Babaria Retinol Serum Versus The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free serums. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Babaria Retinol Serum 21 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Babaria Retinol Serum 21 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Tri (Polyglyceryl-3/Lauryl) Hydrogenated Trilinoleate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Polyacrylate-13
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyisobutene
Parfum
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Tetrasodium EDTA
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
BHT
Antioxidant
CI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantBHA
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Citral
Perfuming
Water, Homosalate, Propylene Glycol, Tri (Polyglyceryl-3/Lauryl) Hydrogenated Trilinoleate, Polysorbate 80, Polyacrylate-13, Phenoxyethanol, Polyisobutene, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citric Acid, BHT, CI 16035, BHA, Disodium EDTA, Citral
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Babaria Retinol Serum 21 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Reviews
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