Head to head
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum 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 Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum.
The bottom lineThe Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum 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 Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye 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 Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum if
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- you are prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- 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 prefer a simpler, more minimal formula
What each delivers
Side by side
| Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum | Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Lactic 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 | None detected | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Likely | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | No flagged actives | One caution |
| Ingredients | 25 listed | 8 listed |
| Price | ~€10 | ~€8 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye 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 & dehydrationCaffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Sensitive, reactive skinCaffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€10).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye 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. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum 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 Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye 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, The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane?
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€10).
Can I use The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye 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.