Versus

Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptide Versus The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% In Squalane

Serum
Serum
American Brand United States
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on June 13, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 1 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, 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

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What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

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Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptide

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning

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

When to use

222 Routines
5% use in am
95% use in pm
69% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
474 Routines
6% use in am
93% use in pm
63% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptide 43 ingredients

4.8 /5
from 4 ratings
Expensive (2) Works Well (2) Light (1)
sinae's avatar

sinae

2 years ago
Review

Great retinol for beginners
This is a product with a low dose of retinol, which makes the product suited to apply in the eye area as well. A lot of my earlier products containing retinol were serums, while this is more of a cream. It makes it more hydrating, but without an additional moisturiser it is still drying me out.

Although the percentage of retinol is low, your skin has to adjust to Show more

justphil's avatar

Philip

9 months ago
Review

This is my first Retinol ever and I’m happy that it works and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I noticed fine lines on my forehead are reduced. And I wake up with less redness and little to no breakouts.

#expensive
#works well

The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% In Squalane 8 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 6 ratings
Oily (2) Heavy (1) Hydrating (1)
Gloopatroopa's avatar

aca

1 month ago
Review

This was my first retinol product, The formula is an oil but after applying it, but it doesnt feel oily at all. Theres also no purging nor any stinging. After applying the oil and my usual moisturizer i dont feel heavy. Sometimes after i wake up i may feel a little bit of oily-ness but i usually wash my face in water in the morning so obv its basically not a problem at all when ur sleeping.

My Show more

#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
mlezere's avatar

mlezere

21 days ago
Review

Good deal. It helps me to reduce small wrinkles on my forehead and unclog my pores. Also, it helps me to get rid of pimples.

#hydrating
#oily
#works well