Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% versus Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 .
Published on January 03, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free serums. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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 need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% 36 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 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:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
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 🎉
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:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are 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
TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% 36 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
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Benefits
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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.
TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% 36 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Pentylene Glycol • Niacinamide • Cyclodextrin • Polysorbate 20 • Squalane • Coco-Caprylate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Cetyl Alcohol • Sodium Hyaluronate • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 • Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3 • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Ceteareth-20 • Beta-Glucan • Resveratrol • Dimethyl Sulfone • Retinal • Tocopherol • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate • Dextran • Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline • Lactic Acid • Arnica Montana Flower Extract • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Salix Nigra Bark Extract • Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract • Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract • Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract • Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil • Sclerotium Gum • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Titanium Dioxide
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Glycerin • Isododecane • Cetearyl Olivate • Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Cetearyl Alcohol • Ppg-12/Smdi Copolymer • Sorbitan Olivate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Titanium Dioxide • Squalane • Eclipta Prostrata Extract • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Phenoxyethanol • Cyclodextrin • Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose • Sodium Hyaluronate • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Alumina • Isostearic Acid • Lecithin • Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate • Disodium EDTA • Hydroxyacetophenone • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Stearic Acid • Ethylhexylglycerin • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil • Sodium Polyaspartate • Climbazole • Retinal • Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract • Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract • Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract • Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil • Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil • Polysorbate 60 • Sorbitan Isostearate • Pentylene Glycol • Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract • Decylene Glycol • BHA • 1,2-Hexanediol • Coumarin
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 WaterTRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 1.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 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 GlycerinTRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 2.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
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 GlycolTRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 3.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 42.
We don't have a description for Cyclodextrin.
TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 5.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 16.
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 SqualaneTRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 7.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Cetearyl 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 AlcoholTRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 9.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 7.
Sodium 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 HyaluronateTRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 11.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 18.
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 RetinalTRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 19.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 34.
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract comes from the honeysuckle flower.
Honeysuckles have skin protecting, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains many antioxidants, such as luteolin, caffeic acid, loniflavone, and chlorogenic acids.
This honeysuckle is native to East Asia and used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever and inflammation.
Learn more about Lonicera Japonica Flower ExtractTRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 30.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 36.
This Honeysuckle flower extract comes from the Italian honeysuckle. It is an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and fragrance.
Both this and the Japanese Honeysuckle are rich in a natural paraben that give it antimicrobial property. They are effective in inhibiting bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Honeysuckle contains flavonoids and saponins. Both of these components are natural antioxidants that can help soothe the skin.
As most flowers do, honeysuckle has a natural fragrance.
Learn more about Lonicera Caprifolium Flower ExtractTRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 31.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 37.
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 32.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 38.
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.
TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 34.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 35.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 29.
Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% contains this as ingredient number 36.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 11.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% 36 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% 36 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2% 36 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 13 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to TRUology A² Advanced Retinal Serum .2%.
See 13 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 6 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10.
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