Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 versus First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides .
Last updated on February 16, 2024. Published on January 30, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 10 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides 25 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
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:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
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 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides 25 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients 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:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient 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:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides 25 ingredients
Water • Propanediol • Dimethicone • Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate • Alcohol Denat. • Dipropylene Glycol • Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol • Isopropyl Myristate • Retinol • Polysorbate 20 • Sodium Citrate • Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract • Dimethiconol • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • Bisabolol • Citric Acid • BHT • Propyl Gallate
Water • Dimethicone • Glycerin • Retinyl Propionate • Retinol • Pentapeptide-34 Trifluoroacetate • Hydroxyacetophenone • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Citric Acid • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Dimethiconol • Disodium EDTA • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Isohexadecane • Laureth-4 • Mica • Polysorbate 20 • Polysorbate 60 • Propanediol • Sodium Citrate • Sorbitan Isostearate • BHT • Phenoxyethanol • Sodium Benzoate • CI 77891
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 WaterSkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 1.
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides contains this as ingredient number 1.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.
It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 2.
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides contains this as ingredient number 19.
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.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 3.
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides contains this as ingredient number 2.
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.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 10.
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides contains this as ingredient number 23.
Retinol 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 RetinolSkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 13.
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides contains this as ingredient number 5.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 14.
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides contains this as ingredient number 17.
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Sodium Citrate helps maintain the pH 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.
Sodium Citrate is a chelating agent. It neutralizes metal ions from water and prevents them from binding to other ingredients. This ensures the other ingredients will not be altered.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 15.
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides contains this as ingredient number 20.
Dimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 17.
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides contains this as ingredient number 11.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 20.
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides contains this as ingredient number 9.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
BHT also helps stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Many products are sensitive to air and light. BHT prevents them from breaking down when exposed.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 21.
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides contains this as ingredient number 22.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides 25 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides 25 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides 25 ingredients
Alternatives
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