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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane versus Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum .

Last updated on September 14, 2023. Published on May 10, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan and reef safe . 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, 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

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 Canadian Brand Canada
Serum American Brand United States

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

Shop

Buy Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Starts at $8.30
Shop

Buy Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum

Starts at $19.15

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
Irritating
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin E

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane contains this as ingredient number 4.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

2
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

BHT also helps stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Many products are sensitive to air and light. BHT prevents them from breaking down when exposed.

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane contains this as ingredient number 8.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum contains this as ingredient number 11.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

38% are loved or liked
38% have mixed ratings
13% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet
50% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
42% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Broke Me Out (1) Great Value (1) Heavy (1) Hydrating (1) No Scent (1) Oily (1)
CaroleD's avatar

CaroleD

4 months ago · Combination Skin
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...

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.

glasscasita's avatar

glasscasita

2 years ago · Combination Skin
Review

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

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum 12 ingredients

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane.

See 4 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum.

See 1 alternatives
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