The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% In Squalane Versus Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum
Updated on June 13, 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% In Squalane 8 ingredients
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum 46 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
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% In Squalane 8 ingredients
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum 46 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Squalane
Emollient
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentGlycerin
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract
EmollientRubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Withania Somnifera Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientGanoderma Lucidum Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil
Emollient
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Butyrospermum Parkii Oil
Emollient
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Diheptyl Succinate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Benzyl Glycol
SolventRaspberry Ketone
Masking
Water, Butylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Niacinamide, Squalane, Cyclodextrin, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Arginine, Retinal, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Diheptyl Succinate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phytosterols, Propanediol, Benzyl Glycol, Raspberry Ketone
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".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% In Squalane 8 ingredients
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum 46 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% In Squalane 8 ingredients
This was my first retinol product, The formula is an oil but after applying it, but it doesnt feel oily at all. Theres also no purging nor any stinging. After applying the oil and my usual moisturizer i dont feel heavy. Sometimes after i wake up i may feel a little bit of oily-ness but i usually wash my face in water in the morning so obv its basically not a problem at all when ur sleeping.
My Show more
Good deal. It helps me to reduce small wrinkles on my forehead and unclog my pores. Also, it helps me to get rid of pimples.
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum 46 ingredients
I usually love the products from this brand but this is not the case. I thought this product was ideal for oily/acne-prone skin due to it's high concentrations of Niacinamide and Retinal, but it broke me out like never before. At first, I thought it was some purging (strange, because I've used stronger retinoids before) but the acne only stopped when i finished the bottle (and obviously, didn't Show more
