Head to head
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
The bottom lineCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does more across the board (it leads on hydration, barrier repair, brightening / tone), while The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the simpler, more pared-back pick.
Reach for CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if you want the actives; The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which should you pick?
Pick Resurfacing Retinol Serum if
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- you want more actives working at once
Pick Retinol 0.5% in Squalane if
- you want the more affordable option
- you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula
What each delivers
Side by side
| Resurfacing Retinol Serum | Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Vitamin B3, Ceramide 3, Retinol | Retinol 0.5%, Squalane, Jojoba Oil |
| Texture | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. |
| Fragrance | None detected | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | One caution | One caution |
| Ingredients | 33 listed | 8 listed |
| Price | ~€16 | ~€8 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Both share
Only in Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Fine lines & firmnessEither works
- Breakouts & congestionResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Dryness & dehydrationResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Sensitive, reactive skinRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€16).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does more across the board (it leads on hydration, barrier repair, brightening / tone), while The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if you want the actives; The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which is cheaper, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane?
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€16).
Can I use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane together?
They are both serums, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.