Side-by-side comparison

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

Both serums contain Retinol, but each adds something the other doesn't. Here's where they overlap and where they split.

2Shared hero actives
CeraVe
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
SerumMid-rangeEvening only
Rough TextureDark SpotsAgingSensitive skinDamaged barrier

Encapsulated retinol with niacinamide, ceramides and licorice root extract for post-acne marks. Low-irritation formulation — a sensible step up from a niacinamide-only routine, or a maintenance retinol for acne-prone skin that's finished with benzoyl peroxide.

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Kiehl's
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
SerumPremiumEvening only
Fine LinesRough TexturePhotoaging Prevention

A micro-dosed retinol serum with ceramide and peptide support designed for daily use with less irritation. A gentle daily-retinol approach for those who can't tolerate higher strengths; gradual, cumulative results.

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The verdict

Which should you choose?

Both contain Retinol. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum adds Niacinamide and Licorice Root Extract. Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum adds Peptides. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the better fit for dark spots and signs of aging; Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum for fine lines and preventing sun damage. On price, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the less expensive option (Mid-range versus Premium).

The overlap

What they share

These hero actives appear in both formulas:

RetinolCeramides
The formulation

Ingredient stacks, side by side

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum — top of the list

  • Water~50–80%
  • Glycerin~5–25%
  • Caprylic/Capri…~3–10%
  • Niacinamide~2–6%
  • Sodium Hydroxy…~1.5–4%
  • Cetyl Alcohol~1–2%
  • Pentylene Glycol~1–2%
  • Ceramide NP~1–2%
  • Retinol~1–2%
  • Licorice Root …~1–2%

Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Dimethicone~5–25%
  • Glycerin~3–10%
  • Retinol~2–6%
  • Ceramide NP~1.5–4%

● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.

At a glance

The specs

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol SerumKiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
CategorySerumSerum
Price tierMid-rangePremium
Best forRough Texture, Dark Spots, AgingFine Lines, Rough Texture, Photoaging Prevention
Usage notesEvening onlyEvening only
Shared hero activesRetinol and Ceramides
Questions

Common questions

Is the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or the Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum better?
It depends on what you're treating. Both contain Retinol; CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum adds Niacinamide and Licorice Root Extract; Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum adds Peptides.
What's the difference between the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and the Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum?
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum's hero actives are Retinol, Niacinamide, Ceramides and Licorice Root Extract. Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum's are Retinol, Ceramides and Peptides. They also sit in different price tiers (Mid-range versus Premium).
Are the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum dupes for each other?
Partly. They share Retinol, but CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum's Niacinamide and Licorice Root Extract and Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum's Peptides aren't in the other, so they aren't full substitutes.
Can I use the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum together?
There's no benefit to using two retinoids at once, and it raises the risk of irritation. Pick one.
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1 shared hero active

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