CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum VS Skin Renewing: the names alone make you squint at the shelf. Both say retinol, both look almost identical, and you’re standing there thinking, ok… which one’s actually gonna do something for me? That’s the thing about skincar. Iit’s not that there aren’t enough choices, it’s that there are too many that look the same and leave you guessing. You pick one, hope for the best, and a month later it’s just sitting half-used in your bathroom while you’re back to Googling reviews. That’s why this breakdown exists. Not to drown you in ingredients or marketing words, but to make it obvious which bottle belongs in your routine and which one you can skip without regret.
What Ingredients Do These Retinol Products Have In Common?
CERAMIDES (CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP)
Your skin’s barrier is like a brick wall. Skin cells are the bricks, and ceramides are the mortar holding it all together. Without enough mortar, the wall gets cracks – your skin feels dry, tight, itchy, or just plain cranky. That’s where these little guys come in. Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP are basically different flavors of the same fatty molecules your skin makes naturally. NP is great at stopping water from leaking out, AP helps smooth things over, and EOP is the one that steps in when your barrier is busted and needs rebuilding. Together, they make your skin stronger, calmer, and less likely to freak out at every little thing.
Science backs it up too: people with eczema and super-dry skin tend to have lower ceramide levels, and topping up with them actually helps repair the skin barrier. Side effects? None, really. Ceramides are about as safe as it gets. The only “problem” is they’re not flashy. You won’t see overnight magic. They just quietly do their job in the background, making your skin healthier long-term.
Related: Are Ceramides The Key To Healthy Skin?
RETINOL
Retinol, the active ingredient in both serums, is a whole different beast. It’s basically vitamin A in disguise, and once your skin processes it, it kicks your cells into gear like a personal trainer yelling at them to move faster and work harder. End result? Smoother texture, fewer breakouts, less noticeable fine lines, more even skin. And the science isn’t hype: it’s one of the most studied ingredients out there. Retinol and its stronger cousin, tretinoin, have decades of data showing they actually remodel your skin. Like, they don’t just fake it with a glow, they make new, healthier cells and more collagen underneath.
The catch? Retinol can be a diva. In the beginning, it might leave you peeling, dry, or red-the dreaded “retinol purge.” But that phase doesn’t last forever. Start slow, moisturize like crazy, and don’t mix it with every other harsh active you own right away. CeraVe tries to make it easier by wrapping retinol in a slow-release system, so it’s gentler and less likely to fry your face. It’s not as strong as prescription stuff, but it’s a solid entry point if you want results without signing up for weeks of irritation. Just be careful if you use sensitive skin (your skin may not be able to tolerate retinol at all).
Related: Why You Should Keep Using Retinol Even If It Makes You Break Out
What Else Is In These Serums?
CERAVE RESURFACING RETINOL SERUM
- Aqua/water/eau: Literally just water. It’s the base of almost every skincare product. Nothing fancy here, it just dissolves the other ingredients and makes the serum, well… a serum instead of a chalky powder.
- Propanediol: A lightweight hydrator and solvent. It pulls water into your skin a bit, but its main gig is helping the other active ingredients absorb better. Think of it as the guy holding the door open so retinol and niacinamide can actually get inside.
- Dimethicone: A silicone that makes your skin feel instantly smoother. It creates that soft, silky finish and also traps moisture in without suffocating your skin. A lot of people panic when they see “silicone,” but honestly, it’s non-comedogenic and dermatologist-approved.
- Cetearyl ethylhexanoate: A texture enhancer. It gives the formula slip and spreadability so you don’t feel like you’re dragging glue across your face.
- Niacinamide: The overachiever of skincare. Brightens dark spots, calms redness, improves barrier function, even helps regulate oil production. It doesn’t do just one thing, it does all the things – and it plays nicely with almost every other ingredient.
- Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate: A thickener that stops the serum from being runny. Without it, you’d basically have a watery mess dripping through your fingers before it even hit your face.
- Dipotassium glycyrrhizate: Comes from licorice root. It’s soothing, calming, and can even help fade redness over time. If your skin tends to throw tantrums, this is like a chill pill in the formula.
- Hydrogenated lecithin: A fatty substance that helps moisturize and strengthen the barrier. Picture it as a patch that fills in weak spots in your skin wall so water doesn’t leak out.
- Potassium phosphate: A pH adjuster. It keeps the serum at the right acidity so retinol works properly without your face burning off.
- Carbomer: A texture agent. Helps turn liquid formulas into gels so you can actually apply them without it running off your face.
- Cetearyl alcohol: Not the bad kind of alcohol. This one’s a fatty alcohol, which means it moisturizes and softens the skin. Think of it as buttery, not drying.
- Behentrimonium methosulfate: Sounds scary, but it’s a conditioning agent. Makes the serum feel smooth and non-sticky.
- Dimethiconol: Another silicone, this one leaves behind a velvety finish. It’s why your skin doesn’t feel greasy after application.
