Compare · Serums
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane: which is better?
One leans gentler for first-time retinol users, while the other goes harder on results and suits tougher skin better.
The quick answer
Depends what you need
- Rated about the same — 67 vs 70 nextscore
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is better for a milder first retinol, while The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is better for a harder-strength approach and tougher skin.
Choose CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if
- you want a gentle first retinol
- you care most about acne marks and texture
Choose The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane if
- you want a stronger retinol step
- you can handle redness and flaking
164mentions
83mentions
At a glance
| CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum | The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane |
|---|---|
| $0.56/ml | $0.40/ml |
| 67 · 74 verdicts | 70 · 35 verdicts |
| Niacinamide, Ceramides, Retinol both | Squalane, Retinol both |
What Reddit says
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
What Reddit likes
- Beginner retinol — easy first step
- Niacinamide plus ceramides support the barrier
- Helps post-acne marks and texture
Watch out for
- Can sting, dry out, and trigger redness fast
- Breakouts or purging show up for some users
- Often feels too weak for impatient users
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
What Reddit likes
- 1% retinol — strongest OTC jump
- Squalane base helps buffer dryness
- Can help acne and fine lines
Watch out for
- Brutal starter strength — redness and flaking are common
- Oily, runny texture can feel greasy and slow to absorb
- Too much for sensitive or compromised skin
Compare full ingredient lists · 1 in common
In both · 1
- Retinol
Only in CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum · 32
- Aqua/Water/Eau
- Propanediol
- Dimethicone
- Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
- Niacinamide
- Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
- Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
- Hydrogenated Lecithin
- Potassium Phosphate
- Ceramide NP
- Ceramide AP
- Ceramide EOP
- Carbomer
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Behentrimonium Methosulfate
- Dimethiconol
- Lecithin
- Sodium Citrate
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
- Cholesterol
- Phenoxyethanol
- Alcohol
- Isopropyl Myristate
- Caprylyl Glycol
- Citric Acid
- Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
- Pentylene Glycol
- Phytosphingosine
- Xanthan Gum
- Polysorbate 20
- Ethylhexylglycerin (Code F.Ll. D233672/1)
Only in The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane · 7
- Squalane
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
- Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
- Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
- BHT