The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Versus Osmosis Beauty Correct Preventative Retinal Serum
Updated on May 31, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and 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 parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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 Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
Osmosis Beauty Correct Preventative Retinal Serum 30 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
Osmosis Beauty Correct Preventative Retinal Serum 30 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyapatite
Abrasive
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
Skin Conditioning4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Masking
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningErgothioneine
Antioxidant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Brassica Campestris Sterols
Emollient
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Isohexadecane
EmollientHexyldecanol
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Isoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Lactate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyapatite, Retinal, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ergothioneine, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Bisabolol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Hexyldecanol, Maltodextrin, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentAsiaticoside
Antioxidant
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprooyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningRetinal
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Dimethyl Sulfone
SolventFulvic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Thioctic Acid
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
Masking
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Masking
Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDextran
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Water, Niacinamide, Phosphatidylcholine, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cyclodextrin, Asiaticoside, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Retinal, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Lactic Acid, Dimethyl Sulfone, Fulvic Acid, Hydroxyproline, Beta-Glucan, Thioctic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Dextran, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol Denat., Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Benzyl Alcohol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolRetinal is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the gold-standard class of anti-aging ingredients.
Retinal has many benefits as other retinoids: improve skin texture, reduce large pores, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, heal scars, and fight acne.
Studies show retinal may work at a faster rate than retinol due to its structure.
All retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid before starting to work. Some retinoids take several steps of conversion before binding. Retinal is only one step away, making it more potent.
Like other retinoids, retinal may be irritating. It is best to ease into using this ingredient frequently.
Using the 'ramp up' method, start by using retinol once a week. This gives your skin time to adjust and decrease irritation. Once you feel ready, you can slowly increase the frequency of retinol use.
Using retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
Learn more about RetinalLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
Osmosis Beauty Correct Preventative Retinal Serum 30 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
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
The best retinal serum for oily skin/acne. Affordable and easy to apply.
