Head to head
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
The bottom lineThe Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane are genuinely close — both solid serums.
Pick by anti-aging or simply what your routine already leans on.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 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 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 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 more actives working at once
What each delivers
Side by side
| Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid 2%, Pro-vitamin B5 | 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 | 16 listed | 6 listed |
| Price | ~€8 | ~€8 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
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 & dehydrationHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Sensitive, reactive skinHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Both sit around the same price (~€8 vs ~€8).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 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 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane are genuinely close — both solid serums. Pick by anti-aging or simply what your routine already leans on. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 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 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane?
Both sit around the same price (~€8 vs ~€8).
Can I use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 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.