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Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum vs Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition

Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum scores 9.1/9.8 vs Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition at 8.4/9.8. Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum wins for hydration.

Head to head

Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
Farmacy

1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum

serumpremium
9.1
VS
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition

serumpremium
8.4

Score comparison

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

1
3
1
Farmacy wins 1
Tied 3
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna wins 1
9.1Farmacy
+0.7vs
8.4Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna WINS
8.6
9.8
Farmacy
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
Farmacy
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Active Ingredient Strength

TIE
5.9
5.7
Farmacy
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
Farmacy
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Formulation Safety

Farmacy WINS
9.0
8.0
Farmacy
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

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 Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition's 9.8. With Glycerin, Isopentyldiol, and Panthenol in its top ingredients, Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.

Formulation Safety is another area of separation. Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum scores 9.0 here versus 8.0 for Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition. 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 fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition relies on Niacinamide, Tocopherol, and Lactobacillus. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.

Best for your skin type

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

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
  • Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations

Value comparison

Both sit in the premium bracket, so value comes down to formulation quality. Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum gets the nod here with its 9.1 overall score — you're getting more for a similar outlay.

Our verdict

✶ Our verdict
+0.7 lead

Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition is still a solid pick.

9.1Farmacy
vs
8.4Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum or Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition?

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 Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum and Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition share ingredients?

Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.

What's the main difference between Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum and Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition?

The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.