Head to head

Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum.

The bottom line

Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum does more across the board (it leads on hydration, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the simpler, more pared-back pick.

Reach for Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum if you want the actives; The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.

Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.

EucerinAnti-Pigment Dual SerumSerum · ~€32See every ingredient in Anti-Pigment Dual Serum, decoded
The OrdinaryRetinol 0.5% in SqualaneSerum · ~€8See every ingredient in Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Anti-Pigment Dual Serum if

  • plump, lasting hydration is what you want
  • you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
  • you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Pick Retinol 0.5% in Squalane if

  • fine lines and firmness are the goal
  • your skin is sensitive or reacts to fragrance
  • you want the more affordable option

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Anti-Pigment Dual SerumRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
  • Hydration
    104
  • Barrier repair
    77
  • Brightening / tone
    94
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    93
  • Anti-aging
    69

Side by side

Anti-Pigment Dual SerumRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
TypeSerumSerum
Key activesGlycerin, Thiamidol, Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateRetinol 0.5%, Squalane, Jojoba Oil
TextureA 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.
FragranceContains fragranceNone detected
Fungal-acne safeNot likelyNot likely
PregnancyNo flagged activesOne caution
Ingredients30 listed8 listed
Price~€32~€8

What's in one but not the other

The molecule doing the work

Anti-Pigment Dual SerumGlycerin
Retinol 0.5% in SqualaneRetinol

Better for…

  • Dark spots & uneven toneAnti-Pigment Dual Serum
  • Fine lines & firmnessRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
  • Breakouts & congestionAnti-Pigment Dual Serum
  • Dryness & dehydrationAnti-Pigment Dual Serum
  • Sensitive, reactive skinRetinol 0.5% in Squalane

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€32).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane better for dark spots & uneven tone?

For dark spots & uneven tone, Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum does more across the board (it leads on hydration, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum if you want the actives; The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently. Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.

Which is cheaper, Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane?

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€32).

Can I use Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual 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.

Compare it with…

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Chemical structure of GlycerinChemical structure of Retinol