Gracie

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ vs Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ scores 9.6/9.8 vs Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol at 9.1/9.8. innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ wins for hydration.

Head to head

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​
innisfree

Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​

serummid-range
9.6
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

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ edges ahead, winning 1 of 5 attributes.

1
4
innisfree wins 1
Tied 4
Mother Science wins 0
9.6innisfree
+0.5vs
9.1Mother Science

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

innisfree WINS
9.8
7.8
innisfree
Mother Science

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
innisfree
Mother Science

Active Ingredient Strength

TIE
6.4
6.4
innisfree
Mother Science

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
innisfree
Mother Science

Formulation Safety

TIE
9.0
9.0
innisfree
Mother Science

Why innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ comes out ahead

Where innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ really shines is hydration efficacy, scoring 9.8 compared to Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol's 7.8. With Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, and Betaine in its top ingredients, innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ brings Niacinamide, Allantoin, and Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate as actives, while mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol relies on Retinol, Tocopherol, and Ceramide Np. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.

Best for your skin type

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ 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

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 mid-range pricing with a score of 9.6, innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ delivers strong value. 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 extra cost doesn't translate to better scores here.

Our verdict

✶ Our verdict
+0.5 lead

innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol is still a solid pick.

9.6innisfree
vs
9.1Mother Science

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ or Mother Science Retinol Synergist Anti-Aging Treatment Serum with Malassezin + 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol?

Based on ingredient analysis, innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.

Do innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ 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 innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​ 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.