SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Versus SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0
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, 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 common allergens, 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
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 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
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
MaskingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Isohexadecane
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Sodium Citrate
BufferingBoswellia Serrata Gum
Masking
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
BHT
Antioxidant
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Bisabolol
Masking
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidant
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
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Polyacrylate-13
Squalane
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Skin Conditioning
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocotrienols
Skin ConditioningCeramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Squalene
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa Bran Cera
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Laureth-23
CleansingTrideceth-6 Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Lauryl Alcohol
Emollient
Polyisobutene
Dextran
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, 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 Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient 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.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
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 20Retinol 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 RetinolWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 26 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
Reviews
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