ISDIN vs MartiDerm — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Isdinceutics Retinal Intense
9/10 · ISDIN
| Isdinceutics Retinal Intense | Proteos Hydra Plus Ampoules | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ISDIN | MartiDerm |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 9/10 ★ | 8.6/10 |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Concentrated serum | Watery serum in single-dose glass ampoule |
| Finish | Smooth, absorbed | Plumped, hydrated, smoothed |
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| Verdict | ISDIN's retinaldehyde powerhouse — a step above retinol in the vitamin A hierarchy. Retinal (retinaldehyde) converts to retinoic acid in one step instead of two, meaning faster results with less irritation than prescription tretinoin. ISDIN pairs it with HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate) for a dual-retinoid approach, plus bakuchiol as a botanical synergist and hyaluronic acid for hydration. The Spanish derm brand's most serious anti-aging product. | MartiDerm's hydration ampoule — the proteoglycan-anchored counterpart to the vitamin C Photo-Age line. Each 2ml ampoule carries the brand's signature proteoglycan complex (sodium chondroitin sulfate + sodium DNA) alongside dual-weight hyaluronic acid, panthenol for barrier support, and vitamin E for antioxidant network. The proteoglycan story is the differentiator: traditional plumping serums lean on HA alone, but proteoglycans (the structural sugar-protein complexes that hold water in dermal tissue) deliver a dimensional plumping effect that pure HA can't match. Use as a single-dose ampoule before SPF in the morning, or layered under a richer night cream. At $45 for 30 ampoules, mid-tier per ampoule — and a meaningful plumping ritual for skin that needs more than surface hydration. |
