Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol) Versus Klued 5% Niacinamide Serum
Updated on July 25, 2023
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, niacinamide 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 and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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
Klued 5% Niacinamide Serum 18 ingredients
About this product
About this product
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
Klued 5% Niacinamide Serum 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
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
MaskingDimethicone
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 ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Triethanolamine
BufferingPEG-100 Stearate
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ceramide NP, Squalane, Pentylene Glycol, Isopropyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Triethanolamine, PEG-100 Stearate, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSqualane 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".
Learn more about SqualaneNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideGlyceryl 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 StearateThis 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 TriglycerideTocopheryl 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 AcetateCeramide 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 NPPhenoxyethanol 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.
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.
Ingredient 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
Klued 5% Niacinamide Serum 18 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol) 21 ingredients
After my skin got used to it to the point that I use it 3 times a week (MWF), I can see results in clearing out my acne scars. A great beginner product for retinoid newbies!
