Hyaluronic Acid was first discovered in 1934 and was found in cow’s eyes. It is made up of 2 sugar molecules D-glucuronic acid and D-N-acetyl glucosamine. Part of its name comes from the Greek word for glass and its sources are unique- umbilical cords, cow’s eyes, rooster’s combs, and so on.
What is Retinol?
Contents
This is a skincare medication that has its source in Vitamin A. It is a very mild formula that allows it to be sold without requiring a prescription. This product is said to be the gold standard of skincare and it does seem to work well.
Retinol is not known to be a fast worker and it can take several months to produce any desired results. It is not a product for any emergency acne issues on date night. You should not experience any side effects no matter your skin type unless you overuse the product.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
This product is a self-moisturizer. Its chemical compounds help draw moisture towards it and can hold 1000 times its weight in water. Then it helps support tissue structure, making your skin smoother and firmer.
This product can be produced naturally or synthetically, and it is a good skincare formula that helps you look a little younger than you really are. People with all skin types should be able to use this medication safely and without worry.
It is one of the gentlest skincare medications you can use rivalling Retinol in this category
How Are They Different?
The first difference you will notice is that Retinol comes from a Vitamin while Hyaluronic Acid (HA) comes from different body parts from both humans and animals. Both sources are natural so there is no chemical influence in either.
Then HA is more of a moisturizer that helps tissue structure while Retinol works on other skin issues like blemishes and hyperpigmentation. HA also has some antioxidants that help with keeping your skin nice and healthy.
While Retinol is safe to use with other products, HA can have a chemical reaction to different products you put on your body.
How Are They Similar?
One of the best similarities is that the two medications are very mild and safe to use. Unless you overuse these products, you should not experience any side effects no matter your skin type.
Then they both work on facial skin issues helping rid your face of blemishes while building up tissue foundations or skin cell reproduction. Both have some influence over your acne problem, but neither are acne miracle cures.
Because their formulas are mild in nature, the two products can interact well with each other. That adds another element to your beauty treatments.
What’s Better About Retinol?
This product is vitamin based which gives it an edge over HA. You are getting a very natural ingredient that not only helps your skin but also keeps your eyes in good shape.
Then, unless you overuse this medication, you should not experience any real side effects. Some people do regardless but in general, Retinol is very safe to use. Plus, you get better cell re-generation with this product.
With its fine line and wrinkle-fighting prowess, you may be able to turn back the clock a few years and be mistaken for your daughter’s sister.
What’s Better About Hyaluronic Acid?
This product is more of a skin moisturizer that draws moisture from the deeper layers of your body as well as from the atmosphere. Your skin gets hydrated better and keeps its firm and smooth texture.
Then it helps fight acne by not tolerating any oils that may cause an outbreak. That may be due to the antioxidant properties that build up your skin and keep it nice and healthy. With its mild formula, you should not experience any side effects or breakouts of other skin conditions.
Who Should Get Retinol?
This medication is specifically for certain skin issues. Those groups that suffer from those issues in minor formats would benefit from using this product. It is not for those groups who suffer from more serious forms of skin ailments.
The reason for that is that it is a slow-acting solution that takes some time to clear up any facial problems.
Who Should Get Hyaluronic Acid?
Since this medication is a moisturizer primarily, it is best used by people who have dry skin. It helps draw in the moisture from the atmosphere helping your skin be softer, smoother, and better looking.
Comparison Chart
| Category | Retinol | HA |
| Source | Vitamin A | Body parts from humans and animals |
| Safe to use | Yes, but do not overuse it | Yes |
| Duties | Works on wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes | Primarily a moisturizer with other benefits |
| Side effects | There can be | There can be |
| A Retinoid | Yes | No |
| Cost | Reasonable & affordable | Probably reasonable and affordable |
