Biretix Duo Anti-Blemish Gel Versus The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
Updated on February 18, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 3 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 parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
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
Biretix Duo Anti-Blemish Gel 33 ingredients
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Biretix Duo Anti-Blemish Gel 33 ingredients
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Isohexadecane
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTrehalose
HumectantSalicylic Acid
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
EmollientDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
Humectant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Beta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
Emollient
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingOligopeptide-10
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBHT
Antioxidant
BHA
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 80, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Benzyl Alcohol, Isohexadecane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Trehalose, Salicylic Acid, Tocopherol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Lecithin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Polysorbate 20, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Honey Extract, Retinol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Beta-Sitosterol, Squalane, Glycine Soja Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Oligopeptide-10, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, BHT, BHA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.
As a solvent, dimethyl isosorbide helps dissolve other ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of an ingredient. It may also be used to decrease the thickness of a product.
Studies show dimethyl isosorbide is able to penetrate skin to deliver other ingredients into the skin, making them more effective.
Learn more about Dimethyl IsosorbideThis ingredient is a retinoid. It usually goes by a more common name: "Granactive".
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes retinol and tretinoin.
Retinoids have been proven to:
So what is the difference between all the retinoids? Most retinoids need to go through a conversion line to become effective on skin. The ending product is retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is AKA tretinoin.
HPR is an ester of tretinoin. Emerging studies suggest HPR to have an added benefit that other retinoids don't have: Low irritation.
A study from 2021 found HPR to have the greatest stability when exposed to light and temperature out of all the commercial retinoids.
A note about naming: The name "Granactive" is the trade name and the name most commonly used on packages.
Granactive is the name of the mixture - about 90% solvent and 10% HPR. A product with 5% granactive has 0.5% HPR.
Learn more about Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Biretix Duo Anti-Blemish Gel 33 ingredients
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Biretix Duo Anti-Blemish Gel 33 ingredients
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
(Tried May 2023) Another retinoid in The Ordinary's lineup that I enjoyed using. As far as efficacy, it's the strongest of the three formulations. This is what I upgraded to after using The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. I experienced no irritation with this product despite it's strength and I liked how radiant my skin felt the next morning. Very affordable for the amount and how long Show more
This serum is really greasy and not easy to absorb, but for its price point I think the skin feel is just what it is. I personally would not repurchase
