All The Ordinary Retinoids Compared
| Property | Retinol 0.2% in Squalane | Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion | Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane | Retinol 1% in Squalane | Retinal 0.2% Emulsion |
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| Time of Day | night | night | night | night | night | night |
| Step | Treat | Treat | Treat | Treat | Treat | Treat |
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| Phase | Anhydrous | Oil | Anhydrous | Anhydrous | Anhydrous | Oil |
| Format | Serum | Serum | Serum | Serum | Serum | Serum |
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| Notes | This is The Ordinary's gentlest retinol product. It is a good choice for sensitive skin or those who are new to retinoids. Being squalane-based, it also helps with dryness. | This is a retinoid that's milder but less gentle than the Retinol 0.2% in Squalane. It has soothing botanticals derived from chamomile and Tasmanian pepper. | If you've been using the Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and want to try a stronger retinol, this is a good option. It has a higher concentration of retinol and is more potent, but otherwise the same. | This is a high-strength retinoid that's meant for people already used to retinoids. It has squalane which helps with dryness, and soothing camomile. | This is a high-strength retinoid that's meant for people already used to retinoids. It has squalane which helps with dryness. | This is The Ordinary's highest strength retinoid, closest to the active form of Vitamin A, and meant for expert retinoid users. It contains synthetic oat analogues which help mitigate dryness and irritation. |
Key Ingredients
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
- Bisabolol Botanicals
Chamomile-derived compound with soothing properties
- Ethyl Linoleate Emollients
Vitamin F, a useful skin-protecting emollient
- Glycerin Humectants
One of the most common and effective humectants
- Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate Retinoids
A supposedly less irritating retinoid that may be just as effective at stimulating collagen production and skin cell turnover
- Propanediol Humectants
A natural humectant
- Retinol Retinoids
A retinoid with anti-aging and acne-fighting properties
- Sucrose Laurate Emollients
Used to make gentle gel cleansers that don't strip the skin or as an emulsifier
- Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract Botanicals
Tasmanian Pepper extract, may act as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory.
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Bisabolol Botanicals
Chamomile-derived compound with soothing properties
- Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate Retinoids
A supposedly less irritating retinoid that may be just as effective at stimulating collagen production and skin cell turnover
- Squalane Oils
A skin-identical oil known to be non-comedogenic and safe for fungal skin issues
Retinol 1% in Squalane
Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
- Bisabolol Botanicals
Chamomile-derived compound with soothing properties
- Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide Emollients
A ceramide-like emollient that helps improve skin barrier function
- Ergothioneine
- Ginger Root Extract Botanicals
Ginger root extract with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Lactic Acid Acids
An multifunctional AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that exfoliates and acts as a humectant
- Propanediol Humectants
A natural humectant
- Rapeseed Sterols Botanicals
Derived from canola oil, it shows promise as an anti-inflammatory and may improve skin barrier function
- Retinaldehyde Retinoids
The most potent non-prescription retinoid available, may improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles
- Sodium Lactate Humectants
A sodium salt of lactic acid primarily used as a humectant and pH adjuster
- Stearic Acid Fatty Acids
A fatty acid that is used as an emollient and emulsifier