ISDIN vs Sesderma — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Isdinceutics Retinal Intense
9/10 · ISDIN
| Isdinceutics Retinal Intense | C-Vit Liposomal Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ISDIN | Sesderma |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 9/10 ★ | 8.5/10 |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Concentrated serum | Watery orange-tinted serum |
| Finish | Smooth, absorbed | Brightened, dewy, plumped |
| Skin Types |
| Targets |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| 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. | Sesderma's hero vitamin C serum — and the orange-tinted formulation that put the brand on the global map. The hero active is liposomal ascorbyl glucoside, a stable vitamin C derivative encapsulated in phosphatidylcholine liposomes (the orange tint is the natural colour of the encapsulated molecule, not added dye). The liposomal delivery solves two problems traditional vitamin C serums share: stability (sealed inside the liposome, the active doesn't oxidise on contact with air) and irritation (the liposome carries the active deeper into the skin without flooding the surface). Beta-glucan adds soothing, allantoin calms, vitamin E provides antioxidant network support. At $45 for 30ml, mid-tier pricing — and the most accessible liposomal vitamin C serum in any beauty origin. |
