The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
72nextscore· 17 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 — 45 products with similar benefits · Analyzed 40 threads · Updated August 20, 2026
Cheaper options
prices updated daily
~$5 · ~$3 less
$0.20/ml vs $0.31/ml
86nextscore· 231 verdicts
For Texture / Pores
- Best for Texture / Pores
75nextscore2 shared traits·24 recommendations
Microneedling-inspired shots smooth skin by creating micro-channels that boost absorption and visibly shrink pores overnight.
“"VT Cosmetics Reedle Shots."”
- 27recs
77nextscore1 shared trait·27 recommendations
Physical bumps like closed comedones clear up well after consistent use with this hydrating azelaic acid serum.
“"Anua 10+ has a nice one that also helps to maintain skin barrier, and is good for sensitive and acne prone skin!"”
- 3recs86nextscore
3 shared traits·3 recommendations
Gentle soothing Centella ampoule helps visibly tighten nose area and reduce puffiness around skin.
- 4recs
68nextscore2 shared traits·4 recommendations
Beginner-level retinol serum soothes rosacea and visibly refines skin surface with nightly sandwich method.
- 4recs
95nextscore2 shared traits·4 recommendations
Hydrating base serum boosts absorption for heavier serums and calms skin, especially appealing to aging skin with visible reductions in nose size.
- 12recs
numbuzin
No.3 Skin Softening Serum85nextscore1 shared trait·12 recommendations
Lactic acid exfoliation improves skin softness and glow, subtly smoothing roughness while hydrating with niacinamide.
For Anti-Aging
- Best for Anti-Aging
Medik8
Liquid Peptides86nextscore4 shared traits·7 recommendations
Peptide and HA formula instantly plumps skin and improves chest wrinkle texture but effects fade quickly without regular use.
“Medik8's "LIQUID PEPTIDES ADVANCED MP FACE SERUM" is expensive but holy shit did it plump up my skin.”
- 8recs
87nextscore2 shared traits·8 recommendations
High concentration vitamin C serum delivers glow and helps build collagen when applied daily in the morning to dry skin.
“I use Timeless 10% Vitamin C Serumin in the morning before moisturizer for glow and to increase my skin’s ability to generate new collagen.”
- 6recs75nextscore
2 shared traits·6 recommendations
Micro-needling-like reedle shot improves deep acne scars, wrinkles, and skin absorption when used as a PM first step.
- 5recs95nextscore
2 shared traits·5 recommendations
Lightweight serum boosts firmness for mid-40s combo skin needing gentle elasticity support.
- 3recs
Naturium
Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%89nextscore2 shared traits·3 recommendations
Retinaldehyde formulation suits sensitive neck skin intolerant to stronger retinoids, used nightly with the sandwich method.
- 5recs
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic77nextscore1 shared trait·5 recommendations
Vitamin C serum with ferulic acid tightens skin and improves firmness as users notice fine lines diminishing.
More alternatives
13mentions
3 shared traits·13 mentions
Peptides support hydration and barrier repair
10mentions
BYOMA
Brightening Serum90nextscore
3 shared traits·10 mentions
Combines hydration and brightening in one serum
6mentions
BYOMA
Clarifying Serum3 shared traits·6 mentions
Exfoliates with a combination of BHA and PHA for clearer skin and barrier support
5mentions
3 shared traits·5 mentions
Retinol formulated specifically for sensitive skin
4mentions
Mad Hippie
Super A Serum3 shared traits·4 mentions
Light retinol level eases introduction to vitamin A
149mentions
91nextscore
2 shared traits·149 mentions
Highly effective for calming redness and irritation
52mentions
Cocokind
Ceramide Barrier Serum95nextscore
2 shared traits·52 mentions
Ceramide-packed for restoring and strengthening skin barrier
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