Versus

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum - USA Versus The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Serum

Toner

American Brand

Canadian Brand

Updated on May 19, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, oils or parabens

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

New Comparison

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 42 ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 42 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Water

Propanediol

Dimethicone

Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate

Emollient

Niacinamide

Smoothing

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate

Emulsion Stabilising

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Humectant

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Potassium Phosphate

Ceramide NP

Ceramide AP

Ceramide EOP

Carbomer

Cetearyl Alcohol

2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Behentrimonium Methosulfate

Dimethiconol

Lecithin

Sodium Citrate

Retinol

Sodium Hyaluronate

0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

Emulsifying

Cholesterol

Emollient

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative

Alcohol

Antimicrobial

Isopropyl Myristate

Emollient

3-5 / 3 May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Citric Acid

Buffering

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Pentylene Glycol

Phytosphingosine

Xanthan Gum

Polysorbate 20

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycolic Acid

Buffering

Rosa Damascena Flower Water

Masking

Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water

Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water

Masking

Propanediol

Solvent

Glycerin

Humectant

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Triethanolamine

Buffering

2 / 0

Aminomethyl Propanol

Buffering

Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Emollient

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract

Aspartic Acid

Alanine

Glycine

Serine

Valine

Isoleucine

Proline

Threonine

Histidine

Phenylalanine

Glutamic Acid

Arginine

PCA

Sodium PCA

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Lactate

Fructose

Glucose

Sucrose

Urea

Hexyl Nicotinate

Dextrin

Citric Acid

Polysorbate 20

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Gellan Gum

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Sodium Chloride

Hexylene Glycol

Potassium Sorbate

Sodium Benzoate

1,2-Hexanediol

Caprylyl Glycol

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

Citric Acid

Buffering, Masking

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20

Propanediol

Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.

Water

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water