The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment - US Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment
Updated on June 19, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 10 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones 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
The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment 29 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment 44 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
The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment 29 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment 44 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Emulsifying
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Copernicia Cerifera Cera
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
Humulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialWater, Propanediol, Mandelic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Ferulate, Humulus Lupulus Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Propanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFerulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Silybum Marianum Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Phytic Acid
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Pvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingOctoxynol-9
EmulsifyingArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOleth-10
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Retinol, Bakuchiol, Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Silybum Marianum Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Phospholipids, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Adenosine, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phytic Acid, Tocopherol, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Pvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Arachidyl Glucoside, Octoxynol-9, Arachidyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Oleth-10, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Ascorbate, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 TriglycerideEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinMandelic Acid helps exfoliate skin. It also contains antioxidant properties.
As an AHA, Mandelic 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.
Mandelic Acid may be an alternative to Glycolic Acid for those with sensitive skin.
Mandelic Acid may help reduce wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Mandelic AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
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 PropanediolRetinol 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 RetinolSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopherol (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 TocopherolWater. 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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When to use
The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment 29 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment 44 ingredients
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