Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream versus Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense .
Published on August 15, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both facial treatments. They have a total of 17 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, ceramides, exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, peptides, retinoid, Vitamin C 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, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Ingredient Info
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream 52 ingredients
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense 68 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream 52 ingredients
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense 68 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 7 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 8 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 6 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 7 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 6 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream 52 ingredients
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense 68 ingredients
Water • Glycolic Acid • Sodium Glycolate • Cetearyl Olivate • Pentylene Glycol • Cyclopentasiloxane • Isohexadecane • Sorbitan Olivate • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Glycerin • Ceresin • Glycol Palmitate • Butylene Glycol • Niacinamide • Squalane • Methyl Gluceth-20 • Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 • Ceramide NP • Hyaluronic Acid • Ubiquinone • Tocopherol • Bisabolol • Tocopheryl Acetate • Superoxide Dismutase • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Allantoin Glycyrrhetinic Acid • Sodium PCA • Panthenol • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Portulaca Oleracea Extract • Linoleic Acid • Cholesterol • Linolenic Acid • Magnesium Aluminum Silicate • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Dimethicone • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Steareth-2 • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Acacia Senegal Gum • Xanthan Gum • Hydrated Silica • Carbomer • Polysorbate 20 • Tromethamine • Disodium EDTA • Ethylhexylglycerin • Phenoxyethanol • CI 77891
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Glycerin • Butylene Glycol • Isododecane • Squalane • Cetearyl Alcohol • Dimethicone • Cetearyl Olivate • Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Polylactic Acid • Cyclodextrin • Ppg-12/Smdi Copolymer • Sorbitan Olivate • Titanium Dioxide • Eclipta Prostrata Extract • Phenethyl Alcohol • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Phenoxyethanol • Cholesteryl Nonanoate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil • Canola Oil • Xanthan Gum • Pentylene Glycol • Retinal • Retinyl Retinoate • Citric Acid • Alumina • Isostearic Acid • Lecithin • Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Stearic Acid • Ceramide AP • Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract • Ethylhexylglycerin • Linoleic Acid • Palmitic Acid • Ceramide NP • Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil • Disodium EDTA • Phytosterols • Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract • Sodium Polyaspartate • Phytosphingosine • Parfum • Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14 • Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate • Ceramide EOP • Cholesterol • C12-16 Alcohols • Caprylyl Glycol • Carbomer • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Glyceryl Caprylate • Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer • Polyvinyl Alcohol • Phenylpropanol • BHA • Limonene • Linalool • Citral
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 1.
Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateSkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 9.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 26.
Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
Sorbitan Olivate is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateSkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 14.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinSkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 3.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 13.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 4.
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 SqualaneSkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 15.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 6.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide NPSkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 20.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 43.
Tocopheryl 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 AcetateSkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 25.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 22.
Linoleic Acid is Vitamin F and a fatty acid. It is an emollient and helps thicken texture. Linoleic acid helps with hydrating skin and nourishing the skin's barrier. The top layer of skin, or epidermis, contains high amounts of linoleic acid naturally.
Your body uses linoleic acid to build ceramides and prostaglandins. Ceramides keep your skin's barrier plump and firm. Prosaglandins help control inflammation and healing.
This makes linoleic acid effectives for reducing inflammation, hydrating skin, and firming skin. A side effect may include extra protection against UV damage and free radicals. This is due to linoleic acid strengthening the skin barrier.
Low levels of linoleic acid is also associated with acne-prone skin. By keeping sebum soft, it prevents pores from clogging.
Linoleic acid can is in common foods such as nuts, sunflower oil, corn oil, and soybean oil.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
CHEM: 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (9Z, 12Z)-
Learn more about Linoleic AcidSkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 33.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 41.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolSkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 34.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 56.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 38.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 8.
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 GumSkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 44.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 25.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 46.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 59.
Disodium 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 EDTASkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 49.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 45.
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 Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 50.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 40.
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 Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains this as ingredient number 51.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense contains this as ingredient number 19.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream 52 ingredients
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense 68 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream 52 ingredients
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense 68 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream 52 ingredients
AngelaK._616
Disappointed
I wanted to love this, especially at its price point but I am sadly disappointed.
I am 64 and my skin isnt that bad but I do have...
Disappointed
I wanted to love this, especially at its price point but I am sadly disappointed.
I am 64 and my skin isnt that bad but I do have some redness, some dullness, large pores here and there and fine lines.
I used this every night for 9 weeks.
I see absolutely no change whatsoever for any of my skin concerns. I feel duped yet again by false promises.
The only pros are: the nice container, and that it is not irritating at all.
Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense 68 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 2 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream.
See 2 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense.
See 4 alternatives