SKIN1004 Retinol 0.2 Boosting Shot Ampoule Versus VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1
Updated on August 18, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 11 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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens 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
SKIN1004 Retinol 0.2 Boosting Shot Ampoule 27 ingredients
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SKIN1004 Retinol 0.2 Boosting Shot Ampoule 27 ingredients
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Squalane
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tromethamine
BufferingPhaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Sponge
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Water, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Squalane, Sorbitan Olivate, Carbomer, Retinol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Tromethamine, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Retinal, Hydrolyzed Sponge, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Madecassoside, Centella Asiatica Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Betaine
Humectant
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingPolyacrylate-13
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Polyisobutene
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Betaine, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Polyacrylate-13, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Adenosine, Polyisobutene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Gluconolactone, Bakuchiol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ceramide NP, Retinol, BHT, Propolis Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Madecassoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.
Madecassoside has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It contains fatty acids, amino acids, beta-carotene, and phytochemicals.
One study found using Madecassoside with ascorbic acid helped reduce the signs of aging and improved skin hydration.
Learn more about MadecassosideRetinol 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 RetinolSodium 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 HyaluronateTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
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 TromethamineWater. 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
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When to use
SKIN1004 Retinol 0.2 Boosting Shot Ampoule 27 ingredients
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
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