ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads vs Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum scores 9.1/9.8 vs ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads at 8.5/9.8. Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum wins for hydration.
Head to head
Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads
1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
Score comparison
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum edges ahead, winning 2 of 5 attributes.
Scores last verified: July 2026
Attribute battle
Hydration Efficacy
Farmacy WINSIrritation Risk
Farmacy WINSActive Ingredient Strength
TIEIngredient Transparency
TIEFormulation Safety
TIEIngredient face-off
10% overlapOnly in ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads
37 unique
Only in Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
36 unique
Why Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum comes out ahead
Where Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum really shines is hydration efficacy, scoring 8.6 compared to ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads's 5.8. With Glycerin, Isopentyldiol, and Panthenol in its top ingredients, Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.
Irritation Risk is another area of separation. Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum scores 9.5 here versus 9.2 for ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum brings Ceramide Np, Tocopherol, and Retinol as actives, while aLPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads relies on Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, and Lactic Acid. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.
Best for your skin type
ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads is better if you have
- Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
- Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum is better if you have
- Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
- Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Glycerin
- Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations
Value comparison
At mid-range pricing with a score of 8.5, ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads is a decent pick. Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum sits at the premium level with a 9.1 score — the higher investment pays off in formulation quality.
Our verdict
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads is still a solid pick.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads or Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum?
Based on ingredient analysis, Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.
Do ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads and Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum share ingredients?
Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.
What's the main difference between ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads and Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum?
The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.