The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalane Versus Minimalist Granactive Retinoid 02%
Updated on May 08, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. 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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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 1% In Squalane 8 ingredients
Minimalist Granactive Retinoid 02% 38 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
The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalane 8 ingredients
Minimalist Granactive Retinoid 02% 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventEthoxydiglycol
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lysine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
Humectant
Arginine
Masking
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Threonine
Serine
Masking
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Proline
Skin ConditioningGlycine
Buffering
Alanine
MaskingValine
MaskingMethionine
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
Masking
Cysteine
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Pullulan
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Lecithin
Emollient
Water, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lysine, Histidine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Cysteine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Pullulan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sclerotium Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Lecithin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 TriglycerideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalane 8 ingredients
Minimalist Granactive Retinoid 02% 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalane 8 ingredients
I find retinols dry out parts of my combo skin so I’m really glad this doesn’t do that. While yes it does have an oily texture this does absorb over time and helps with the moisture absorbency in my opinion. This works really well
Brightened my skin and maintained hormonal acne, would visibly treat my larger spots overnight! Also was nicely hydrating when I forgot my moisturiser
Definitely not good for fungal acne, didn’t know I had FA and that this was contributing to it- would continue to use if that wasn’t the case :P
Minimalist Granactive Retinoid 02% 38 ingredients
I have been using this for almost a month or so and this really helps with my closed comedos around my cheek and I’m pretty sure my fine lines slowly fades??? Maybe because other products too but still it’s faster than not!! And this doesn’t really sting me just smells a bit smoky but it’s not bothering me whatsoever just thought it was pretty cool.
But of course you have to be consistent and Show more
