Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol) Versus Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum
Updated on March 31, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides and 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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens 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
Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol) 21 ingredients
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol) 21 ingredients
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
1,4-Butanediol
SolventC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Polydiethylsiloxane
Emollient
Fructan
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract, 1,4-Butanediol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Bakuchiol, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Glyceryl Stearate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceramide NP, Retinol, Disodium EDTA, Polydiethylsiloxane, Fructan, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingOryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Arginine
Masking
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhyllostachys Pubescens Shoot Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Retinol 0.08%
Skin Conditioning
Aspergillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Emulsifying
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantStearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Glucose
Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bakuchiol, C14-22 Alcohols, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Oryza Sativa Extract, Arginine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phyllostachys Pubescens Shoot Bark Extract, Disodium EDTA, Retinol 0.08%, Aspergillus Ferment, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Ceramide NP, Dipropylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Glucose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cyclodextrin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 BakuchiolWe don't have a description for C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside yet.
This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCeramide 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
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It 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.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateRetinol 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 RetinolWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol) 21 ingredients
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Reviews
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