Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

The INKEY List Bakuchiol Moisturizer Versus The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

The INKEY List Bakuchiol Moisturizer Versus The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane Detailed comparison of The INKEY List Bakuchiol Moisturizer versus The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane. This anti-aging moisturizer is formulated around Bak

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The INKEY List Bakuchiol Moisturizer Versus The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane Detailed comparison of The INKEY List Bakuchiol Moisturizer versus The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane. This anti-aging moisturizer is formulated around Bakuchiol and Squalane to soften the look of wrinkles and refine skin texture. This anti-aging serum is formulated around Squalane and Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate to soften the look of wrinkles and refine skin texture. Water Squalane Glycerin Propanediol Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil Dicaprylyl Carbonate Bakuchiol Phenoxyethanol Sodium Caproyl Prolinate Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Carbomer Sodium Hydroxide Ethylhexylglycerin Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate Polysorbate 60 Phytic Acid Glyceryl Polyacrylate Sorbitan Isostearate Tocopherol Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Propanediol, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Bakuchiol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Caproyl Prolinate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polysorbate 60, Phytic Acid, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Bisabolol Dimethyl Isosorbide Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone Squalane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bisabolol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Squalane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum). It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores. This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces. Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer. Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts. No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration). Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types. This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants. Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane. Read more about squalene with an "e". Though squalane is often called an oil, it’s technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol. The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils. Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin. A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system. The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.