Explore Routine Login

Product Comparison

Published on July 28, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 7 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, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any 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.

Facial Treatment American Brand United States
Serum Polish Brand Poland

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

Shop

Buy Retinol 0.5

Starts at $21.95
Shop

Buy Emulsyjne Serum z 0.5% Czystego Retinolu, 4% Witaminy C, CBD i Koenzymem Q10 Odnowa i Stymulacja (Emulsion Serum with 0.5% Pure Retinol, 4% Vitamin C, CBD and Coenzyme Q10 Renewal and Stimulation)

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

Retinoid

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (7)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (4)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (7)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (3)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
Irritating (2)
Eczema
Join our community

Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.

Join SkinSort

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.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

Loading ingredients...

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

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 1.

BasicLab Emulsyjne Serum z 0.5% Czystego Retinolu, 4% Witaminy C, CBD i Koenzymem Q10 Odnowa i Stymulacja (Emulsion Serum with 0.5% Pure Retinol, 4% Vitamin C, CBD and Coenzyme Q10 Renewal and Stimulation) contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

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 Propanediol

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 2.

BasicLab Emulsyjne Serum z 0.5% Czystego Retinolu, 4% Witaminy C, CBD i Koenzymem Q10 Odnowa i Stymulacja (Emulsion Serum with 0.5% Pure Retinol, 4% Vitamin C, CBD and Coenzyme Q10 Renewal and Stimulation) contains this as ingredient number 10.

3
What it does: Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Hydrogenated Lecithin is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within.

The phospholipids in Hydrogenated Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier to be better absorbed.

As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Lecithin

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 10.

BasicLab Emulsyjne Serum z 0.5% Czystego Retinolu, 4% Witaminy C, CBD i Koenzymem Q10 Odnowa i Stymulacja (Emulsion Serum with 0.5% Pure Retinol, 4% Vitamin C, CBD and Coenzyme Q10 Renewal and Stimulation) contains this as ingredient number 29.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Retinol

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 12.

BasicLab Emulsyjne Serum z 0.5% Czystego Retinolu, 4% Witaminy C, CBD i Koenzymem Q10 Odnowa i Stymulacja (Emulsion Serum with 0.5% Pure Retinol, 4% Vitamin C, CBD and Coenzyme Q10 Renewal and Stimulation) contains this as ingredient number 13.

5
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 20

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 15.

BasicLab Emulsyjne Serum z 0.5% Czystego Retinolu, 4% Witaminy C, CBD i Koenzymem Q10 Odnowa i Stymulacja (Emulsion Serum with 0.5% Pure Retinol, 4% Vitamin C, CBD and Coenzyme Q10 Renewal and Stimulation) contains this as ingredient number 27.

6
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Citrate

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 17.

BasicLab Emulsyjne Serum z 0.5% Czystego Retinolu, 4% Witaminy C, CBD i Koenzymem Q10 Odnowa i Stymulacja (Emulsion Serum with 0.5% Pure Retinol, 4% Vitamin C, CBD and Coenzyme Q10 Renewal and Stimulation) contains this as ingredient number 34.

7
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Acid

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 25.

BasicLab Emulsyjne Serum z 0.5% Czystego Retinolu, 4% Witaminy C, CBD i Koenzymem Q10 Odnowa i Stymulacja (Emulsion Serum with 0.5% Pure Retinol, 4% Vitamin C, CBD and Coenzyme Q10 Renewal and Stimulation) contains this as ingredient number 32.

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

31% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
12% have no rating yet
53% are loved or liked
18% have mixed ratings
15% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet

Usage

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

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 3 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5.

See 3 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 22 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to BasicLab Emulsyjne Serum z 0.5% Czystego Retinolu, 4% Witaminy C, CBD i Koenzymem Q10 Odnowa i Stymulacja (Emulsion Serum with 0.5% Pure Retinol, 4% Vitamin C, CBD and Coenzyme Q10 Renewal and Stimulation).

See 22 alternatives
Loading similar comparisons...