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Head to head

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA 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 Multi-Peptide + HA Serum.

The bottom line

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA 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 Multi-Peptide + HA Serum keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.

Reviewed by Maya FaourLast reviewed August 2026
The OrdinaryMulti-Peptide + HA SerumSerum · ~€21See every ingredient in Multi-Peptide + HA Serum, decoded
The OrdinaryRetinol 0.5% in SqualaneSerum · ~€8See every ingredient in Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Multi-Peptide + HA 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
  • you want the more affordable option
  • you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Multi-Peptide + HA SerumRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
  • Hydration
    104
  • Barrier repair
    77
  • Brightening / tone
    34
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    33
  • Anti-aging
    69

Side by side

Multi-Peptide + HA SerumRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
TypeSerumSerum
Key activesGlycerin, Crosslinked sodium HA, Hyaluronic acidRetinol 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.
FragranceNone detectedNone detected
Fungal-acne safeNot likelyNot likely
PregnancyNo flagged activesOne caution
Ingredients51 listed8 listed
Price~€21~€8

What's in one but not the other

Only in Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

Both share

No active in common.

Only in Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

The molecule doing the work

Multi-Peptide + HA SerumGlycerin
Retinol 0.5% in SqualaneRetinol

Better for…

  • Fine lines & firmnessRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
  • Dryness & dehydrationMulti-Peptide + HA Serum
  • Sensitive, reactive skinMulti-Peptide + HA Serum

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€21).

Ready to pick one?

Multi-Peptide + HA Serum on amazon.comRetinol 0.5% in Squalane on amazon.com

Affiliate links, so a purchase sends us a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Glow Simplified earns from qualifying purchases. We make and sell nothing here, so the verdict above never bends toward a sale.

Common questions

Is The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA 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 Multi-Peptide + HA 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 Multi-Peptide + HA 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 Multi-Peptide + HA Serum or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane?

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€21).

Can I use The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA 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…

VSGeek & GorgeousA-Game 10Shares AllantoinVSMedik8Crystal Retinal 6Shares Squalane and Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideVSThe OrdinaryHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)Shares Crosslinked sodium HA and Hyaluronic acid
All 24 comparisons
Chemical structure of GlycerinChemical structure of Retinol