Head to head
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
The bottom lineThe Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it — The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% does the same job for less.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 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 Retinol 0.5% in Squalane if
- fine lines and firmness are the goal
- you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula
Pick Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% if
- dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- you want the more affordable option
What each delivers
Side by side
| Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Retinol 0.5%, Squalane, Jojoba Oil | Vitamin C (LAA), Squalane, Isononyl Isononanoate |
| 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 | Likely |
| Pregnancy | One caution | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 6 listed | 11 listed |
| Price | ~€8 | ~€6 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Both share
Only in Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Fine lines & firmnessRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Dryness & dehydrationVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Sensitive, reactive skinVitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the cheaper of the two (~€6 vs ~€8).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane or The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it — The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% does the same job for less. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 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 Retinol 0.5% in Squalane or The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%?
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the cheaper of the two (~€6 vs ~€8).
Can I use The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 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.