Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane versus Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate .
Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on September 28, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Oil
Oils are an emollient and can act as a supplement to your skincare routine.
Price
Ingredient Info
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 23 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 23 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 23 ingredients
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Squalane • Rosa Canina Fruit Oil • Oenothera Biennis Oil • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Coriandrum Sativum Oil • Tocopherol • Lavandula Angustifolia Oil • Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil • Linalool • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil • Citronellol • Geraniol • Lavandula Hybrida Oil • Cucumis Sativus Extract • Curcuma Longa Leaf Extract • Limonene • Citral • Sclareolide • Rose Flower Oil • Jasminum Officinale Extract • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneThe Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane contains this as ingredient number 1.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 3.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
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 TriglycerideThe Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane contains this as ingredient number 2.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 1.
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.
Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient. Jojoba contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect your skin against free-radical damage. This may help in anti-aging.
Jojoba seed oil is a humectant, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some bacteria. It has also been shown to help in wound healing. Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns.
It is found to be similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. Jojoba oil may even help with regulating sebum production.
Although jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, we recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient if you have any concerns.
Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Jojoba is native to the southwestern US.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilThe Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane contains this as ingredient number 3.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate contains this as ingredient number 6.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 23 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 23 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 23 ingredients
Jnke.
Luvs it~
Love the lavender scent. Love the texture, not greasy and absorbs nicely. My skin LOVES this product! Always soft and hydrated in the AM...
Luvs it~
Love the lavender scent. Love the texture, not greasy and absorbs nicely. My skin LOVES this product! Always soft and hydrated in the AM after using this product.
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane.
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