Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum versus Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum .
Published on June 21, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, retinoid 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 oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum 38 ingredients
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum 44 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Glyceryl Stearate Se
- Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
- Sorbitan Stearate
- Retinyl Linoleate
- Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
- Persea Gratissima Oil
- Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
- Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
- Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
- Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- Glycine Soja Oil
- Synthetic Beeswax
- Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum 38 ingredients
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum 44 ingredients
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum 38 ingredients
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum 44 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Squalane • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Cetearyl Alcohol • Glyceryl Stearate Se • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Propanediol • Sorbitan Stearate • Sclerotium Gum • Retinyl Linoleate • Retinol • Avena Sativa Bran Extract • Centella Asiatica Extract • Niacinamide • Bisabolol • Rosa Canina Fruit Oil • Persea Gratissima Oil • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Sodium Hyaluronate • Ricinus Communis Seed Oil • Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Glycine Soja Oil • Tocopherol • Tocopheryl Acetate • Phytic Acid • Synthetic Beeswax • Copernicia Cerifera Wax • Maltodextrin • Caprylhydroxamic Acid • 1,2-Hexanediol • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • Levulinic Acid • Sodium Levulinate • Citric Acid • Sodium Hydroxide
Water • Glycerin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Isopentyldiol • Trioctyldodecyl Citrate • Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil • 1,2-Hexanediol • Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil • Panthenol • Triolein • Retinal • Ceramide NP • Tocopherol • Retinol • Tocopheryl Acetate • Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Copernicia Cerifera Wax • Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil • Glyceryl Dioleate • Bisabolol • Allantoin • Dunaliella Salina Extract • Ethyl Ferulate • Humulus Lupulus Extract • Zingiber Officinale Root Extract • Arginine • Propanediol • Cellulose Gum • Sclerotium Gum • Ubiquinone • Lactic Acid • Sodium Phytate • Caprylyl Glycol • Inulin • Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Polysorbate 20 • Citric Acid • Cellulose • Fructose • Glucose • Sorbitan Isostearate • Xanthan Gum
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 GlycerinSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
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 TriglycerideSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.
It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
Sclerotium Gum is a polysaccharide gum made by the fungus, Sclerotium rolfssii. It is similar to xanthan gum.
In cosmetics, Sclerotium Gum is used to thicken the texture and to help stabilize other ingredients.
As an emulsifier, Sclerotium Gum helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as water and oil.
Learn more about Sclerotium GumSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.
Retinol 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 RetinolSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.
Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.
Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Learn more about BisabololSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
Tocopherol (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 TocopherolSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
Tocopheryl 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 AcetateSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 26.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.
Copernicia Cerifera Wax comes from a palm tree native to Brazil. This wax is added to help give a thicker texture. It also helps create a film when applied.
Copernicia Cerifera Wax contains aliphatic esters, diesters of cinnamic acid, myricyl cerotate, and small quantities of cerotic acid and myricyl alcohol.
Copernicia Cerifera Wax has the highest melting point of all natural waxes and low solubility.
Copernicia Cerifera Wax has commonly been used in Brazilian Folk medicine.
Learn more about Copernicia Cerifera WaxSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum contains this as ingredient number 37.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum 38 ingredients
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum 44 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum 38 ingredients
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum 44 ingredients
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