Comparison between SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 vs. SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex

Find out which product is better for your skin.

22 Ingredients 34

1
Water
1
Water
2
Propanediol
2
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
3
Dimethicone
3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
4
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
4
Niacinamide
5
Alcohol Denatured
5
Polyacrylate-13
6
Dipropylene Glycol
6
Squalane
7
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
7
Retinol (Vitamin A)
8
Hydrogenated Lecithin
8
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
-- Show others --
Uniqueness17 out of 22
77.3%
Uniqueness29 out of 34
85.3%

Positive Effects

Find out what good effects the product has

ECO Metrics

Find out how eco-friendly the components are
Vegan
No
No
Cruelty free
No
No
Reef friendly
Yes
Yes
Ozone layer safe
Yes
Yes
Organic score
natural
6 out of 22
27%
chemical
15 out of 22
68%
natural
10 out of 34
29%
chemical
20 out of 34
59%

Concerns

Pay attention to these components
-- Extra information --

Components by Skin Type

Find out what components are good or bad for your skin type
Dry skin
Positive: 0Negative: 1
Alcohol Denatured#5
Oily skin
Positive: 0Negative: 1
Isopropyl Myristate#12
Sensitive skin
Positive: 0Negative: 2
Retinol (Vitamin A)#13Citric Acid#20
Dry skin
Positive: 3Negative: 0
Tocopherol#11Glycerin#19Butylene Glycol#22
Oily skin
Positive: 0Negative: 2
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil#3Laureth-23#24
Sensitive skin
Positive: 0Negative: 1
Retinol (Vitamin A)#7

Detailed view

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 vs. SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex
Position 1
Both products have the same component on this position.

#1Water

Origin: natural
Role: Solvent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.

Position 2

#2Propanediol

Origin: chemical
Role: Solvent, Viscosity controlling agent
Moisturizing
Hair conditioning
EWG Rating [ 2 ]

Propanediol is a good solvent, emollient and humectant. It helps to moisturize the skin and prevent moisture loss. In haircare products, it conditions hair and improves absorption of the product.

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#2Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

Origin: chemical
Role: Emollient
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]
Position 3

#3Dimethicone

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Antifoaming agent, Emollient
Silicones
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

Dimethicone is the most popular silicone. It makes the skin softer and forms a film adding smooth and silky feeling. This film not only improves how the skin feels but also works as a protective barrier. It also improves the visual appearance of your skin by filling small wrinkles. What you should really know is that this component is difficult to wash off! So make sure you did proper cleansing after using it.

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#3Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil

Origin: natural
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Emollient, Fragrance ingredient
Antioxidants
Moisturizing
Acne fighting
Lifting
Healing
Regeneration
Malassezia unsafe
Comedogenic rating [ 3 ]
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
Bad for oily skin
Bad for oily skin
Position 4

#4Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Emollient, Hair conditioning
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]
-- versus --

#4Niacinamide

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Hair conditioning, Smoothing
Antioxidants
Acne fighting
Pore Shrinking
Soothing
Anti-aging
Lightening
Elasticity improvement
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and it’s a superman in cosmetics. This ingredient is researched very well. It has a lot of positive reviews from scientists and experts. It's very important for healthy skin. The lack of this vitamin can cause dryness, itching, and sun sensitivity. The component removes small wrinkles and fine lines, heals wounds, and prevents the forming of cancer cells. It also makes the skin tone even by removing dark spots. It increases ceramide synthesis which increases the overall health of your skin. It fights acne and lowers pores.

Researches say that 4-5% of Niacinamide is the most effective concentration for skincare use.

Position 5

#5Alcohol Denatured

Origin: chemical
Role: Antifoaming agent, Antimicrobial agent, Astringent, Masking, Solvent, Viscosity controlling agent
Antiseptic
Alcohols
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
Bad for dry skin
Bad for dry skin

Alcohol Denatured is a great bacteria killer. Manufacturers often put it inside products to increase their shelf life.

It’s one of the most harmful alcohols used in skincare. You should use it carefully, especially if you have dry skin. It removes oily barrier from the surface of your skin making it less protected and causing dryness. We advise you to pay attention to the position of this component in a formulation. If it stays below the 6th position it will hardly harm your skin. We also recommend testing the product first before application. If you feel a “cooling effect” it means the product contains a lot of alcohol and it's better to be careful with it.

-- versus --

#5Polyacrylate-13

Origin: chemical
Role: Film former
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
Skin Signal
2023 - 2024

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Disclaimer: All the information on the website is not a medical advice. Visit a doctor if you have problems.

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