Versus

Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum Versus Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum

Serum
Serum
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on April 22, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan and reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, 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

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning

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 Retinol
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

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 Acetate
Emulsifying

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 20
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.

Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.

Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.

Learn more about Isohexadecane

When to use

146 Routines
2% use in am
98% use in pm
65% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
33 Routines
9% use in am
91% use in pm
88% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum 41 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 4 ratings
Doesn't Work (2) Irritating (2) Great Value (1)
NoufQ's avatar

NoufQ

1 year ago
Review

Great product. One of the few products I feel I saw a visible difference with pretty quickly.

Despite being a retinol, never had issues reacting to this or experiencing dryness. On the contrary, I actually found this pretty moisturising and it absorbs pretty quickly.
It also plays well with other products & never pilled on me.

I really recommend this whether you’re new to retinols or Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#works well
EdenGeraci's avatar

EdenGeraci

1 year ago
Review

casued an allergic reaction

#broke me out
#irritating
#doesn't work

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum 12 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Light Scent (1)
ZarephLae's avatar

ZarephLae

6 months ago
Review

Slightly on the oily side which is undesirable for my skin type, but overall good. It has a good consistency, spreads nicely, and works amazing.

#great value
#absorbs well
#light scent
#works well