VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 Versus Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment
Updated on August 05, 2024
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, exfoliants 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 fragrances, oils and silicones
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
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment 34 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
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 Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment 34 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Betaine
Humectant
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingPolyacrylate-13
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Polyisobutene
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), 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
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Albatrellus Confluens Extract
Humectant
Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningAdapalene
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydroxyapatite
Abrasive
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetyl Glyceryl Ether
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Phytate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycerin
Humectant
Hydroxystearic Acid
Cleansing
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Naringin
Skin ProtectingCitric Acid
Buffering
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Retinal, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Albatrellus Confluens Extract, Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract, Adapalene, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyapatite, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Glyceryl Ether, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Sodium Polyacrylate, Isopropyl Myristate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Hydroxystearic Acid, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbitan Oleate, Naringin, Citric Acid, Titanium Dioxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It 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.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateWater. 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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment 34 ingredients
Reviews
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VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Paula's Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment 34 ingredients
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