Gracie

Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set vs Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum

Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum scores 9.1/9.8 vs Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set at 8.7/9.8. Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum wins for hydration.

Head to head

Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set
Clarins

Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set

moisturisermid-range
8.7
VS
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
Farmacy

1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum

serumpremium
9.1

Score comparison

Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum edges ahead, winning 1 of 5 attributes.

1
4
Clarins wins 1
Tied 4
Farmacy wins 0
8.7Clarins
+0.4vs
9.1Farmacy

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

Clarins WINS
9.8
8.6
Clarins
Farmacy

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
Clarins
Farmacy

Active Ingredient Strength

TIE
5.8
5.9
Clarins
Farmacy

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
Clarins
Farmacy

Formulation Safety

TIE
9.0
9.0
Clarins
Farmacy

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 Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set's 9.8. With Glycerin, Isopentyldiol, and Panthenol in its top ingredients, Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.

Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum brings Ceramide Np, Tocopherol, and Retinol as actives, while clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set relies on Niacinamide, Extract, and Tocopheryl Acetate. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.

Best for your skin type

Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set 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

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 8.7, Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set 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

✶ Our verdict
+0.4 lead

Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set is still a solid pick.

8.7Clarins
vs
9.1Farmacy

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set 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 Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set 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 Clarins Smooth, Glow-Up & Go Set 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.