Versus

SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream Versus Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A 0.025% (Tretinoin)

Facial Treatment
Prescription
American Brand United States
South African Brand South Africa

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycolic Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sodium Glycolate

Buffering

Cetearyl Olivate

Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

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

When to use

28 Routines
7% use in am
93% use in pm
82% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
1,132 Routines
3% use in am
97% use in pm
68% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream 52 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1)
AngelaK._616's avatar

AngelaK._616

2 years ago
Review

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 Show more

SkincareConsults's avatar

Skincare Consults

7 months ago
Review

Great cell turnover without irritation!

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#no scent

Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A 0.025% (Tretinoin) 9 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Drying (1) Great Value (1) Strong Scent (1)
APriceLife_749's avatar

APriceLife_749

1 year ago
Review

Wrinkle fighter, cellular turnover

SpaceyTrxsh's avatar

SpaceyTrxsh

1 year ago
Review

Retinol did nothing for my skin. After using different kinds of strengths and seeing no results I decided to give up on retinol and start using tretinoin and it was the best decision ever. My skin is becoming clearer and clearer every day.

#great value
#drying
#strong scent
#works well