The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% Versus The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Updated on March 04, 2025
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, dry skin, 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
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 3 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
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 3 ingredients
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
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 Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 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 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
