Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A (Tretinoin) Cream 0.05% 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 1 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, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A (Tretinoin) Cream 0.05% 9 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
Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A (Tretinoin) Cream 0.05% 9 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A (Tretinoin) Cream 0.05% 9 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Retin-A (Tretinoin) Retin-A (Tretinoin) Cream 0.05% 9 ingredients
Never gave me the miracle results I've seen all over TikTok but served me well for the 3+ years I was on this.
Been on this for 4 years. It does not perform miracles but it does keep your skin youthful to some extent sans procedures. Worked on reducing inflammation and acne but dried my skin out, even after a full year of consistent use. With this, sunscreen is non-negotiable.
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
