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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum versus Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum .

Published on April 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 13 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

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Serum South Korean Brand South Korea
Serum South Korean Brand South Korea

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

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 (2)
Vitamin E (2)
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Peptides (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (7)
Reduces Irritation (5)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (7)
Dark Spots (6)
Scar Healing (4)
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (6)

Concerns

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

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Hyaluronic Acid (5)

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

WaterCyclohexasiloxaneDicaprylyl CarbonateGlycerinMethylpropanediol1,2-HexanediolNiacinamideHydrogenated PolyisobutenePanthenolTocopheryl AcetatePiper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem ExtractCentella Asiatica ExtractPanax Ginseng Berry ExtractGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractFicus Carica Fruit ExtractCentella Asiatica Leaf ExtractCentella Asiatica Root ExtractMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf ExtractArtemisia Capillaris ExtractEclipta Prostrata Extract Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractElaeis Guineensis OilHydrogenated LecithinGlyceryl StearateBakuchiolPalmitic AcidSodium PolyacrylateStearic AcidXanthan GumRetinol 0.1%Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerButylene GlycolDipotassium GlycyrrhizateAdenosineTromethaminePolyquaternium-51Beta-GlucanCetyl AlcoholBHTCollagenMyristic AcidBHALeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateTocopherolBifida Ferment LysateCeramide NPSaccharomyces FermentRetinalAsiaticosideGlyceryl PolymethacrylateMadecassosidePropylene GlycolPolyglyceryl-10 OleateGlycolipidsGlycine Soja PeptideResveratrolSucrose DistearateAsiatic AcidMadecassic AcidPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1Moringa Oleifera Seed OilPeg-100 StearatePolysorbate 20ParfumEthylhexylglycerin

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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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

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.

Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

5
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

6
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

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

7
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

8
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.

10
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

11
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Liked

This BHA stands for butylated hydroxyanisole. If you are looking for the beta-hydroxy acid, aka as Salicylic Acid, click here.

In cosmetics, butylated hydroxyanisole is used as a perservative. It also has antioxidant properties. The concentrations usually used in skincare are low and do not penetrate through skin.

However, it is considered a carcinogen when ingested.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic and waxy petrochemical. It is used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics.

Learn more about BHA

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 42.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

12
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

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 63.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

13
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 65.

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

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

58% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
23% are disliked or very disliked
5% have no rating yet
59% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
15% are disliked or very disliked
10% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 1 rating
YSLDave's avatar

YSLDave

7 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

Great for beginers
if you never used retinol Serum, buy this, is a Great Serum, absorb really quick and is perfect for oily skin

Bellflower Retinol 0.3% Serum 39 ingredients

Retinol 0.3% Serum hasn't been rated yet.
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