The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalane Versus The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
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 0 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
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
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalane 8 ingredients
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalane 8 ingredients
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 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
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Gotta give credit where credit is due
WOW… lot of people ganging up on this incredibly affordable/popular serum. I understand the criticisms, but personally I don’t believe the intensity is warranted. For so many people this was the start of their skincare journey; it certainly was mine! And because I had never used ingredients like niacinamide or zinc on my face before, of course I noticed an Show more
(Tried Jan 2021) This was actually the product that made me realize that my skin does not mix with Niacinamide (especially at high concentrations because I can usually tolerate it at %4/less or when it isn't a primary ingredient). I tested it on my wrist and a small patch on my cheek to check, and I had hives in both areas. I wouldn't want to give this a poor rating solely on the account of my Show more