SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst™ Anti-Aging Serum vs Dr.Althea 0.1 Gentle Retinol Serum

SkinCeuticals

Dr.Althea

A serum built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for smoothing and exfoliation.

A serum built around Panthenol and Retinoid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Serum

13 ingredients

32 ingredients

Brand price

USD 120.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 23.90 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from South Korea

At a Glance

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

AHA3
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Lactic acid1
An AHA that also acts as a humectant.
Lactic Acid

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Bakuchiol1
A plant-derived ingredient studied as a retinol alternative.
Bakuchiol
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Retinoid1
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol

Hydrating3
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Lactic Acid
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid
Smoothing5
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Caprylyl Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid

No concerns found

May Trigger Acne4
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis5
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Glycine Soja Oil

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Ethoxydiglycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering
0 / —
Phytic Acid
Chelating
0 / —
- Brightening
- Exfoliating
Lactic Acid
Humectant
- AHA
- Lactic acid
- Brightening
- Exfoliating
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
0 / —
- AHA
- Mandelic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Taurine
Buffering
0 / —
Salicylic Acid
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining

Water
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Dibutyl Adipate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
3 / 0
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
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.

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 →

Each product against its closest dupes.