Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 versus SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 .
Published on September 11, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 5 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
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 1.0 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 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 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
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:
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 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 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:
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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 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 2 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:
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:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
Water • Propanediol • Dimethicone • Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate • Alcohol Denat. • Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer • Dipropylene Glycol • Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate • Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer • Retinol • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Polysorbate 20 • Isohexadecane • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol • Isopropyl Myristate • Sodium Citrate • Boswellia Serrata Gum • Polysorbate 80 • BHT • Dimethiconol • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • Bisabolol • Sorbitan Oleate • Citric Acid • Propyl Gallate
Water • Cetyl Ethylhexanoate • Glycine Soja Oil • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Niacinamide • Polyacrylate-13 • Squalane • Retinol • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 • Dunaliella Salina Extract • Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract • Tocopherol • Tocotrienols • Ceramide 3 • Bisabolol • Phytosterols • Squalene • Tocopheryl Acetate • Oryza Sativa Bran Cera • Glycerin • Polysorbate 20 • Butylene Glycol • Cetyl Palmitate • Laureth-23 • Trideceth-6 Phosphate • Sodium Hydroxide • Dicaprylyl Ether • Lauryl Alcohol • Polyisobutene • Dextran • Potassium Sorbate • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin
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 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 1.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 10.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 8.
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 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 12.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 21.
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 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 14.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 33.
Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.
Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Learn more about BisabololSkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 23.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 26 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 3 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0.
See 3 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 14 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0.
See 14 alternatives