Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum with 9.8% Glycolic Acid vs The Derma Co 0.1% Retinol Serum

Kiehl's

The Derma Co

A serum built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.

A serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Serum

7 ingredients

27 ingredients

Brand price

INR 3200.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

INR 699.00 · checked 5 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from India

At a Glance

They come out differently on Alcohol-free, Silicone-free and Fungal-acne-safe; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate

Vitamin C derivative (stable)1
Stable derivatives of ascorbic acid.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
Retinoid1
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol
Vitamin C1
Vitamin C in any form: an antioxidant and brightener.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid
Smoothing1
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Glycolic Acid

May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Eczema1
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Rosacea1
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Dryness1
Can strip moisture and worsen dryness.
Alcohol Denat.

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Alcohol Denat.
Fragrance
0 / —
- Denatured alcohol
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering
0 / —
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Light Stabilizer
0-1 / —

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin Conditioning
Diethylhexyl Carbonate
Emollient
Ethoxydiglycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Physalis Angulata Extract
Skin Protecting
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
0-1 / —
- Silicones

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Aqua
Solvent
Water
Learn more about Aqua →
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →