Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Perfectly Dosed Retinol Extra Strength 0.5% vs Illuminating Drops — Ingredient Comparison

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Perfectly Dosed Retinol Extra Strength 0.5%

Treatment · 30 ingredients

A fragrance-free retinol serum formulated to smooth the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. Pure liquid retinol at 0.5% drives the anti-aging and firming benefits, while bakuchiol and rambutan work to reinforce those effects. Squalane and hyaluronic acid are included to soothe and hydrate, helping to offset potential dryness and making it suitable for those concerned about retinol sensitivity.

Fragrance-freeVegan

Summer Fridays

Illuminating Drops

Treatment · 27 ingredients

A lightweight illuminating serum that hydrates and brightens while soothing the complexion. Hyaluronic acid delivers long-lasting moisture and helps strengthen the skin barrier, while a glycerin blend attracts and locks in hydration to leave skin feeling soft and supple. Tiger grass works to calm and comfort skin, reducing the appearance of redness.

Your fit

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How these two interact

No conflicts — safe to layer

Both are Treatment products.

At a glance

Fragrance-free

—

Vegan

—

Price

$42

$32

$10 less

Key ingredients

Retinol (0.5%)

A retinoid that speeds cell turnover to smooth texture, soften lines, and clear pores.

Retinol

A plant-based retinol alternative — similar smoothing benefits, gentler, and pregnancy-friendly.

Centella

Calms inflammation and speeds barrier recovery.

Bisabolol

A soothing ingredient that calms redness and irritation.

Ferulic Acid

An antioxidant that stabilizes vitamins C and E and roughly doubles their sun defense.

Hyaluronic Acid

Holds water in the skin for instant plumping and hydration.

Squalane

A lightweight, biomimetic oil that softens without clogging pores — pairs perfectly with strong actives to offset dryness.

Green Tea

An antioxidant that calms inflammation and helps regulate oil.

Aloe Vera

Cools and hydrates irritated skin.

Sodium PCA

A humectant that pulls water into the skin for plumper, more hydrated skin.

Lactic Acid (AHA)

A water-soluble acid that exfoliates the surface for smoother, brighter, more even skin.

Mandelic Acid (AHA)

A gentle, large-molecule AHA — good for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Glycerin

The workhorse humectant — simple, effective, and exceptionally well-tolerated.

Hyaluronic Acid

Holds water in the skin for instant plumping and hydration.

Centella

Calms inflammation and speeds barrier recovery.

Glycerin

The workhorse humectant — simple, effective, and exceptionally well-tolerated.

What it targets

Hydration

Barrier

Brightening

Anti-aging

Texture

Acne

Oil control

Soothing

Antioxidant

Hydration

Barrier

Soothing