Medicube Red Serum vs The Derma Co 0.3% Retinol Serum

Medicube

The Derma Co

A serum built around Niacinamide and Zinc salt, for hydration and barrier repair.

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

Serum

63 ingredients

27 ingredients

Brand price

USD 20.00 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

INR 799.00 · checked 5 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from South Korea

Brand from India

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fragrance-free, Alcohol-free and Pore-clogger-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Ceramide1
Skin-identical lipids that hold the barrier together.
Ceramide NP
Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Zinc salt (sebum/soothing)1
Zinc salts, used for sebum control and soothing.
Zinc PCA

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

May Trigger Acne2
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis5
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
C12-14 Alketh-12, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Oleate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Irritation3
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Alcohol Denat., Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Tocopherol

Show highlights for:

Water
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
Perfuming
0-1 / —
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Xylitol
Humectant
0-1 / —
Alcohol Denat.
Fragrance
0 / —
- Denatured alcohol
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
Trehalose
Humectant
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
Solvent

Aqua
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 (in both products)
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.

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 →
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Learn more about Pentylene Glycol →
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising, Hair Fixing, Viscosity Controlling
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone.
Learn more about Dimethicone Crosspolymer →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Fragrance, Perfuming, Occlusive, Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is the mixed triester of glycerin and caprylic and capric acids.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →