Head to head
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
The bottom lineCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does more across the board (it leads on barrier repair, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule is the simpler, more pared-back pick.
Reach for CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if you want the actives; SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.
Which should you pick?
Pick Resurfacing Retinol Serum if
- dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- you want the more affordable option
Pick Madagascar Centella Ampoule if
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- you are prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
What each delivers
Side by side
| Resurfacing Retinol Serum | Madagascar Centella Ampoule | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Niacinamide, Ceramide 3, Retinol | Glycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract |
| Texture | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. |
| Fragrance | None detected | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Likely |
| Pregnancy | One caution | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 33 listed | 7 listed |
| Price | ~€16 | ~€18 |
What's in one but not the other
The two labels share 1 of the 39 ingredients between them. The actives are where they part company.
What each one adds acts on The living epidermis, The stratum corneum for CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and The stratum corneum, Not established for SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule. That is the layer each is understood to act on, not how deep it travels.
Only in Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Both share
No active in common.
Only in Madagascar Centella Ampoule
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Fine lines & firmnessResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Breakouts & congestionResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Dryness & dehydrationMadagascar Centella Ampoule
- Sensitive, reactive skinMadagascar Centella Ampoule
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 SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does more across the board (it leads on barrier repair, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if you want the actives; SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.
Which is cheaper, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule?
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€18).
Can I use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule 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.
Compare it with…
All 54 comparisons
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- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs Medik8 Liquid Peptides
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs The Ordinary GF 15% Solution
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule vs CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
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