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The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane Versus The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%

Serum
Serum
Canadian Brand Canada
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on January 14, 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

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

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
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.

Pycnogenol 5%
Propanediol Solvent

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract is an antioxidant.

Ingredient Ratings

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

Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
4
4
1
1
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Pycnogenol 5%
2
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

107 Routines
8% use in am
92% use in pm
75% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
184 Routines
57% use in am
42% use in pm
90% 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 (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

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% 2 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 4 ratings
Great Value (2) Hydrating (1) Absorbs Well (1)
CustardBunny's avatar

CustardBunny

4 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

i like this alot buti just have no idea what it does lmao. i use it for feet, hands and dry areas after a scrub. It softens and feels nice (smells...

i like this alot buti just have no idea what it does lmao. i use it for feet, hands and dry areas after a scrub. It softens and feels nice (smells a bit coppery) but i can do just as well without it so meh. :3 i dolike it tho!

ashg's avatar

A G

7 days ago · Normal Skin
Review

Amazing antioxidant. Helps prevent rashes and dry skin on my face.