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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum versus The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane .

Last updated on January 14, 2024. Published on November 24, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 0 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, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

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

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

Serum Canadian Brand Canada
Serum Canadian Brand Canada

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Starts at $15.45
Shop

Buy Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

Starts at $16.10

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Niacinamide
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (6)
Reduces Irritation (4)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (4)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting

Concerns

Drying
Irritating
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

52% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
39% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet
40% are loved or liked
30% have mixed ratings
20% are disliked or very disliked
10% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 18 ratings
Great Value (3) Light (3) Absorbs Well (2) Hydrating (2) Works Well (2) No Scent (1)
SkincareSimba's avatar

SkincareSimba

1 month ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

The only retinol my partner's skin can tolerate.
Their skin is extremely reactive and sensitive but this retinol has worked great.

I also use...

The only retinol my partner's skin can tolerate.
Their skin is extremely reactive and sensitive but this retinol has worked great.

I also use it every other day because I alternate between this retinol and A313.
It works great and is gentle enough to allow me to build tolerance without purging effects (at least on my skin and my partner's)

CentellaAddict's avatar

CentellaAddict

4 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

No more acne, very slow at reducing pigmentation tho

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Oily (2) Great Value (2) Light (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1) Light Scent (1)
AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

3 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

(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....

(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 it lasts. The only thing I disliked with this formulation is that it's more similar to an oil rather than a serum.

YuxuanP's avatar

YuxuanP

1 month ago · Combination Skin
Review

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...

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

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 42 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 12 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane.

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