Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol Versus The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 4 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, common allergens, fragrances, parabens 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
Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol 49 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
Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol 49 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
EmollientC12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientAlgae Extract
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Coffea Arabica Seed Oil
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Urea
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Trehalose
Humectant
Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
PEG-100 Stearate
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriacetin
AntimicrobialPolyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBHT
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Algae Extract, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Cetyl Alcohol, Retinol, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Ascorbic Acid, Urea, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Trehalose, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-100 Stearate, Linoleic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sorbitol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Triacetin, Polyquaternium-51, Xanthan Gum, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
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 BHTThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideRetinol 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 RetinolSqualane 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".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol 49 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Be the first to review Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol
Write the first review
