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum 44 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum 44 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
No more acne, very slow at reducing pigmentation tho
The only retinol my partner's skin can tolerate.
Their skin is extremely reactive and sensitive but this retinol has worked great.
I also use it every other day because I alternate between this retinol and A313.
It works great and is gentle enough to allow me to build tolerance without purging effects (at least on my skin and my partner's)
