Retin-A Retin-A Micro Gel Microsphere 0.08% vs Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical™ Advanced Clearing Gel

Retin-A

Clinique

An acne treatment built around Tretinoin, for barrier repair and smoothing.

An acne treatment built around Astringent, for hydration and soothing irritation.

Acne treatment

12 ingredients

Brand price

Not recorded

Brand price

USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from United States

Brand country not recorded

At a Glance

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

Astringent (witch hazel / tannin)1
Tannin-bearing astringents such as witch hazel.
Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Propylene Glycol
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether Distearate, Propylene Glycol
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Tretinoin
Smoothing3
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Cyclomethicone, PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether Distearate, Tretinoin

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Sucrose
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Reduces Irritation2
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sucrose
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sucrose

May Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Triethanolamine
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether Distearate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Triethanolamine
May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Benzyl Alcohol

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
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.

Show highlights for:

Tretinoin
- Tretinoin
- Acne Fighting
- Anti-Aging
- Dark Spots
- Smoothing
Benzyl Alcohol
Preservative
- EU labelled fragrance allergen
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
BHT
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Gel Forming
1 / 0
Cyclomethicone
Emollient
0 / 0
- Silicones
Disodium EDTA
Chelating
0 / —
Glycerin
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether Distearate
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Water
Skin Conditioning

Alcohol Denat.
Fragrance
0 / —
- Denatured alcohol
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Skin Conditioning
- Astringent (witch hazel / tannin)
- Oil Control
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Sucrose
Humectant
0-1 / —
Faex Extract
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin Protecting
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Benzoic Acid
Preservative

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