RETINOL B3 PURE RETINOL SERUM vs C + AHA
Only 17% overlap — quite different formulas
Ingredient Breakdown
Only in RETINOL B3 (17)
adenosine
alcoholdenat
ammoniumpolyacryloyldimethyltaurate
caprylyl-glycol
cyclohexasiloxane
Dimethicone
C: 1/5I: 0/5silicone
glycine-soja-soybean-oil-extract
Niacinamide
C: 0/5I: 1/5antioxidant
Parfum
C: 0/5I: 4/5fragrance
Pentylene Glycol
C: 0/5I: 1/5humectant
polysilicone-11
ppg-6-decyltetradeceth-30
Retinol
C: 0/5I: 3/5retinoid
Retinyl Palmitate
C: 0/5I: 1/5retinoid
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
C: 2/5I: 1/5antioxidant
trisodium-ethylenediamine-disuccinate
Xanthan Gum
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Shared (5)
Aqua/Water/Eau
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Citric Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5aha
Glycerin
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
Phenoxyethanol
C: 0/5I: 2/5preservative
Sodium Hyaluronate
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
Only in C + (7)
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
C: 0/5I: 2/5antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Glycolic Acid
C: 0/5I: 3/5aha
Lactic Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5aha
Propylene Glycol
C: 0/5I: 2/5humectant
triethanolamine
zinc-sulfate
When Used Together
AvoidGlycolic Acid + Retinol
Retinol and AHA (glycolic acid) together cause excessive irritation and peeling.
Use on alternate nights. Retinol PM one night, AHA the next.
CautionLactic Acid + Retinol
[Class rule] Retinoids and AHAs both accelerate cell turnover. Combined use increases irritation risk.
Use on alternate nights.
SynergyNiacinamide + Retinol
Niacinamide buffers retinol irritation while enhancing barrier function — ideal layering combination.