Head to head

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.

The bottom line

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does the same job for less.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol SerumCeraVeResurfacing Retinol SerumSerum · ~€16See every ingredient in Resurfacing Retinol Serum, decoded
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol SerumCeraVeSkin Renewing Retinol SerumSerum · ~€18See every ingredient in Skin Renewing Retinol Serum, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Resurfacing Retinol Serum if

  • you want the more affordable option

Pick Skin Renewing Retinol Serum if

  • plump, lasting hydration is what you want

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Resurfacing Retinol SerumSkin Renewing Retinol Serum
  • Hydration
    810
  • Barrier repair
    1010
  • Brightening / tone
    77
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    88
  • Anti-aging
    99

Side by side

Resurfacing Retinol SerumSkin Renewing Retinol Serum
TypeSerumSerum
Key activesNiacinamide, Ceramide 3, RetinolGlycerin, Ceramide 3, Niacinamide
TextureA light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film.A rich, cushiony cream that sinks in slowly.
FragranceNone detectedNone detected
Fungal-acne safeNot likelyNot likely
PregnancyOne cautionOne caution
Ingredients33 listed37 listed
Price~€16~€18

What's in one but not the other

Only in Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Only in Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

The molecule doing the work

Resurfacing Retinol SerumNiacinamide
Skin Renewing Retinol SerumGlycerin

Better for…

  • Dark spots & uneven toneEither works
  • Fine lines & firmnessEither works
  • Breakouts & congestionEither works
  • Dryness & dehydrationSkin Renewing Retinol Serum
  • Sensitive, reactive skinSkin Renewing Retinol Serum

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€18).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum better for dryness & dehydration?

For dryness & dehydration, CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does the same job for less.

Which is cheaper, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum?

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€18).

Can I use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum together?

They are both serums, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.

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