Shani Darden Retinol Reform Versus Pixi Beauty Botanical Collagen & Retinol Volumizing Serum
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide, retinoid and Vitamin E
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, 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
Shani Darden Retinol Reform 44 ingredients
Pixi Beauty Botanical Collagen & Retinol Volumizing Serum 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Shani Darden Retinol Reform 44 ingredients
Pixi Beauty Botanical Collagen & Retinol Volumizing Serum 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Glucosamine Hcl
Plankton Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLinoleic Acid
Cleansing
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientHydrolyzed Algin
Xylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
BHT
Antioxidant
BHA
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Lactobacillus Ferment, Isohexadecane, Retinol, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Glucosamine Hcl, Plankton Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Linoleic Acid, Glycine Soja Sterols, Phospholipids, Propanediol, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Tocopherol, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Algin, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, BHT, BHA, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Acacia Seyal Gum Extract
HumectantRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Acetyl Heptapeptide-4
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Vulgaris Extract
Skin ProtectingAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Retinol, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Niacinamide, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Chamomilla Vulgaris Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Carbomer, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Propyl Gallate, BHT
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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinRetinol 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 RetinolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Shani Darden Retinol Reform 44 ingredients
Pixi Beauty Botanical Collagen & Retinol Volumizing Serum 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Shani Darden Retinol Reform 44 ingredients
the ingredients are fantastic. if you’re willing to splurge on a quality retinol serum, this one would be a great choice.
however, the smell is horrible. if you can get past the smell, though, this would probably be a great option for sensitive skin as it doesn’t have any added fragrance.
Pixi Beauty Botanical Collagen & Retinol Volumizing Serum 19 ingredients
Literally burns my face leaving perfect red splotches wherever I put it. I’ve used retinol before, but not had this reaction. I’ll see if it’s maybe a combo with other stuff causing it, but I don’t think it is.
