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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Cos De BAHA Retinol 2.5% Facial Serum with Vitamin E versus The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion .

Last updated on May 06, 2024. Published on June 26, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan and reef safe serums. 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, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

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

Serum South Korean Brand South Korea
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 Retinol 2.5% Facial Serum with Vitamin E

Starts at $11.99
Shop

Buy Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Starts at $11.39

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
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying
Irritating
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid (2)

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Side-by-side

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

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Retinol 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 Retinol

Cos De BAHA Retinol 2.5% Facial Serum with Vitamin E contains this as ingredient number 2.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 10.

2
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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

Cos De BAHA Retinol 2.5% Facial Serum with Vitamin E contains this as ingredient number 6.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 22.

3
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Cos De BAHA Retinol 2.5% Facial Serum with Vitamin E contains this as ingredient number 13.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion contains this as ingredient number 28.

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

54% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
23% are disliked or very disliked
8% have no rating yet
33% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
48% are disliked or very disliked
9% 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

Cos De BAHA Retinol 2.5% Facial Serum with Vitamin E 13 ingredients

Retinol 2.5% Facial Serum with Vitamin E hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion 33 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1) Light (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1)
AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

3 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

(Used from 2019-2022) This was my very first introduction to using retinoids in my evening routine. With this product I felt that my skin texture...

(Used from 2019-2022) This was my very first introduction to using retinoids in my evening routine. With this product I felt that my skin texture and complexion was smoother and brighter. Very gentle formulation, so I felt no irritation at any point. As with most of The Ordinary's products, they make for a great budget buy. Only moved on from this product because I felt that my face was getting too used to it, and I stopped noticing large changes in improvement. Definitely would recommend for beginners looking to add a gentle retinoid to their routine.

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 2 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Cos De BAHA Retinol 2.5% Facial Serum with Vitamin E.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 23 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion.

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