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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 Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule .

Published on December 20, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 20 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides, niacinamide, retinoid and Vitamin E

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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils and silicones

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
Ampoule 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.

Ampoule

Ampoules are created to target one area of concern. They are usually highly concentrated with active or beneficial ingredients.

Price

Shop

Buy Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum

Starts at $20.29
Shop

Buy Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule

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
Vitamin E (2)
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid (5)

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (3)
Eczema
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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

WaterDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract 20%PropanediolGlycerinDipropylene Glycol1,2-HexanediolCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideNiacinamidePolyglycerin-3Centella Asiatica ExtractFicus Carica Fruit ExtractPhellodendron Amurense Bark ExtractPortulaca Oleracea ExtractRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractChamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractAvena Sativa Kernel ExtractCynara Scolymus Leaf ExtractGlycine Soja Seed ExtractHydrogenated LecithinCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water Sodium HyaluronateCanola OilDaucus Carota Sativa Seed OilHelianthus Annuus Seed OilBetainePhenyl TrimethiconeHydroxyethyl UreaAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateSodium Acrylic Acid/Ma CopolymerCeramide NPXanthan GumEctoinButylene GlycolSucrose DistearateAdenosineCarbomerDisodium EDTATromethaminePolyquaternium-51Beta-GlucanGlyceryl StearateRetinolHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone CrosspolymerPolyvinyl AlcoholTocopherolDimethylsilanol HyaluronateHydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateHydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidTetrahydropiperinePotassium HyaluronatePhloretinHyaluronic AcidSodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerHydroxypropyltrimonium HyaluronateSodium Hyaluronate DimethylsilanolSodium Acetylated HyaluronateArginineBeta-CaroteneTocopheryl AcetatePhenylpropanolEthylhexylglycerinCaprylyl Glycol

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.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule 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.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule 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.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 6.

4
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 8.

5
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 61.

6
What it does: Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Centella Asiatica Extract is derived from an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. It is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. In skincare products, Centella Asiatica Extract is used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Many active components found in Centella Asiatica Extract, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.

Research shows Centella Asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.

The combination of all these properties makes Centella Asiatica Extract effective at soothing the skin.

Other components of Centella Asiatic Extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.

Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.

This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.

Learn more about Centella Asiatica Extract

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 10.

7
What it does: Humectant
Community Rating: Loved

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract comes from the fruit known as the fig. Figs are rich in antioxidants and helps hydrate the skin.

Figs also contain fatty acids and Vitamins A, B1, and B2.

As a humectant, figs are able to draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

Learn more about Ficus Carica Fruit Extract

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 11.

8
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

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 23.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 19.

9
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.

As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.

In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 42.

10
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.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 32.

11
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.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 43.

12
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.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 34.

13
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.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 36.

14
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Liked

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level 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.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 39.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Polyquaternium-51 is a polymer salt. It helps hydrate the skin by creating a film on top. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 36.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 40.

16
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi.

Beta-Glucan is a humectant, meaning it can hold large amounts of water. This helps hydrate the skin. It also helps boost your skin's natural barrier.

Beta-Glucan has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Studies show Beta-Glucan may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.

Learn more about Beta-Glucan

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 37.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 41.

17
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 44.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 47.

18
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 46.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 31.

19
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Sucrose Distearate is made up of the sucrose (sugar) esthers of stearic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 57.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 35.

20
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.

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule contains this as ingredient number 63.

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

58% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
23% are disliked or very disliked
6% have no rating yet
57% are loved or liked
17% have mixed ratings
17% are disliked or very disliked
8% 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

6 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

Goodal Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule 63 ingredients

Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule hasn't been rated yet.
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