Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel Versus The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any silicones or sulfates
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Ingredient Info
Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel 16 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel 16 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Retinoic Acid 0.05%
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Butylparaben
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylparaben
Preservative
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Isobutylparaben
Antimicrobial
Methylparaben
Preservative
Octoxynol-9
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Triethanolamine
Buffering
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 BHTIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel 16 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel 16 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
It’s a great value but it’s definitely like rubbing pure oil on your face, squalane breaks me out apparently.
I don’t like the feeling of oil on my face, it’s just too much for me.
Like the texture
I've tried a lot of retinols and liked the texture of this one the most
