Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Stieva-A 0.05% Cream Versus Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Vitanol-A 0.5% Cream
Updated on October 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both prescription. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain parabens
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Ingredient Info
Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Stieva-A 0.05% Cream 13 ingredients
Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Vitanol-A 0.5% Cream 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Stieva-A 0.05% Cream 13 ingredients
Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Vitanol-A 0.5% Cream 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Tretinoin
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
BHA
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingEctoin
Skin Conditioning
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Water
Skin ConditioningTretinoin, Cetyl Alcohol, BHA, BHT, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Ectoin, 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate, Polysorbate 60, Water
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.
All retinoids goes through a conversion line until it can become effective. The final step of conversion is retinoic acid; retinoic acid IS Tretinoin.
This is why tretinoin is so effective; it gets to work immediately on the skin.
Research on tretinoin has found it to be incredibly effective for reducing the signs of aging. It helps improve damage from the sun, even the skin tone, and smooth out wrinkles. It is also an effective acne treatment by reducing and balancing out sebum production in pores.
Tretinoin, like other forms of Vitamin A, increases the turnover cycle of skin cells. This helps the skin create newer and healthier skin cells faster.
It can cause irritation, redness, and dry skin because it is considered a "strong" ingredient. Those with sensitive skin should consult a professional about using tretinoin.
Using retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
Read about a form of retinoid you can purchase at the store, retinol.
Learn more about TretinoinThis BHA stands for butylated hydroxyanisole. If you are looking for the beta-hydroxy acid, aka as Salicylic Acid, click here.
In cosmetics, butylated hydroxyanisole is used as a perservative. It also has antioxidant properties. The concentrations usually used in skincare are low and do not penetrate through skin.
It is only considered a carcinogen when ingested.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic and waxy petrochemical. It is used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics.
Learn more about BHABHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTMethylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.
Methylparaben can be synthetically created. It can also be found naturally in some fruits, such as blueberries.
Oftentimes, Methylparaben is combined with other parabens to help increase the shelf life.
The safety of Methylparaben is currently being studied. While ongoing studies are looking into the safety of parabens, the results have been very mixed. Some studies have not found Methylparaben to be harmful.
Learn more about MethylparabenPropylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
This ingredient can be naturally found in plants and insects, but most of it is synthetically manufactured for human use. In cosmetics, it is usually created by reacting para-aminobenzoic acid and propanol (an alcohol).
You can usually find this ingredient in water-based products.
Parabens have come under controversy due to the claim they are hormone disruptors. Studies show conflicting results. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Propylparaben is commonly found in food, medicine, and cosmetics.
Learn more about PropylparabenWater. 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
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Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Stieva-A 0.05% Cream 13 ingredients
Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Vitanol-A 0.5% Cream 19 ingredients
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