The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% Versus The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
Updated on March 27, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 0 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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
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Ingredient Info
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 3 ingredients
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 3 ingredients
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 3 ingredients
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 3 ingredients
I'm orange...
When I first started using this I was like, “great, a vitamin C that doesn’t burn”. So I began using it frequently. Slowly, I noticed my skin was turning orange, but just on my face. Turns out this product was oxidizing ON MY SKIN. The serum itself was still pretty clear, so I wasn’t applying an old or bad product, but when exposed to oxygen while on my face it began to STAIN it as Show more
Reaction
My face has never been redder and hurt more in my life...
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
(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 Show more
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
