StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Multi Correct Serum Versus StriVectin Peptide Plump Line Filling Bounce Serum

StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Multi Correct Serum Versus StriVectin Peptide Plump Line Filling Bounce Serum

This anti-aging serum is formulated around Ectoin and Retinol to soften the look of wrinkles and refine skin texture.

This anti-aging serum is formulated around Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid to soften the look of wrinkles and hydrate skin.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Triheptanoin

Propanediol

Myristyl Nicotinate

Dicaprylyl Ether

Coconut Alkanes

Squalane

Dimethicone

1,2-Hexanediol

Ectoin

Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone

Retinol

Withania Somnifera Root Extract

Polyglutamic Acid

Morus Alba Leaf Extract

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Sodium Hyaluronate

Chondrus Crispus Extract

Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate

Helianthus Annuus Extract

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Glycerin

Cucumis Sativus Seed Extract

Beta-Glucan

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Behenyl Alcohol

Glyceryl Behenate

Bisabolol

Lecithin

Tocopheryl Acetate

Zingiber Officinale Root Extract

Pentylene Glycol

Caprylyl Glycol

Polysorbate 20

Phytosterols

Polysilicone-11

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer

Tocopherol

Polyisobutene

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

Hydroxyacetophenone

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Sorbitan Oleate

Xanthan Gum

Disodium EDTA

Propyl Gallate

Caprylhydroxamic Acid

Aminomethyl Propanol

Silica

Ascorbic Acid

Parfum

BHT

Citric Acid

Tin Oxide

Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone

CI 77891

Water, Triheptanoin, Propanediol, Myristyl Nicotinate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Coconut Alkanes, Squalane, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ectoin, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Retinol, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus Seed Extract, Beta-Glucan, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Behenate, Bisabolol, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Phytosterols, Polysilicone-11, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Polyisobutene, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Propyl Gallate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanol, Silica, Ascorbic Acid, Parfum, BHT, Citric Acid, Tin Oxide, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, CI 77891

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract

Glyceryl Ricinoleate

Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Silica Crosspolymer

Betaine

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Olea Europaea Leaf Extract

Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Extract

Pentapeptide-84 Amide Acetate

Biotin

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Cetearyl Olivate

Sorbitan Olivate

Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Ethylhexylglycerin

Sorbitan Isostearate

Glyceryl Polyacrylate

Polysorbate 80

PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether

Polysorbate 60

Pvm/Ma Copolymer

Adenosine

Carbomer

Sodium Citrate

Limonene

Linalool

Phenoxyethanol

CI 17200

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Silica Crosspolymer, Betaine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Extract, Pentapeptide-84 Amide Acetate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Beta-Glucan, Myristyl Nicotinate, Citric Acid, Biotin, Tocopherol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyisobutene, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysilicone-11, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Polysorbate 80, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Adenosine, Carbomer, Sodium Citrate, Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, CI 17200

Alternatives

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.

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 preservatives

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.

As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.

It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.

A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.

We don't have a description for Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate yet.

Beta-Glucan is a soluble polysaccharide (a chain of glucose sugars) sourced from the cells walls of oats, baker's yeast, mushrooms, and seaweed.

It's a rare ingredient that pulls double-duty as a heavy-duty hydrator and skin-soothing repair agent.

On the surface, it acts as a humectant that holds water in place and reduces moisture loss for a plumper, smoother feel, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great pick for calming redness or sensitive skin

The more interesting story is underneath:

Despite its large molecular size, oat beta-glucan has been shown to penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis by slipping between skin cells. Here, it interacts with fibroblasts and macrophages to nudge collagen synthesis and support wound repair.

A small 2005 split-face clinical study of 27 subjects found topical beta-glucan produced measurable reductions in wrinkle depth, height, and roughness after 8 weeks of use.

It is worth noting the trial was small and the penetration testing used frozen, irradiated skin so the anti-aging data is encouraging rather than definitive.

This ingredient gets along with pretty much everything and is typically used around 0.1-1%.

Fungal acne: This ingredient is not a food source for the Malassezia yeast because it is a glucose polysaccharide with no fatty acid or ester component.

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.

Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.

Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).

Chondrus Crispus Extract comes from a red algae native to the northern Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. It helps hydrate the skin and is rich in antioxidants.

The antioxidants in chondrus crispus include lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein has the ability to filter blue light from screens.

Other contents of chondrus crispus include polysaccharides, peptides, and amino acids. These help hydrate the skin.

What's the difference between algae and seaweed? Algae is a broad term that includes seaweed. Not all algae is seaweed.

Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.

Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.

However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.

Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.

In skincare formulas, citric acid can:

While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.

Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.

Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger.

However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure.

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.

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.

Glycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.

Topically, glycerin does several things at once:

Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.

Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.

This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.

Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Hydroxyacetophenone is a small phenolic molecule that earns its place in a formulas as an antioxidant and preservative booster.

As a phenol, it is able to neutralize free radicals to protect both the product and the skin from oxidative stress.

Though it can't kill microbes on its own, it works as a good supporting agent when combined with other preservatives like Phenoxyethanol or 1,2-Hexanediol.

This ingredient naturally occurs as piceol in Norwegian spruce needles (~0.4-1.1% dry weight and in cloudberries). Though the cosmetic-grade material is synthesized for purity and consistency.

You'll usually see it used at low levels and suppliers recommend up to 1% added to a water phase.

Safety testing was done at concentrations like 0.05% in SPF products and 0.5% in a Human Repeated Insult Patch Test. The safety evidence is assuring; this ingredient is safe for cosmetics in current use and also holds safety status as a food flavoring as well.

An honest caveat: the "soothing" and "anti-inflammatory" claims come mostly from supplier marketing rather than published clinical trials. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review's own literature search found no useful efficacy studies on this ingredient.

So the antioxidant and preservative-boosting roles are the well supported ones while the calming benefit is plausible but thinly evidenced.

Overall, this is a well-tolerated, low-irritation multitasker that quietly helps a formula stay fresh and stable.

We don't have a description for Myristyl Nicotinate yet.

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient 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.

For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.

The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

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.

Pentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:

Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.

On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.

Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.

Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.

It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.

Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.

Polysilicone-11 is a film-forming silicone that creates a non-tacky and matte finish on the skin. It's commonly used to improve texture, absorb excess oil, and help active ingredients spread evenly.

Due to its "rubber-like" structure, it stays on the skin's surface instead of being absorbed. On the skin, it creates a flexible layer that enhances wearability and stability.

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.

In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.

Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:

Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.

Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.

You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.

Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.

You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.

Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.

It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.

This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.

This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.

In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.

Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!

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