Gracie

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition vs Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol

Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol scores 9.1/9.8 vs Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition at 8.4/9.8. Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol wins for hydration.

Head to head

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
VS
Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol
Mother Science

Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol

serumluxury
9.1

Score comparison

Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol edges ahead, winning 2 of 5 attributes.

1
2
2
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna wins 1
Tied 2
Mother Science wins 2
8.4Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
+0.7vs
9.1Mother Science

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna WINS
9.8
7.8
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Mother Science

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Mother Science

Active Ingredient Strength

Mother Science WINS
5.7
6.4
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Mother Science

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Mother Science

Formulation Safety

Mother Science WINS
8.0
9.0
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Mother Science

Ingredient face-off

10% overlap
67Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
7Shared
29Mother Science

Why Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol comes out ahead

Where Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol really shines is hydration efficacy, scoring 7.8 compared to Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition's 9.8. With Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glycerin, and Trehalose in its top ingredients, Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.

Formulation Safety is another area of separation. Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol 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.

Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol brings Retinol, Tocopherol, and Ceramide Np 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

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

Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol is better if you have

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

Value comparison

At premium pricing with a score of 8.4, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition is a decent pick. Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol sits at the luxury level with a 9.1 score — the higher investment pays off in formulation quality.

Our verdict

✶ Our verdict
+0.7 lead

Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol 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.

8.4Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
vs
9.1Mother Science

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition or Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol?

Based on ingredient analysis, Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.

Do Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition and Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol share ingredients?

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

What's the main difference between Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Travel-Size Start'r Set: Oily + Combo Skin Edition and Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol?

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