Ingredient Comparisons

Choosing between popular skincare ingredients can be confusing. Different actives support different concerns, skin types, and routine goals. Use this page to compare ingredients side-by-side and understand how they perform, how gentle they are, and which Glóavia products contain them.

Bakuchiol vs Retinol

Bakuchiol is a gentle, plant-based retinol alternative that improves the look of fine lines and uneven tone without common irritation. Retinol can be more aggressive, often causing redness and dryness. Bakuchiol is suitable for sensitive skin and can be used more consistently. Retinol requires careful introduction. Found in Gloavia’s Alternative Retinol products and Natural Retinol Alternative Oil Serum.

Ceramides vs Peptides

Ceramides strengthen the moisture barrier, improve comfort, and reduce sensitivity. Peptides support firmness and visible signs of aging by helping the skin feel smoother and more resilient. If your barrier feels compromised, choose ceramides. If you want firmness and fine line support, choose peptides. Found in Ceramide Barrier Night Cream, Sensitive Skin Moisturizer, Peptide Anti-Aging Serum, and Anti-Age Night Cream.

Vitamin C vs Niacinamide

Vitamin C helps brighten uneven tone, support collagen, and improve clarity. Niacinamide is calming, reduces redness, and balances hydration. Both can help with dark spots, but Vitamin C targets pigmentation more directly while niacinamide supports clarity and texture. Found in Vitamin C Serum, Youthful Glow Serum, and Hydrating Serum.

Kojic Acid vs Tranexamic Acid

Kojic Acid helps reduce stubborn dark spots caused by UV exposure and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Tranexamic Acid supports tone by interrupting pathways that lead to discoloration. Kojic is ideal for surface pigmentation. Tranexamic is helpful for stubborn or deeper tone imbalance. Found in Targeted Dark Spot Care and Dark Spot Face Cream.

Prebiotics vs Probiotics

Prebiotics act as food for the good bacteria already living on your skin, helping strengthen the moisture barrier, reduce redness, and improve hydration retention. Probiotics add beneficial bacteria directly to help calm irritation and balance the microbiome after stress, breakouts, or over-exfoliation. Prebiotics are ideal for long-term barrier health, while probiotics are great for quick microbiome support when skin feels angry, reactive, or disrupted.

Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid

Benzoyl Peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and is best for inflamed pimples and active breakouts, while Salicylic Acid (a BHA) dissolves oil and debris inside pores to prevent blackheads, congestion, and future breakouts. Use BP for fast spot-treatment on angry zits, and SA regularly to keep pores clear and reduce the chance of new acne forming.

Physical vs Chemical Sunscreen

Physical (mineral) sunscreen uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin but sometimes leaving a white cast. Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and converts UV to heat, offering lighter textures and invisible finishes but may irritate very sensitive types. Physical = gentler protection, Chemical = better cosmetic elegance and blendability.

Retinol vs Retinal

Retinol and Retinal are both vitamin A derivatives that boost cell turnover and collagen, but Retinal works one step closer to active Retinoic Acid, making it faster-acting and often more effective for fine lines and texture. Retinol is gentler and better for beginners easing into vitamin A, while Retinal delivers quicker results with slightly higher irritation potential. If you’re new or sensitive, start with Retinol; if you want faster visible smoothing, Retinal wins.

Bakuchiol vs Retinal

Bakuchiol is a plant-based retinol alternative that delivers smoothing and firming benefits with far less irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin and everyday use. Retinal (a vitamin A derivative) converts more directly to Retinoic Acid, giving faster improvements in fine lines, texture, and pore appearance — but with a greater chance of dryness or flaking. If you want gentle, barrier-friendly renewal, choose Bakuchiol; if you want quicker anti-aging results and can tolerate actives, Retinal works harder.

AHA vs PHA

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) exfoliate the surface of the skin for brighter tone, smoother texture, and softer fine lines — but can sometimes sting sensitive skin. PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) work similarly but with larger molecules, making them gentler and slower-penetrating, ideal for redness-prone or reactive types. AHAs = stronger glow + texture refinement; PHAs = milder exfoliation with added hydration and less irritation risk.

Ceramides vs Cholesterol

Ceramides and Cholesterol are both essential lipids that keep the skin barrier strong, but they play different roles: Ceramides seal in moisture and protect against irritation, while Cholesterol helps maintain flexibility and repair damaged skin faster. When used together (especially with fatty acids), they mimic your skin’s natural lipid balance for smoother, calmer, more resilient results. Ceramides = moisture retention; Cholesterol = barrier repair speed and softness.

Mandelic Acid vs Salicylic Acid

Mandelic Acid (an AHA) gently exfoliates the surface to brighten dullness and soften texture, making it ideal for sensitive or deeper skin tones with post-acne marks. Salicylic Acid (a BHA) penetrates into pores to dissolve oil and congestion, helping prevent blackheads and breakouts. Mandelic = gentle glow and pigmentation support; Salicylic = deep pore clearing and acne control.

Lactic Acid vs Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid has a smaller molecular size, penetrating deeper to improve texture, fine lines, and brightness — but it can be more irritating for sensitive skin. Lactic Acid is larger and works more on the surface, providing gentle exfoliation with added hydration, making it perfect for dry or reactive skin types. Glycolic = stronger resurfacing; Lactic = smoother glow with less sting.

Vitamin C vs Ferulic Acid

Vitamin C brightens dark spots, boosts collagen, and protects against environmental damage — but it’s notoriously unstable and can oxidize quickly. Ferulic Acid doesn’t brighten as strongly on its own, but when paired with Vitamin C it dramatically increases stability, reduces irritation, and boosts antioxidant power. Vitamin C does the visible work; Ferulic Acid acts like a shield and amplifier, helping your glow last longer with better results.

Azelaic Acid vs Niacinamide

Azelaic Acid gently brightens discoloration, calms redness, and helps reduce acne-causing bacteria, making it ideal for rosacea-prone or easily irritated skin. Niacinamide supports the moisture barrier, minimizes the look of pores, balances oil, and reduces redness while improving overall texture. Together, they’re a powerhouse combo: Azelaic targets pigment and breakouts, while Niacinamide keeps the barrier calm and balanced.

For best results

Introduce new active ingredients slowly. Apply hydrating layers first, then treatment serums, then moisturizer. Always use SPF in your morning routine when brightening or resurfacing.

Learn More

For a complete explanation of individual ingredients, visit our Ingredient Glossary

For issue-specific recommendations, explore our Skin Concern Guide

Still not sure which ingredient is right for your skin? Take our skincare quiz for personalized product recommendations based on concerns, texture, and barrier needs.