SK-II Skinpower Re-New Essence vs VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1

SK-II

VT Cosmetics

An essence built around Niacinamide and Panthenol, for hydration and barrier repair.

An essence built around Niacinamide and Retinoid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Essence

31 ingredients

43 ingredients

Brand price

Not recorded · brand's site

Brand price

USD 20.16 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

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Brand from Japan

Brand from South Korea

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At a Glance

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

Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
Niacinamide1
Vitamin B3 — supports the barrier and evens tone.
Niacinamide

Fatty alcohol1
Waxy fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners; unrelated to drying alcohol.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Ceramide1
Skin-identical lipids that hold the barrier together.
Ceramide NP
Bakuchiol1
A plant-derived ingredient studied as a retinol alternative.
Bakuchiol
PHA1
Polyhydroxy acids — larger and milder than AHAs.
Gluconolactone

Hydrating11
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Panthenol, PEG-32, PEG-4, Peg/Ppg/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Trehalose, Xylitol
Barrier Repair6
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Xylitol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Panthenol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis6
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, C13-14 Isoalkane, Laureth-7, Lauroyl Lysine, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Polysorbate 20
May Worsen Irritation2
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance
May Worsen Eczema2
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance
May Worsen Rosacea1
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Fragrance

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Butylene Glycol (in both products)
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide (in both products)
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Viscosity Controlling
0 / —
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
1 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Possibly animal-derived
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Learn more about Butylene Glycol →
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Niacinamide is niacinamide.
Learn more about Niacinamide →
Dimethicone
Antifoaming, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Skin Protecting
Dimethicone is a silicone.
Learn more about Dimethicone →
Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →
Disodium EDTA
Chelating, Viscosity Controlling
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Learn more about Disodium EDTA →