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SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Versus The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

Ampoule
Serum
Korean Brand South Korea
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on April 30, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 0 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and sensitive skin

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Centella Asiatica Extract Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
2 Benefits

Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Cellulose Gum Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
0 / 0

Cellulose Gum is a water-soluble polymer that comes from cellulose. It is used to change the texture of a product and to help stabilize emulsions.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
Squalane Emollient, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Squalane 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.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

Disliked Full details ->
Bisabolol Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Helps reduce irritation Icon
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Dimethyl Isosorbide Solvent

Dimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Masking, Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
0-2 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

This ingredient is the fixed oil extracted from seeds of the desert shrub Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil. The seed oil is liquid wax ester from the plant. It is non-comedogenic.

0-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate Skin Conditioning
Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay cause irritation Icon
RetinoidRetinoid Icon 7 Benefits 2 Concerns

This ingredient is a retinoid. It usually goes by a more common name: "Granactive".

Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract is an antioxidant.

Unknown Full details ->
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.

Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone Skin Conditioning

Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone is a synthetically created molecule made to mimic ginger extract.

Ingredient Ratings

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

Madagascar Centella Ampoule
3
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
4
4
1
1
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

5,192 Routines
47% use in am
53% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
107 Routines
8% use in am
92% use in pm
75% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule 7 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 87 ratings
Light (32) Absorbs Well (30) No Scent (28)
MonicaJimenez_574's avatar

MonicaJimenez_574

6 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

I’ve been using this on and off for about 2 years now to help with my sensitive, acne prone skin. Not only does it help heal my skin barrier, it...

I’ve been using this on and off for about 2 years now to help with my sensitive, acne prone skin. Not only does it help heal my skin barrier, it reinforces it, calms down my redness, and helps to heal my breakouts faster. I’ve already gone through 3 bottles. All you need is a couple of drops a day, or even to mix it with your moisturizer, and you’re good!

isinha's avatar

isinha

5 months ago · Normal Skin
Review

I learned with user NJA that you should apply this on wet skin stil and man, what a tip!! It is like a water, so light. I put a whole dropper. My...

I learned with user NJA that you should apply this on wet skin stil and man, what a tip!! It is like a water, so light. I put a whole dropper. My skin has been so good. This is definitely a Holy Grail!!

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Oily (2) Great Value (2) Light (1)
AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

6 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

(Tried May 2023) Another retinoid in The Ordinary's lineup that I enjoyed using. As far as efficacy, it's the strongest of the three formulations....

(Tried May 2023) Another retinoid in The Ordinary's lineup that I enjoyed using. As far as efficacy, it's the strongest of the three formulations. This is what I upgraded to after using The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. I experienced no irritation with this product despite it's strength and I liked how radiant my skin felt the next morning. Very affordable for the amount and how long it lasts. The only thing I disliked with this formulation is that it's more similar to an oil rather than a serum.

YuxuanP's avatar

YuxuanP

4 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

This serum is really greasy and not easy to absorb, but for its price point I think the skin feel is just what it is. I personally would not...

This serum is really greasy and not easy to absorb, but for its price point I think the skin feel is just what it is. I personally would not repurchase