The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane Versus VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both 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, 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 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 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 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
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Betaine
Humectant
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingPolyacrylate-13
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Polyisobutene
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Betaine, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Polyacrylate-13, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Adenosine, Polyisobutene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Gluconolactone, Bakuchiol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ceramide NP, Retinol, BHT, Propolis Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Parfum
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 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 RetinolBHT 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
VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Essence 0.1 42 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
