Head to head
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum.
The bottom lineLa Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum and The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.
Which should you pick?
Pick Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum if
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you want more actives working at once
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
Side by side
| Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum | Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Glycerin, Pro-vitamin B5, Hyaluronic acid | 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 | Contains fragrance | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | No flagged actives | One caution |
| Ingredients | 32 listed | 8 listed |
| Price | ~$40 | ~€8 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
Both share
No active in common.
Only in Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Fine lines & firmnessRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Dryness & dehydrationHyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Sensitive, reactive skinRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~$40).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane better for fine lines & firmness?
For fine lines & firmness, The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum and The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated 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, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane?
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~$40).
Can I use La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated 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.