CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol vs. Renewing Retinol vs. Hyaluronic Acid Serums: Differences and Reviews 2024

• The Difference & Reviews

| CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Walmart: $19.62 (up to 4% cashback)

Walgreens: $19.99 (up to 4% cashback)

Dermstore: $21.99 (up to 5% cashback)

What Does It Do? 

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum helps smooth your skin's texture by reducing the appearance of post-acne marks, minimizing the look of pores and improving your skin's surface. The formula contains encapsulated retinol to help resurface your skin, plus licorice root extract to help brighten your skin's appearance. In addition, it's formulated with three essential ceramides to help restore the skin's barrier, along with soothing niacinamide. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this resurfacing serum helps restore your even skin tone and promote a healthy-looking complexion.

Key Ingredients:

- Encapsulated retinol helps resurface skin texture and minimize the look of visible pores.

- Licorice root extract is known to help brighten the appearance of skin.

- Ceramides help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.

- Niacinamide helps calm the skin.

- MVE Technology, a patented delivery system, continually releases moisturizing ingredients.

Good for: Those with acne scarring or uneven complexion.

Texture & Fragrance: In terms of texture, it is relatively weightless; a classic watery serum that absorbs quickly and without a noticeable trace, keeping your routine quick and easy. It is fragrance free and has no smell. It's not the most sensorial of skincare products, but that's no what it's there for.

Review: Acne marks and uneven skin tone can be constant reminders of breakouts, even after your acne is under control. An effective way to reduce the appearance of acne marks (also called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and visible pores is by using a gentle, yet effective resurfacing serum that works to refine your skin without compromising its protective barrier.

CeraVe's resurfacing retinol serum has been formulated to reduce all possible side effects while still fading dark spots, post-acne blemishes and the appearance of large pores. However, it will take some more time for the more stubborn ones to follow suit, so best be reminded this is a slow-results serum rather than an overnight miracle maker.

As is the case with all CeraVe products, this product falls into the affordable beauty category and it's much more purse-friendly than a lot of other options. Although, for those who are well-seasoned when it comes to retinol, you may be best opting for a higher-strength formula.

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| CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

Walmart: $19.97 (up to 4% cashback)

Walgreens: $16.99 (up to 4% cashback)

CVS: $18.79 (up to 2% cashback)

What Is It?

Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Face Cream Serum is designed to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also helping to repair the protective skin barrier. It uses MVE Technology for the controlled release of encapsulated retinol over the course of 24 hours. 

Key ingredients: 

- Encapsulated Retinol: Helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

- Three Essential Ceramides: That work together to lock in moisture and help restore your skin's protective barrier.

- Hyaluronic Acid: Helps retain your skin's natural moisture.

- Niacinamide: Helps calm your skin.

- MVE Technology (MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology) : Encapsulates ceramides to ensure efficient delivery within your skin's barrier and slow release over time, supporting your protective skin barrier long after you've finished applying.

Good for: Individuals looking for a gentler retinol option to address aging concerns.

Texture & Fragrance: The feeling of this serum is like a normal serum texture, but as you rub it out into your skin, it feels a bit creamier, and very silky and soft. This product definitely has a nice feeling on the skin while still being really light and weightless. And there is no smell.

Review: This retinol-based serum uses a combination of ingredients that make it gentle, hydrating and calming rather than just a powerful retinol. What is great is that the retinol is in an encapsulated form, allowing for slower but sustained release. This ensures minimal irritation, even for someone new to retinols. If you're a newbie, this is definitely for you, because this contains a lower retinol percentage than many other retinol products. 

Resurfacing Retinol vs. Renewing Retinol 

While both CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and CeraVe Retinol Renewing Skin Serum contain retinol, the key difference is that the "Resurfacing" version is primarily aimed at addressing concerns like uneven skin tone, post-acne marks, and enlarged pores, while the "Renewing" serum focuses more on reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it potentially better for those seeking anti-aging benefits.

In particular,  the licorice root extract in the Resurfacing formula suggests greater efficacy for acne.

And both are formulated with ceramides to help maintain the skin barrier and are generally considered gentle enough for most skin types, but the Resurfacing option might be better for those with acne-prone skin looking to refine texture, while the Renewing option is ideal for those mainly concerned with wrinkles. 

Overall, if you're looking for an effective product to refine the skin's surface, contribute to reduced signs of ageing and acne, both of these could suit you well.

However, if you're acne prone I recommend the Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum and if you're looking for something gentle to take the edge off aging I recommend the Cerave Renewing Retinol Serum.

| CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Walmart: $18.28 (up to 4% cashback)

Walgreens: $24.99 (up to 4% cashback)

Target: $19.29

What Does It Do? 

Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Face Serum for Normal to Dry Skin is a refreshing gel-cream formula - with 3 essential ceramides, our highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5 - replenishes skin hydration while helping restore the protective skin barrier and improve the appearance of dry lines for instantly smoother, softer skin. 

Key Ingredients:

- Ceramides: Helps restore your skin's natural barrier, helping to keep moisture in and harmful elements out.

- Hyaluronic Acid: Essential for maintaining skin's moisture balance. Helps give skin a smooth, plump texture.

- MVE Technology: A patented delivery system, continually releases moisturizing ingredients.

Good for: Suitable for all skin types, especially someone who has drier skin and sensitive skin. 

Texture & Fragrance: Unlike a lot of other hyaluronic acid serums on the market that are either pure liquid or liquidy-gels, the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum has a gel-cream texture that‘s super lightweight and easy to massage into cleansed skin. This sinks into the skin pretty quickly, as most serums tend to do. Your skin would feel soft and hydrated afterwards, with a slightly radiant finish. There's no fragrance so no need to worry for those with sensitive skin.

Review: The texture of the serum is lightweight and non-greasy, making it easy to apply and absorb into the skin. It glides on smoothly and leaves a moisturizing feel without any residue. This is particularly beneficial for those with combination skin, as it doesn't contribute to excess oiliness.

One of the great things about CeraVe products is their focus on gentle and non-irritating formulations. The Hyaluronic Acid Serum is no exception. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and suitable for sensitive skin.

This serum is a reliable and affordable option for adding hydration to your skincare routine. With its lightweight texture, effective formulation, and gentle ingredients, it provides a boost of moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. If you're in search of a straightforward and budget-friendly hyaluronic acid serum that delivers on its promises, highly recommend giving the CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum a try.

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