Somethinc Level 1% Encapsulated Retinol Versus Elsheskin Retinal Advance Serum
Updated on January 30, 2025
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid, Vitamin C 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, silicones 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Somethinc Level 1% Encapsulated Retinol 30 ingredients
Elsheskin Retinal Advance Serum 67 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
Somethinc Level 1% Encapsulated Retinol 30 ingredients
Elsheskin Retinal Advance Serum 67 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Polyglycerin-3
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Poloxamer 235
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Sodium Phytate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningEpigallocatechin Gallate
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
BHA
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Pentylene Glycol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Betaine, Polyglycerin-3, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Allantoin, Poloxamer 235, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Retinol, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Phytate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Epigallocatechin Gallate, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, BHA, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ceteareth-25
CleansingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behenic Acid
Cleansing
Cholesterol
Emollient
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Eos
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Caprooyl Sphingosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lecithin
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Chloride
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Asparagopsis Armata Extract
Skin ProtectingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Callus Extract
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-52
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyvinyl Alcohol
Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-18
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPhenylpropanol
Masking
Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sodium Nitrate
SoothingGlyoxal
Antimicrobial
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Water, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alpha-Arbutin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Retinal, Ascorbic Acid, Phospholipids, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ceteareth-25, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenic Acid, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide Eos, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Oleate, Citric Acid, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Magnesium Chloride, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Callus Extract, Xanthan Gum, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-18, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenylpropanol, Oligopeptide-1, Squalane, Ubiquinone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Nitrate, Glyoxal, Ethoxydiglycol, Hyaluronic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopherol (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 TocopherolWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
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