Buildable strength range from 0.01% up to 0.24% OTC retinal levels
18 recommendations
45 Reddit Dupes for The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
What Reddit recommends instead — 45 products with similar benefits · Updated July 7, 2026
For Skin Barrier
- Best for Skin Barrier
Redness-prone, sensitive, and dehydrated skins benefit most from this soothing, hydrating ampoule that repairs the skin barrier.
6 shared traits·71 recommendations
- 31recs
Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum deeply hydrates and soothes sensitive, dry, and tretinoin-irritated skin, repairing the barrier effectively.
4 shared traits·31 recommendations
- 7recs
The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 hydrates and repairs the skin barrier, especially for sensitive or tretinoin users.
6 shared traits·7 recommendations
- 3recs
BYOMA
Hydrating SerumByoma Hydrating Serum deeply moisturizes, effectively supporting the skin barrier, especially for tretinoin users.
6 shared traits·3 recommendations
- 16recs
Cocokind
Ceramide Barrier SerumCeramide Barrier Serum effectively repairs and soothes damaged skin barriers, especially for tretinoin users with dryness.
4 shared traits·16 recommendations
- 39recs
The Ordinary
Soothing & Barrier Support SerumThe Ordinary serum supports skin barrier repair and soothes irritation, especially effective for sensitive, dry skin.
2 shared traits·39 recommendations
For Acne
- Best for Acne
Azelaic Acid 10% serum calms acne-prone, sensitive, and oily skin by reducing redness, breakouts, and post-acne marks.
3 shared traits·54 recommendations
- 13recs
Centella's anti-inflammatory properties calm acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin by reducing redness and soothing breakouts.
6 shared traits·13 recommendations
- 14recs
The Ordinary
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%This serum controls oil and reduces acne and blackheads, especially effective for oily skin types.
4 shared traits·14 recommendations
- 10recs
Gentle, lower-dose retinol in this serum gradually clears acne and reduces blemishes, especially for sensitive skin.
4 shared traits·10 recommendations
- 6recs
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment SerumEffaclar's 1.5% salicylic acid serum effectively exfoliates and reduces acne, especially for oily and combination skin.
3 shared traits·6 recommendations
- 3recs
Melano CC
Intensive Anti-Spot EssenceIt's recommended for acne-prone, sensitive skin because it effectively targets acne spots without harsh irritation.
3 shared traits·3 recommendations
For Anti-Aging
- Best for Anti-Aging
The Ordinary
Granactive Retinoid 2% EmulsionGranactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion gently smooths fine lines and wrinkles, ideal for sensitive or beginner anti-aging skin.
7 shared traits·7 recommendations
- 9recs
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a mild, barrier-friendly retinol that effectively smooths texture and reduces fine lines, suited for sensitive skin.
4 shared traits·9 recommendations
- 4recs
The Ordinary
Retinol 0.2% in SqualaneThe 0.2% retinol in squalane gently introduces retinol, improving skin softness and reducing acne for dry, aging skin.
7 shared traits·4 recommendations
- 5recs
Medik8
Liquid PeptidesMedik8 Liquid Peptides plumps skin and offers visible anti-aging benefits, especially appreciated by sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
5 shared traits·5 recommendations
- 7recs
20% Vitamin C with E Ferulic Acid boosts collagen and enhances sunscreen efficacy, especially for aging skin.
3 shared traits·7 recommendations
- 9recs
SkinCeuticals
C E FerulicC E Ferulic's stable vitamin C formulation protects against environmental damage and reduces fine lines, favored by aging skin.
1 shared trait·9 recommendations
More alternatives
6recs
BYOMA
Brightening SerumNiacinamide plus hyaluronic acid blend for hydration and brightness
4 shared traits·6 recommendations
5recs
The Ordinary
Retinol 0.5% in SqualaneMid-strength retinol that serves as a solid step-up from beginner levels
4 shared traits·5 recommendations
36recs
Lightweight gel texture layers well and sinks in fast without pilling
3 shared traits·36 recommendations
17recs
The Ordinary
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HAPreferred formulation of alpha arbutin on r/SkincareAddiction
3 shared traits·17 recommendations
5recs
The Ordinary
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%Clinically potent 23% L-ascorbic acid suspension for noticeable brightening over time
3 shared traits·5 recommendations
4recs
The Ordinary
Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%Gentle vitamin C derivative that’s less irritating than L-AA
3 shared traits·4 recommendations
4recs
The Ordinary
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%Fades acne scars noticeably over time
3 shared traits·4 recommendations
2recs
BYOMA
Clarifying SerumSalicylic acid-based exfoliant with gentle barrier support
3 shared traits·2 recommendations
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