The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
74nextscore· 23 verdictsnextscore is a 0–100 score built from verdicts: posts and comments that come down clearly for or against a product. Today those verdicts come from Reddit discussions. Thinly discussed products are pulled toward the catalog average, and below 5 verdicts there is no score at all. How nextscore works
What Reddit recommends instead — 41 products with similar benefits · Analyzed 51 threads · Updated October 3, 2026
Same active: retinol
Showing 6 of 12
Other retinol products Reddit recommends
- 34mentions
Some By Mi
Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum96nextscore2 shared traits·34 mentions
Starter retinoid with 0.1% retinol
- 22mentions
Trader Joe's
Retinol Night Serum71nextscore2 shared traits·22 mentions
0.3% retinol without prescription fuss
- 16mentions
La Roche-Posay
Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum79nextscore2 shared traits·16 mentions
Easy OTC retinol starter
- 9mentions
91nextscore2 shared traits·9 mentions
Very gentle starter retinoid
- 6mentions
90nextscore2 shared traits·6 mentions
Gentle retinol formulation suited for sensitive skin
For Acne
- Best for Acne
81nextscore3 shared traits·60 recommendations
10% azelaic acid serum calms redness and clears stubborn bumps, helping users maintain a clear complexion.
“Anua 10+ has a nice one that also helps to maintain skin barrier, and is good for sensitive and acne prone skin!”
- 8recs
74nextscore3 shared traits·8 recommendations
Niacinamide plus spicules excel for cystic breakouts by calming inflamed patches and reducing redness in sensitive skin.
“if i have a cyst pop up i use it on it ... and it works so well, but if you have sensitive skin start low with this product”
- 3recs
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic84nextscore2 shared traits·3 recommendations
Vitamin C serum with 15% L-ascorbic acid does not trigger breakouts and improves spots and eczema.
- 4recs
95nextscore3 shared traits·4 recommendations
Beta-Glucan hydrates and calms oily, acne-prone skin without causing breakouts or dryness.
- 4recs
90nextscore4 shared traits·4 recommendations
Complex soothing formula balances redness and supports skin barrier with Centella, niacinamide, and multiple peptides.
- 7recs
92nextscore2 shared traits·7 recommendations
Hydrating and soothing irritations from tretinoin, this ampoule suits oily skin on retinoids with no new breakouts.
For Anti-Aging
- Best for Anti-Aging74nextscore
3 shared traits·7 recommendations
Micro-needling effect boosts absorption of actives for mature skin, improving texture, tone, and reducing pore size.
“Basically you want to think of it as your “step zero” — it kind of acts as a mini micro-needling treatment so it’s going to help with the absorption of whatever you put on top.”
- 7recs
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic84nextscore2 shared traits·7 recommendations
Vitamin C serum with 15% L-ascorbic acid visibly improves skin elasticity and reduces fine lines around eyes.
“Changes: Added CE Ferulic + tretinoin + tinted SPF”
- 15recs
Medik8
Crystal Retinal93nextscore6 shared traits·15 recommendations
Retinaldehyde concentrations cater to sensitive skin progressing from level 1 to 6, supporting gradual strength increase.
- 12recs
85nextscore4 shared traits·12 recommendations
Vitamin C at 20% concentration targets forehead wrinkles and boosts collagen for glowy, youthful skin.
- 8recs
Medik8
Liquid Peptides89nextscore4 shared traits·8 recommendations
Complex multi-peptide serum targets early wrinkles and firmness for users in their 50s seeking noticeable plumping effects.
- 3recs91nextscore
2 shared traits·3 recommendations
Retinol-packed formula from a Korean brand visibly fades fine lines on forehead and smile lines after weeks of use.
For Texture / Pores
- Best for Texture / Pores74nextscore
3 shared traits·25 recommendations
Microneedling-like spicules smooth skin and enhance active absorption, improving radiance and reducing visible pores with caution.
“when i finally introduced the Reedle Shots into my routine, my skincare game went to the next level.”
- 7recs
88nextscore1 shared trait·7 recommendations
Spicules in the ampoule stimulate circulation and open skin channels to boost absorption of following products.
“the spicules in it bring more circulation to the surface, and open up little channels in the skin to help the next products you apply absorb better”
- 5recs
81nextscore1 shared trait·5 recommendations
Centella Asiatica extract calm and visibly shrink enlarged skin openings quickly with a lightweight, non-oily feel.
- 7recs
Sungboon Editor
Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule+77nextscore1 shared trait·7 recommendations
Green tomato extract offers immediate tightening effect and smoothness, favored especially for cheek and nose skin concerns.
- 3recs85nextscore
4 shared traits·3 recommendations
Vitamin C serum brings noticeable brightness and size reduction in skin openings within one week of use.
- 25recs81nextscore
3 shared traits·25 recommendations
Azelaic acid at 10% concentration unclogs closed comedones and smooths skin bumps while calming redness and sensitivity.
More alternatives
104mentions
Beauty of Joseon
Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide87nextscore
2 shared traits·104 mentions
Glow without feeling heavy
35mentions
Mad Hippie
Vitamin C Serum83nextscore
2 shared traits·35 mentions
SAP vitamin C, not the usual stingy L-ascorbic acid
34mentions
Some By Mi
Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum96nextscore
2 shared traits·34 mentions
Starter retinoid with 0.1% retinol
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