Versus

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane Versus Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream

Serum
Serum
Canadian Brand Canada
American Brand United States

Updated on March 04, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 2 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, fragrances, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

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 Triglyceride
Skin Conditioning

Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.

Why is retinol famous?

It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.

Retinol is proven to:

This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.

Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).

Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.

We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.

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 Retinol

When to use

776 Routines
6% use in am
94% use in pm
69% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
445 Routines
4% use in am
96% use in pm
54% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 5 ratings
Great Value (3) No Scent (3) Oily (3)
CaroleD's avatar

CaroleD

1 year ago
Review

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.

#great value
#hydrating
#broke me out
#heavy
Ninamujer's avatar

Nina

3 years ago
Review

Like the texture
I've tried a lot of retinols and liked the texture of this one the most

Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream 24 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 7 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Hydrating (1) Light (1)
TimWizard's avatar

TimWizard

1 year ago
Review

This triggered seborrheic dermatitis all over my face. I never had trouble with this until I used this. Now I have to use dandruff shampoo to treat the problem. :,(

Qinasofree's avatar

Qinasofree

2 years ago
Review

Good beginner retinol
Been using it for almost a year, and this one tube is plenty. Just remember the precautions you need to take while wearing retinol (wearing sunscreen is a must, no acids or vit c on the day you are wearing it). I noticed my acne scars are fading.