Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane versus CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum .
Last updated on September 19, 2023. Published on January 30, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe 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 common allergens, fragrances or parabens
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.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 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 🎉
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
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 🎉
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 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 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:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 6 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients 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 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients 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 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 3 ingredients 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:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Squalane • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Retinol • Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone • BHT
Learn how many of your liked/disliked ingredients are in this product.
Create a free accountWater • Propanediol • Dimethicone • Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate • Niacinamide • Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Potassium Phosphate • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Carbomer • Cetearyl Alcohol • Behentrimonium Methosulfate • Dimethiconol • Lecithin • Sodium Citrate • Retinol • Sodium Hyaluronate • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Cholesterol • Phenoxyethanol • Alcohol • Isopropyl Myristate • Caprylyl Glycol • Citric Acid • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • Pentylene Glycol • Phytosphingosine • Xanthan Gum • Polysorbate 20 • Ethylhexylglycerin
Learn how many of your liked/disliked ingredients are in this product.
Create a free accountIngredients 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.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A This anti-aging ingredient has plenty of research to back up its claims.
Unlike AHA's, retinol does not remove the top layer of old and dead skin cells. Instead, it travels directly to the middle layer and gets to work. As an antioxidant, it boosts elastin and collagen production.
This makes retinol effective in removing fine lines, wrinkles, fading dark spots, and enlarged pores.
Retinol is sensitive to breakdown when exposed to sun and air. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent.
Retinol (and retinoids) will also make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Studies show using retinol consistently will make your skin sensitive for up to a month after the last application. Definitely wear SPF after applying retinol!
It is not recommended to use any retinols while pregnant. Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test.
Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolThe Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane contains this as ingredient number 4.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Like the texture
I've tried a lot of retinols and liked the texture of this one the most
Like the texture
I've tried a lot of retinols and liked the texture of this one the most
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients
Did nothing for me
Didn't do anything for me, but also didn't break me out. I was expecting it to help with my closed comedones.
Did nothing for me
Didn't do anything for me, but also didn't break me out. I was expecting it to help with my closed comedones.
Amazing
It's amazing. It hasn't caused purging, and I immediately noticed a difference in fine lines and overall hydration of my skin since starting using it. I almost hesitated to post a positive review as it is already so difficult to...
Amazing
It's amazing. It hasn't caused purging, and I immediately noticed a difference in fine lines and overall hydration of my skin since starting using it. I almost hesitated to post a positive review as it is already so difficult to find in store.
Did wonders for my skin
Did wonders for my skin
Price
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane.
See 4 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 34 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
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