- Lecithin: A natural fat that moisturizes and helps keep your barrier strong. It’s like reinforcement for your skin wall.
- Sodium citrate: Another pH adjuster. Keeps everything stable and gentle.
- Sodium hyaluronate: A hydration magnet. It pulls water into your skin and plumps it up. It’s the salt form of hyaluronic acid, which means it absorbs even better.
- Sodium lauroyl lactylate: A helper ingredient that mixes water and oil together, and also supports the skin barrier.
- Cholesterol: Yes, like the cholesterol in your body. Your skin naturally has it too, and it’s crucial for barrier function. It works hand-in-hand with ceramides and fatty acids to keep skin balanced.
- Phenoxyethanol: A preservative. Without it, your serum would grow mold and bacteria within days.
- Alcohol: This one’s here in small amounts to help other ingredients penetrate better. Can be drying if overdone, but usually harmless in a well-formulated product.
- Isopropyl myristate: Adds slip and makes the serum feel lightweight. Downside: it can clog pores for some people, especially if you’re acne-prone.
- Caprylyl glycol: A multitasker that hydrates and boosts the preservative system. Think of it as both a moisturizer and bodyguard for the formula.
Citric acid:Balances pH and gives a very mild exfoliation.- Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate: A chelating agent. Binds to metal ions in water that could destabilize the formula. Basically, it keeps the serum from going off.
- Pentylene glycol: A humectant that draws water into the skin and also gives the serum a lighter feel.
- Phytosphingosine: A natural skin lipid with anti-inflammatory powers. Helps calm irritation and strengthens the barrier.
- Xanthan gum: Thickener that gives the serum a bit of that gel-like bounce.
- Polysorbate 20: An emulsifier. Keeps oil and water ingredients from separating, so your serum doesn’t split.
- Ethylhexylglycerin: A preservative booster that also conditions skin. It’s often paired with phenoxyethanol to keep things fresh.
CERAVE SKIN RENEWING RETINOL SERUM
- Aqua/water/eau: Plain old water. It’s the base of almost every skincare product, the thing everything else is dissolved in. Doesn’t do much on its own, but without it you’d just have a pile of powdery chemicals in a jar.
- Glycerin: One of the OG moisturizers. It’s a humectant, which means it grabs onto water and keeps it in your skin. Super cheap, super effective, and the reason your face doesn’t feel like cardboard after washing.
- Caprylic/capric triglyceride: A fancy way of saying “a lightweight oil from coconut.” Softens skin, locks in moisture, and feels silky without being greasy. It’s like coconut oil’s less cloggy cousin.
- Potassium cetyl phosphate: Keeps the whole formula from splitting. Basically the glue that lets water and oil hang out in the same bottle without turning into salad dressing.
- Hydrogenated palm glycerides: A bunch of fatty emollients that smooth and condition. They’re the buttery layer that makes your skin feel soft.
- Polysorbate 20: Another ingredient that keeps things blended. Without it, your serum would have the texture of separated soup.
- Peg-40 stearate: Helps dissolve oil-soluble stuff into water. It’s like a middleman that makes sure retinol and friends don’t just float awkwardly at the top.
- Cyclopentasiloxane: A silicone that makes skin feel silky right away. It spreads fast, then evaporates, so you’re left with that “soft but not greasy” finish.
- Hydroxyethylcellulose: A thickener. Without it, the serum would drip down your face faster than you could rub it in.
- Potassium phosphate: A stabilizer that keeps the pH just right. If the pH’s off, retinol doesn’t work properly, so this guy’s kind of like the referee.
- Carbomer: A gel-maker. Without it, the serum would feel like weird soup instead of a smooth gel.
- Niacinamide: Skincare’s Swiss Army knife. Fades dark spots, calms redness, strengthens the barrier, helps regulate oil… it just doesn’t quit. And it works for basically every skin type.
- Isoceteth-10: Another helper that blends oil and water so the texture stays nice.
- Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer: A silicone duo that makes the serum velvety and smooth, plus helps lock in moisture so you don’t dry out.
- Triethanolamine: Adjusts the formula’s pH and helps keep the texture stable. Basically background support.
- Cetearyl alcohol: Not the bad, drying alcohol. This is a fatty alcohol, which actually moisturizes and softens your skin. Think creamy, not stripping.
- Behentrimonium methosulfate: Sounds scary, but it’s just a conditioning agent. Makes the serum spread nicely instead of feeling tacky.
- Cichorium intybus root extract / chicory root extract: A plant extract that can help with hydration and firmness. Basically, the “natural” touch in the formula.
- Lecithin: A fatty substance that keeps your barrier healthy and prevents water loss. It’s like reinforcement for weak spots in the wall.
- Silica: A powdery mineral that soaks up excess oil so your skin feels smooth, not greasy.
- Sodium lauroyl lactylate: A barrier-supporting emulsifier. Keeps oil and water mixed and helps skin stay balanced.
