Verso Skincare Super Elixir Versus SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0
Updated on March 21, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 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, 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, fragrances, 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Verso Skincare Super Elixir 16 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Verso Skincare Super Elixir 16 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSqualane
Emollient
Shea Butter Ethyl Esters
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hexylresorcinol
AntimicrobialEthyl Lactyl Retinoate
Abrasive
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Beta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingSqualene
Emollient
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hexylresorcinol, Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Tocopherol, Beta-Sitosterol, Squalene, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Ascorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Polyacrylate-13
Squalane
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Skin Conditioning
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocotrienols
Skin ConditioningCeramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Phytosterols
Skin ConditioningSqualene
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa Bran Cera
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Laureth-23
CleansingTrideceth-6 Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientLauryl Alcohol
Emollient
Polyisobutene
Dextran
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycine Soja Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Polyacrylate-13, Squalane, Retinol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Tocotrienols, Ceramide 3, Bisabolol, Phytosterols, Squalene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oryza Sativa Bran Cera, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Laureth-23, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Dicaprylyl Ether, Lauryl Alcohol, Polyisobutene, Dextran, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 TriglycerideSqualane 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 SqualaneTocopheryl 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 AcetateGlycine Soja Oil comes from the soybean. Glycine Soja is native to eastern Asia.
Soybean oil is an emollient. It is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids including palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids.
As an emollient, the fatty acids in soybean oil helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. It does so by creating a film on top that traps moisture in.
Soybean oil is also rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E is also anti-inflammatory and provides a soothing effect.
Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB. It does so by disrupting the melanin process from UVB induced skin inflammation.
This ingredient may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.
Soybeans are rich in proteins and are part of the legume family. Foods made with soybeans include tofu, soymilk, edamame, miso, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Soja OilTocopherol (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 TocopherolSqualene is naturally found in plants and animals, including our skin and sebum. It is a lipid our bodies naturally produce and makes up about 10-12% of the oil on our skin. Our skin produces squalene to keep itself naturally hydrated.
This ingredient is a potent antioxidant and can help fight against skin damage.
Sources of squalene include olives and rice bran. Some sources may be animals such as from shark liver.
Squalane comes from squalene and is created using hydrogenation. Squalane is lighter than squalene.
Hydrogenation is the conversion from unsaturated oil to saturated oil. This makes squalane more stable and have a longer shelf life than squalene.
Read more about squalane with an "a".
Learn more about SqualenePolysorbate 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 20Ingredient Ratings
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When to use
Verso Skincare Super Elixir 16 ingredients
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 34 ingredients
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