Head to head
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) 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 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides).
The bottom lineThe Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) 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 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) 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 (with Ceramides) 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
Side by side
| Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) | Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid 2%, Crosslinked sodium HA | 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 | 23 listed | 8 listed |
| Price | ~€10 | ~€8 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
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 (with Ceramides)
- Sensitive, reactive skinHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
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 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) 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 (with Ceramides) 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 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) 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 (with Ceramides) 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 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) 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…
All 24 comparisons
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster