StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer Versus Medik8 Crystal Retinal 20
Updated on April 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, 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, 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer 65 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 20 39 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
StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer 65 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 20 39 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTrimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Myristyl Nicotinate
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Distearate
Emulsifying
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Isosorbide Dicaprylate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
EmollientCetyl Palmitate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Bidens Pilosa Extract
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Emollient
Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Extract
Emollient
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
Perfuming
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCeteareth-20
Cleansing
Bisabolol
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Isohexadecane
EmollientLactic Acid
Buffering
Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidant
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Polysilicone-11
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingResveratrol
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingParfum
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Water, Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Myristyl Nicotinate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Isosorbide Dicaprylate, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Cetyl Palmitate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Retinal, Retinol, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Beta-Glucan, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ceteareth-20, Bisabolol, Polysorbate 20, Isohexadecane, Lactic Acid, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Ascorbic Acid, Propyl Gallate, PEG-40 Stearate, Polysilicone-11, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Resveratrol, Disodium EDTA, Aminomethyl Propanol, Parfum, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Citric Acid
Retinal 0.2%
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Isododecane
EmollientCyclodextrin
AbsorbentCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingRubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polyaspartate
HumectantTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Alumina
Abrasive
Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Lecithin
Emollient
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Coumarin
Perfuming
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantRetinal 0.2%, Hyaluronic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cyclodextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Sodium Polyaspartate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, BHT, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyacetophenone, Titanium Dioxide, Phenoxyethanol, Alumina, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Stearic Acid, Coumarin, CI 14700
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
BHT 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 BHTThis 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 TriglycerideCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDisodium 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.
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 GlycerinThis is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
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.
Retinal is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the gold-standard class of anti-aging ingredients.
Retinal has many benefits as other retinoids: improve skin texture, reduce large pores, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, heal scars, and fight acne.
Studies show retinal may work at a faster rate than retinol due to its structure.
All retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid before starting to work. Some retinoids take several steps of conversion before binding. Retinal is only one step away, making it more potent.
Like other retinoids, retinal may be irritating. It is best to ease into using this ingredient frequently.
Using the 'ramp up' method, start by using retinol once a week. This gives your skin time to adjust and decrease irritation. Once you feel ready, you can slowly increase the frequency of retinol use.
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.
Learn more about RetinalSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl 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 AcetateIngredient Ratings
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