The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane Versus Boost Lab Retinol Night Renewal Serum
Updated on January 14, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily 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 Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
Boost Lab Retinol Night Renewal Serum 17 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
Boost Lab Retinol Night Renewal Serum 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
Emulsifying
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBisabolol
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glycerin, Retinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Xanthan Gum, Bisabolol, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololDimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.
As a solvent, dimethyl isosorbide helps dissolve other ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of an ingredient. It may also be used to decrease the thickness of a product.
Studies show dimethyl isosorbide is able to penetrate skin to deliver other ingredients into the skin, making them more effective.
Learn more about Dimethyl IsosorbideThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideThis ingredient is a retinoid. It usually goes by a more common name: "Granactive".
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes retinol and tretinoin.
Retinoids have been proven to:
So what is the difference between all the retinoids? Most retinoids need to go through a conversion line to become effective on skin. The ending product is retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is AKA tretinoin.
HPR is an ester of tretinoin. Emerging studies suggest HPR to have an added benefit that other retinoids don't have: Low irritation.
A study from 2021 found HPR to have the greatest stability when exposed to light and temperature out of all the commercial retinoids.
A note about naming: The name "Granactive" is the trade name and the name most commonly used on packages.
Granactive is the name of the mixture - about 90% solvent and 10% HPR. A product with 5% granactive has 0.5% HPR.
Learn more about Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
Boost Lab Retinol Night Renewal Serum 17 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
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
