Head to head
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
The bottom lineThe Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane does the same job for less.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% 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 Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% if
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Pick Retinol 0.5% in Squalane if
- fine lines and firmness are the goal
- you want the more affordable option
- you want more actives working at once
What each delivers
Side by side
| Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% | Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Azelaic Acid, Isohexadecane, Vitamin E | 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 | No flagged actives | One caution |
| Ingredients | 17 listed | 8 listed |
| Price | ~€23 | ~€8 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Both share
No active in common.
Only in Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneAzelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Fine lines & firmnessRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Breakouts & congestionAzelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Sensitive, reactive skinAzelaic Acid Suspension 10%
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€23).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane does the same job for less. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% 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, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane?
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€23).
Can I use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% 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.