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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 Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum .

Published on July 12, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain peptides, 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 and oils

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

Shop

Buy Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum

Starts at $20.29
Shop

Buy Retinol Repair Serum

Starts at $16.99

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
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides (9)

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying
Irritating (2)
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

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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair 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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.

As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.

Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.

Learn more about Methylpropanediol

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

4
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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

6
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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.

7
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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

8
What it does: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant (it's vegan!). It is often called the replacement for retinol although it is not part of the same family.

It has similar effects as retinol: skin smoothing, reducing discoloration, and preventing wrinkles. It does not cause as much irritation as traditional retinoids.

Bakuchiol works by breaking down free radicals and stimulating collagen production in skin.

Combining bakuchiol with retinol will not have adverse side effects. Studies show using them will just boost the benefits. Bakuchiol is also found to help stabilize retinol.

While bakuchiol does not make the skin more sun sensitive, we recommend wearing SPF on a daily basis.

Read more about traditional retinol

Learn more about Bakuchiol

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 44.

9
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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

10
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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

11
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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.

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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

15
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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.

16
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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 48.

17
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a 3-amino acid peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a signal peptide. This means it tells our skin to create collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 can help reduce wrinkles and make the skin look more youthful.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 60.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 49.

18
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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 47.

19
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.

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

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
56% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
21% are disliked or very disliked
14% have no rating yet

Usage

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

When to use

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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

Skin&Lab Retinol Repair Serum 57 ingredients

Retinol Repair Serum hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

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