Versus

Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum Versus Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream

Serum
Serum
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on December 29, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

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 and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones 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
Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin
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
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

When to use

105 Routines
39% use in am
61% use in pm
91% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
453 Routines
5% use in am
95% use in pm
53% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum 41 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 4 ratings
Absorbs Well (2) Great Value (2) Hydrating (2)
Clover's avatar

Clover

4 months ago
Review

One of the most hydrating serums I’ve tried!
Propolis, honey, fermented ingredients, and centella tend to work well for my skin, so when I saw the ingredient list for this product I just had to try it. This serum has a light gel consistency and is a lifesaver for dehydrated skin. I recommend it for anyone whose skin struggles with water retention (just remember to top it with a moisturizer to Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#light scent
Elapidae's avatar

Ela

6 months ago
Review

I love this serum, it absorbs fast, doesn’t cause any break out, oil free, silicon free, heals, moisturizes and prevents acne…
It doesn’t burn and has 73% propolis so I think it’s suitable for sensible skin.
BUT beware of honey… some might react allergic to it (a lot of people are allergic to honey on skin without knowing it).

Also, spray water before any use due HA! And just a tip, on Amazon Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well

Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream 24 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 7 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Hydrating (1) Light (1)
TimWizard's avatar

TimWizard

1 year ago
Review

This triggered seborrheic dermatitis all over my face. I never had trouble with this until I used this. Now I have to use dandruff shampoo to treat the problem. :,(

Qinasofree's avatar

Qinasofree

2 years ago
Review

Good beginner retinol
Been using it for almost a year, and this one tube is plenty. Just remember the precautions you need to take while wearing retinol (wearing sunscreen is a must, no acids or vit c on the day you are wearing it). I noticed my acne scars are fading.