The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane Versus Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum 43 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum 43 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
PEG-8
HumectantPropanediol
SolventBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantPEG-75
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-32
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Yeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCola Acuminata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Hydrolyzed Algin
Pantethine
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientSodium Rna
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Oleth-3 Phosphate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientOleth-3
EmulsifyingOleth-5
Emulsifying
Choleth-24
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingJojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters
Ceteth-24
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingTetrasodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Bifida Ferment Lysate, PEG-8, Propanediol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycereth-26, PEG-75, Butylene Glycol, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Tripeptide-32, Sodium Hyaluronate, Yeast Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Pantethine, Caffeine, Lecithin, Sodium Rna, Bisabolol, Squalane, Glycerin, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Oleth-3, Oleth-5, Choleth-24, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Jojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters, Ceteth-24, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Tetrasodium EDTA, BHT, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, CI 14700, CI 19140
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 SqualaneBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum 43 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
It’s a great value but it’s definitely like rubbing pure oil on your face, squalane breaks me out apparently.
I don’t like the feeling of oil on my face, it’s just too much for me.
Like the texture
I've tried a lot of retinols and liked the texture of this one the most
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum 43 ingredients
Received a sample with purchase at Ulta. The serum feels nice, but ultimately is not worth the money. There are other products that can do the same for less.
Very hydrating serum, leaves my skin super silky and helps with texture over time due to Bifida Ferment Lysate. I will not repurchase though because nowadays there are cheaper Korean alternatives and I do not need such hydration at the moment.