- Cholesterol: Yes, like the one you hear about in your blood. Your skin has it too, and it’s crucial for keeping your barrier strong and flexible.
- Phenoxyethanol: A preservative. Keeps bacteria and mold from setting up shop in your serum.
- Tocopherol: Vitamin E. An antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and gives the formula extra stability.
- Alcohol: Used in small amounts to help ingredients penetrate. Can be drying if overdone, but usually harmless here.
- Hydroxyacetophenone: An antioxidant and preservative helper. Keeps the formula fresh and adds a little extra skin protection.
- Citric acid: Adjusts the pH and can provide a light exfoliating effect.
- Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid: A smaller form of hyaluronic acid that sinks in deeper to hydrate and plump up skin.
- Pentylene glycol: A multitasker that hydrates and makes the texture feel lightweight instead of sticky.
- Xanthan gum: A natural thickener that gives the serum its gel texture.
- Phytosphingosine: A lipid naturally found in skin. Helps calm inflammation and keeps the barrier strong.
- Butyrospermum parkii butter / shea butter: Rich, nourishing butter that deeply moisturizes. Great for dry spots, but can feel heavy for oilier types.
- Ethylhexylglycerin: A preservative booster that also softens and conditions your skin.
WHICH FORMULA IS BETTER?
If your main goal is anti-aging, the Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is the better choice. Here’s why: It’s creamier and loaded with things like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E – all of which make retinol easier to tolerate long-term. And with anti-aging, consistency is everything. Retinol in this formula helps soften fine lines, boost collagen, and improve overall firmness. That’s exactly what you want if you’re chasing “younger-looking” skin.
Now, if you’re looking at dark spots from acne, the Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the one CeraVe built for that. Does it work? Yes – but slowly. Retinol itself helps fade pigmentation over time, and niacinamide plus licorice root extract give it a little extra brightening push. Just don’t expect it to erase marks in weeks; this is a “gradual fade” kind of serum, not a powerhouse pigment corrector.
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
What’s The Texture Like?
The Resurfacing serum feels like a thin gel. You pump it out, rub it in, and it disappears almost instantly. No grease, no film, almost like your skin just drank it up. Perfect if you hate heavy products or your skin freaks out when things feel too rich.
The Skin Renewing serum? Totally different vibe. It’s creamier, more cushioned, and you can feel it sitting there a little longer before sinking in. Not in a bad way – more like a light moisturizer built into your serum. If your skin gets dry, this one feels way more comforting.
What’s The Fragrance Like?
Both are fragrance-free. No perfumes, no scents added. You’ll just get a faint whiff of the raw ingredients – kind of “unscented skincare smell.” Nothing fancy, nothing irritating.
What’s The Packaging Like?
The Resurfacing serum comes in a slim white bottle with a purple accent, while the Skin Renewing serum comes in a white bottle with teal. Both have pumps, which keeps things hygienic and easy to use. Nothing luxurious, but they’re practical, no-nonsense bottles that get the job done.
How To Use Them
Both are retinol serums, so the rules are the same:
- Use them at night (retinol + sunlight = no good).
- Start slow (2-3 nights a week) and work up as your skin gets used to it.
- Always, always pair with moisturizer after.
- And don’t forget sunscreen in the morning, because retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the Resurfacing will feel more lightweight in your routine. If you’re drier or aiming at anti-aging, the Skin Renewing will slot in as a more nourishing step.
Price & Availability
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum ($21.99): Available at Boots, Sephora, Superdrug and Ulta
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum ($24.99): Available at Ulta
Which One Should You Go For?
Still breaking out or stuck with those annoying marks that hang around after pimples? Go with Resurfacing. It’s light, sinks in quick, and won’t feel like a heavy cream clogging things up. It’s not gonna clear scars overnight, but it chips away at them slowly without making acne worse.
Not really breaking out anymore but starting to notice fine lines, dryness, or that “why does my skin look kind of blah?” thing? That’s Skin Renewing’s lane. It’s creamier, comfier, and makes retinol easier to stick with – which matters, because retinol only works if you actually keep using it.
So yeah: Resurfacing if acne is still the story, Skin Renewing if aging’s the bigger deal.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum Ingredients
Aqua/water/eau, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Potassium phosphate, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Carbomer, Cetearyl alcohol, Behentrimonium methosulfate, Dimethiconol, Lecithin, Sodium citrate, Retinol, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Isopropyl myristate, Caprylyl glycol, Citric acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Pentylene glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan gum, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum Ingredients
Aqua/water/eau, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Hydrogenated palm glycerides, Polysorbate 20, Peg-40 stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium phosphate, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Isoceteth-10, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Cetearyl alcohol, Behentrimonium methosulfate, Cichorium intybus root extract / chicory root extract, Lecithin, Retinol, Silica, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric acid, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Pentylene glycol, Xanthan gum, Phytosphingosine, Butyrospermum parkii butter / shea butter, Ethylhexylglycerin
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
