VT Cosmetics
Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1Sulwhasoo
First Care Activating Serum MistAn essence built around Niacinamide and Retinoid, for barrier repair and smoothing.
An essence built around Niacinamide and Centella asiatica, for barrier repair and hydration.
Brand price
USD 20.16 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 50.00 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

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

Key Ingredients

Fatty alcohol1
Waxy fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners; unrelated to drying alcohol.

Benefits

Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Dimethicone, Gluconolactone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearic Acid
Barrier Repair15
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Bakuchiol, Behenyl Alcohol, Betaine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Niacinamide, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Stearic Acid
Reduces Irritation6
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside
Redness Reducing7
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Niacinamide
Hydrating8
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ectoin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Xylitol
Barrier Repair10
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Water, Tocopherol, Xylitol

Concerns

May Trigger Acne4
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Stearic Acid
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis11
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Behenyl Alcohol, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysorbate 20, Propolis Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Stearic Acid
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Stearic Acid
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
May Worsen Irritation16
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Beta-Caryophyllene, Cananga Odorata Oil/Extract, Citral, Citronellol, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil, Fragrance, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Pinene, Terpinolene, Tocopherol

Ingredients Side-by-side

Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide (in both products)
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
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
Skin Conditioning
Skin Protecting
Emollient
Niacinamide (in both products)
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
Ingredients Explained
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 →1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
We don't have a description for 1,2-Hexanediol yet.
Learn more about 1,2-Hexanediol →Niacinamide
Smoothing
Niacinamide is niacinamide.
Learn more about Niacinamide →Betaine
Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Humectant
Betaine is the zwitterion (inner salt) that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Betaine →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine
Learn more about Adenosine →Madecassoside
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside is centella (cica).
Learn more about Madecassoside →
Similar Comparisons
Each product against its closest dupes.
- View the comparison

VT Cosmetics
Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1

Numbuzin
No.9 NAD+ BIO Lifting-sil Essence
- View the comparison

Sulwhasoo
First Care Activating Serum Mist

Sulwhasoo
Lumiwise Brightening Essence Water
- View the comparison

VT Cosmetics
Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1

VT Cosmetics
Cica Collagen Essence
- View the comparison

Sulwhasoo
First Care Activating Serum Mist

Beauty of Joseon
Ginseng Essence Water