Head to head

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.

The bottom line

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does more across the board (it leads on barrier repair, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum is the simpler, more pared-back pick.

Reach for CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if you want the actives; The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.

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

CeraVeResurfacing Retinol SerumSerum · ~€16See every ingredient in Resurfacing Retinol Serum, decoded
The OrdinaryMulti-Peptide + HA SerumSerum · ~€21See every ingredient in Multi-Peptide + HA Serum, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Resurfacing Retinol Serum if

  • you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
  • dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
  • you want the more affordable option

Pick Multi-Peptide + HA Serum if

  • plump, lasting hydration is what you want
  • you are pregnant or breastfeeding

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Resurfacing Retinol SerumMulti-Peptide + HA Serum
  • Hydration
    810
  • Barrier repair
    107
  • Brightening / tone
    73
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    83
  • Anti-aging
    96

Side by side

Resurfacing Retinol SerumMulti-Peptide + HA Serum
TypeSerumSerum
Key activesNiacinamide, Ceramide 3, RetinolGlycerin, Crosslinked sodium HA, Hyaluronic acid
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
PregnancyOne cautionNo flagged actives
Ingredients33 listed51 listed
Price~€16~€21

What's in one but not the other

The molecule doing the work

Resurfacing Retinol SerumNiacinamide
Multi-Peptide + HA SerumGlycerin

Better for…

  • Dark spots & uneven toneResurfacing Retinol Serum
  • Fine lines & firmnessResurfacing Retinol Serum
  • Breakouts & congestionResurfacing Retinol Serum
  • Dryness & dehydrationMulti-Peptide + HA Serum
  • Sensitive, reactive skinMulti-Peptide + HA Serum

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€21).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum better for dark spots & uneven tone?

For dark spots & uneven tone, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does more across the board (it leads on barrier repair, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if you want the actives; The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.

Which is cheaper, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum?

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€21).

Can I use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum 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…

All 28 comparisons
Chemical structure of NiacinamideChemical structure of Glycerin