Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 versus Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum .
Published on December 25, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 21 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, niacinamide 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 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.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 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:
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 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients
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Concerns
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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
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 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 • Cyclohexasiloxane • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Glycerin • Methylpropanediol • 1,2-Hexanediol • Niacinamide • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • Panthenol • Tocopheryl Acetate • Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract • Centella Asiatica Extract • Panax Ginseng Berry Extract • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Ficus Carica Fruit Extract • Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract • Centella Asiatica Root Extract • Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract • Artemisia Capillaris Extract • Eclipta Prostrata Extract • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Elaeis Guineensis Oil • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Glyceryl Stearate • Bakuchiol • Palmitic Acid • Sodium Polyacrylate • Stearic Acid • Xanthan Gum • Retinol 0.1% • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Butylene Glycol • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Adenosine • Tromethamine • Polyquaternium-51 • Beta-Glucan • Cetyl Alcohol • BHT • Collagen • Myristic Acid • BHA • Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate • Tocopherol • Bifida Ferment Lysate • Ceramide NP • Saccharomyces Ferment • Retinal • Asiaticoside • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate • Madecassoside • Propylene Glycol • Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate • Glycolipids • Glycine Soja Peptide • Resveratrol • Sucrose Distearate • Asiatic Acid • Madecassic Acid • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 • Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil • Peg-100 Stearate • Polysorbate 20 • Parfum • Ethylhexylglycerin
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.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 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.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
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.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.
Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 19.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 35.
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.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 65.
Centella Asiatica Extract is derived from an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. It is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. In skincare products, Centella Asiatica Extract is used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Many active components found in Centella Asiatica Extract, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.
Research shows Centella Asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.
The combination of all these properties makes Centella Asiatica Extract effective at soothing the skin.
Other components of Centella Asiatic Extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.
This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 22.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 34.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant (it's vegan!). It is often called the replacement for retinol although it is not part of the same family.
It has similar effects as retinol: skin smoothing, reducing discoloration, and preventing wrinkles. It does not cause as much irritation as traditional retinoids.
Bakuchiol works by breaking down free radicals and stimulating collagen production in skin.
Combining bakuchiol with retinol will not have adverse side effects. Studies show using them will just boost the benefits. Bakuchiol is also found to help stabilize retinol.
While bakuchiol does not make the skin more sun sensitive, we recommend wearing SPF on a daily basis.
Read more about traditional retinol
Learn more about BakuchiolVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 29.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.
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.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 63.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide NPVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 33.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 46.
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.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
BHT also helps stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Many products are sensitive to air and light. BHT prevents them from breaking down when exposed.
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 35.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 39.
Madecassoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.
Madecassoside has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It contains fatty acids, amino acids, beta-carotene, and phytochemicals.
One study found using Madecassoside with ascorbic acid helped reduce the signs of aging and improved skin hydration.
Learn more about MadecassosideVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 37.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 51.
Asiaticoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.
Asiaticoside is an antioxidant and helps with wound healing. It has been shown to increase antioxidant activity during the wound healing process.
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 38.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 49.
Asiatic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Studies show Asiatic Acid is able to block the pathway for skin inflammation receptors, helping to soothe skin.
As an antioxidant, asiatic acid helps protect our skin against damaging environmental factors.
Learn more about Asiatic AcidVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 39.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 58.
Madecassic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It is a triterpenoid, meaning it naturally acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect your skin against damage from environmental factors such as pollution and UV.
Studies show Madecassic Acid helps soothe the skin due to its ability to block inflammation pathways.
Learn more about Madecassic AcidVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 40.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 59.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumVT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 contains this as ingredient number 42.
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains this as ingredient number 64.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients
Usage
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When to use
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients
Reviews
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VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 65 ingredients
YSLDave
Great for beginers
if you never used retinol Serum, buy this, is a Great Serum, absorb really quick and is perfect for oily skin
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