Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 versus Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US .
Last updated on March 20, 2024. Published on February 10, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid and retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, 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 or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Essence
Essences are used to prep skin for further treatment and may provide extra skin benefits. They are usually used before serum and moisturizers. Essences are thought to have originated in either Japan or Korea and is an essential step in K-Beauty.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Price
Ingredient Info
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
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 🎉
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 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
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 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
Water • Butylene Glycol • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • 1,2-Hexanediol • Niacinamide • Cetyl Ethylhexanoate • Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate • Dimethyl Isosorbide • Glyceryl Stearate • Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate • Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil • Behenyl Alcohol • Dimethicone • Cetearyl Alcohol • Stearic Acid • Betaine • Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate • Carbomer • Tromethamine • Polyacrylate-13 • Ethylhexylglycerin • Centella Asiatica Extract • Adenosine • Polyisobutene • Sodium Hyaluronate • Allantoin • Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract • Gluconolactone • Bakuchiol • Capryloyl Salicylic Acid • Polysorbate 20 • Sorbitan Isostearate • Ceramide NP • Retinol • BHT • Propolis Extract • Madecassoside • Asiaticoside • Asiatic Acid • Madecassic Acid • Disodium EDTA • Parfum
Water • Dimethicone • Glycerin • Butylene Glycol • Isononyl Isononanoate • Castor Isostearate Succinate • Glyceryl Stearate • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Peg-33 • Polysorbate 20 • Behenyl Alcohol • Peg-100 Stearate • Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate • Retinol • Ceramide Ng • Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 • Sodium Hyaluronate • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Arctium Lappa Seed Oil • Salix Alba Extract • Glycine Soja Sterols • Lecithin • Allantoin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Hydrolyzed Soy Protein • Sorbitan Laurate • Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester • Disodium EDTA • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Sodium Hydroxide • Tribehenin • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Pentylene Glycol • Peg-75 Shea Butter Glycerides • Ppg-12/Smdi Copolymer • Peg-10 Phytosterol • Peg-8 Dimethicone • Peg-14 • Magnesium Aluminum Silicate • Arachidyl Glucoside • Arachidyl Alcohol • Sclerotium Gum • Carbomer • Phenoxyethanol • Benzoic Acid
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 WaterVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 1.
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.
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 4.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 7.
A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
Behenyl Alcohol is usually derived from the fats in vegetable oils.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 12.
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.
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 13.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 2.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 18.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 51.
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.
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 21.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 40.
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 HyaluronateVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 25.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 21.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 26.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 29.
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 20VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 31.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 11.
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 RetinolVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 34.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 17.
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 EDTAVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 41.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US contains this as ingredient number 34.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment 53 ingredients
glasscasita
Love it
My favorite retinol. Been using it for a year and never had any bad reactions (be sure to follow instructions like starting slow). It's a...
Love it
My favorite retinol. Been using it for a year and never had any bad reactions (be sure to follow instructions like starting slow). It's a bit pricey but worth it
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 7 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1.
See 7 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment US.
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