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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream versus Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night .

Last updated on November 08, 2023. Published on February 07, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA and exfoliants

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 need an update? Let us know.

Night Moisturizer American Brand United States
Exfoliator American Brand United States

Night Moisturizer

Night Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin overnight.

Exfoliator

Exfoliators are used to exfoliate the skin, or remove dead skin cells from the skin. Exfoliators may be chemical or physical.

Price

Shop

Buy AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Shop

Buy Exfoliation Night

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E (2)
Exfoliators (2)
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (7)
Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (4)
Skin Texture (4)
Reduces Large Pores (4)
Anti-Aging (8)
Dark Spots (4)
Scar Healing (4)
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (6)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (4)
Rosacea

Notable Ingredients

AHA
BHA
PHA (2)
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Loved

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with research to back up its benefits. Its main role is to peel the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Glycolic Acid has shown to boost collage production, a protein that helps skin stay firm. Overall, Glycolic Acid helps with improving uneven tone, rough patches of skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. It also increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.

When applying Glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging. The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product.

Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Glycolic Acid

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 15.

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night contains this as ingredient number 8.

4
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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.

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 Gum

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 44.

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night contains this as ingredient number 15.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 50.

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night contains this as ingredient number 14.

6
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 51.

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night contains this as ingredient number 10.

7
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Disliked

Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.

It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.

Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.

Learn more about CI 77891

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 52.

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night contains this as ingredient number 18.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

42% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
31% are disliked or very disliked
12% have no rating yet
45% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
38% are disliked or very disliked
3% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream 52 ingredients

1.0 /5
from 1 rating
Expensive (1)
Erthrud's avatar

Erthrud

3 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

Why would anyone pay for this instead of tretinoin?!

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night 29 ingredients

Exfoliation Night hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

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