Versus

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane Versus Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum

Serum
Serum
Canadian Brand Canada
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on December 10, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. 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, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

This 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 Triglyceride

When to use

143 Routines
8% use in am
92% use in pm
73% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
156 Routines
6% use in am
94% use in pm
54% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Oily (3) Great Value (3) Heavy (2)
Daniel.Chin's avatar

Daniel Chin

5 days ago
Review

Fantastic, affordable, retinol product that is gentle and gets the job done! I've used once a week and gone through two bottles. My skin is super-sensitive, so have been impressed with the tolerance it has had for this product. Others may find this oily, but that's because it is squalane oil, not a serum. I'm now tentatively progressing to 0.1% retinal. Wish me luck!

#great value
#heavy
#oily
#works well
AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

1 year ago
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. 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

#great value
#light
#oily
#light scent

Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 42 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Expensive (1) Hydrating (1)
sjordan74's avatar

Shane Jordan

7 months ago
Review

6 Month Update: I liked the feel of this product on my skin. I don’t reach for it as much because I feel like Taz has taken over in the ACTIVES category. It definitely gets a thumbs up from me and I did use the entire bottle.

While I really like this serum, the size is a major turn-off, and here’s why.

At almost 20.00 USD for just over half an ounce, it feels like a cheapskate move not Show more

#expensive
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
ChienYun_CY's avatar

Chien Yun Ang

5 days ago
Review

My skin liked it in the beginning. But after a few uses, my acne always worsened a little after applying this. It doesn't sting or burn. It just further irritated my skin

#broke me out
#absorbs well
#light scent