Versus

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Versus Galderma Epiduo Forte Gel

Emulsion
Prescription
Canadian Brand Canada
Swiss Brand Switzerland

Updated on June 13, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 2 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, 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

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.

Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.

Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.

Learn more about Isohexadecane

When to use

346 Routines
4% use in am
96% use in pm
51% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
126 Routines
3% use in am
97% use in pm
75% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients

4.6 /5
from 4 ratings
Great Value (4) Works Well (4) Absorbs Well (3)
lanacunningham's avatar

lana'

3 months ago
Review

So far I have been using this retinol for 2 weeks and already i'm seeing a huge difference in my skin! My skin is so much clearer and my skin texture is slowly being reduced,however this makes ur skin extremely dry after you put it on so wait a couple minutes (10-20) and then put on a GOOD moisturiser for extra barrier strengthening - it is bright yellow and the bottle is literally stained yellow😭 Show more

#great value
#drying
#absorbs well
#no scent
ariellephan's avatar

ariellephan

4 months ago
Review

The best retinal serum for oily skin/acne. Affordable and easy to apply.

#great value
#light
#no scent
#works well

Galderma Epiduo Forte Gel 12 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
No Scent (2) Works Well (2) Absorbs Well (1)
isabelladesouza's avatar

Isabella De Souza

1 month ago
Review

Been using this for almost 7 years, has helped me so much with my acne.

#no scent
#works well
friederikefechner's avatar

Friederike Fechner

1 month ago
Review

My holy grail for acne

#great value
#drying
#irritating
#absorbs well