Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum versus Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum .
Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on December 25, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamin C 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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
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
The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum 31 ingredients
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
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 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
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 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
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 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum 31 ingredients
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum 31 ingredients
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Butylene Glycol • Propanediol • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Dimethicone • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Caprylyl Glycol • Phospholipids • Caprylic/Capric Glycerides • Squalane • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Glycine Soja Extract • Carbomer • Sodium Ascorbate • Tocopherol • Polysorbate 60 • Tocopheryl Acetate • Glycolipids • Sodium Hydroxide • Disodium EDTA • Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate • Retinol • Glycine Soja Sterols • Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate • Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Hyaluronic Acid • Polysorbate 20 • Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Phenoxyethanol
Water • Isododecane • Dimethicone • Cyclopentasiloxane • Polysilicone-11 • Butylene Glycol • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Peg-10 Dimethicone • Peg-6 • Citrus Grandis Peel Extract • Morus Nigra Root Extract • Hordeum Vulgare Extract • Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract • Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract • Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract • Gentiana Lutea Root Extract • Algae Extract • Plankton Extract • Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract • Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract • Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract • Glycerin • Oryza Sativa Bran Extract • Yeast Extract • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Palmitoyl Oligopeptide • Ergothioneine • Whey Protein • Polysorbate 20 • Micrococcus Lysate • Cholesterol • Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride • Salicylic Acid • Isohexadecane • Propylene Glycol Dicaprate • Helianthus Annuus Seedcake • Caffeine • Glycine Soja Protein • Tocopheryl Acetate • Acetyl Glucosamine • Caprylyl Glycol • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol • Synthetic Fluorphlogopite • Glycyrrhetinic Acid • Tromethamine • Polysorbate 80 • Sodium Hyaluronate • Sodium Rna • Squalane • Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Peg-8 • Lecithin • Hexylene Glycol • Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer • Sodium Hydroxide • Tin Oxide • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • CI 19140 • CI 14700 • CI 77891 • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 • Calcium Chloride • Sea Whip Extract
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 WaterThe INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair 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 GlycerinThe INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolThe INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 41.
Squalane 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 SqualaneThe INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 50.
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 AcetateThe INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
Sodium 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 HydroxideThe INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 57.
Disodium 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 EDTAThe INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 59.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 29.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum contains this as ingredient number 31.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum contains this as ingredient number 60.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum 31 ingredients
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum 31 ingredients
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum 31 ingredients
YousifShamoon
not doing anything?
i've been using this for 2-3 weeks and i see no difference. i know you're supposed to wait 6 weeks and see but i'm using this...
not doing anything?
i've been using this for 2-3 weeks and i see no difference. i know you're supposed to wait 6 weeks and see but i'm using this every single night and i'm not even purging in the slightest. i had a breakout before i started using this and the breakout is still there which also shows that the product is doing nothing. i will finish the product to see if anything happens but my assumption is that it's too weak and my skin can take more, since my skin was used to benzyl peroxide twice a day since i was using effaclar duo+ for 3-4 months.
Clinique Smart™ Custom-Repair Serum 66 ingredients
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