Comparison between CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% In Squalane

Find out which product is better for your skin.

34 Ingredients 10

1
Water
1
Squalane
2
Propanediol
2
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
3
Dimethicone
3
Bisabolol
4
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
4
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
5
Niacinamide
5
Dimethyl Isosorbide
6
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
6
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
7
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
7
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
8
Hydrogenated Lecithin
8
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
-- Show others --
Uniqueness34 out of 34
100.0%
Uniqueness10 out of 10
100.0%

Positive Effects

Find out what good effects the product has

ECO Metrics

Find out how eco-friendly the components are
Vegan
No
No
Cruelty free
No
Yes
Reef friendly
Yes
Yes
Ozone layer safe
Yes
Yes
Organic score
natural
8 out of 34
24%
chemical
20 out of 34
59%
natural
5 out of 10
50%
chemical
2 out of 10
20%

Concerns

Pay attention to these components
-- Extra information --

Components by Skin Type

Find out what components are good or bad for your skin type
Dry skin
Positive: 1Negative: 1
Sodium Hyaluronate#20Alcohol Denatured#24
Oily skin
Positive: 0Negative: 1
Isopropyl Myristate#25
Sensitive skin
Positive: 0Negative: 2
Retinol (Vitamin A)#19Citric Acid#27
Dry skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil#6
Oily skin
Positive: 0Negative: 0
Sensitive skin
Positive: 0Negative: 0

Detailed view

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% In Squalane
Position 1

#1Water

Origin: natural
Role: Solvent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.

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#1Squalane

Origin: natural
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Emollient, Hair conditioning
Softening
Comedogenic rating [ 1 ]
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

Squalane is a more stable equivalent of Squalene. It is a very important component of our skin. It’s a major part of natural sebum that forms a protection barrier on the skin's surface. If the barrier isn’t strong enough, your skin will become more sensitive. Squalane helps to keep skin hydrated, protects it from the negative impact of the environment, lowers irritation, stimulates regeneration, and removes dryness. It is accepted by our skin very well and will not cause allergic reactions.

Position 2

#2Propanediol

Origin: chemical
Role: Solvent, Viscosity controlling agent
Moisturizing
Hair conditioning
EWG Rating [ 2 ]

Propanediol is a good solvent, emollient and humectant. It helps to moisturize the skin and prevent moisture loss. In haircare products, it conditions hair and improves absorption of the product.

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#2C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Antimicrobial agent, Emollient
Cleansing
Softening
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is mostly used as formulation component. It gives the product a soft and silky but non-greasy feeling. As for the skin benefits, it's an emollient – it makes the skin softer and more hydrated. It also helps to kill bacteria and increase the product’s shelf life.

Position 3

#3Dimethicone

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Antifoaming agent, Emollient
Silicones
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

Dimethicone is the most popular silicone. It makes the skin softer and forms a film adding smooth and silky feeling. This film not only improves how the skin feels but also works as a protective barrier. It also improves the visual appearance of your skin by filling small wrinkles. What you should really know is that this component is difficult to wash off! So make sure you did proper cleansing after using it.

-- versus --

#3Bisabolol

Origin: natural
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Fragrance ingredient, Masking
Softening
Soothing
Lightening
Healing
Antiseptic
Protection
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

Bisabolol is one of the most effective healing ingredients in cosmetics. It is a great component for reducing inflammation. It contains a lot of Vitamin B5 known as Panthenol, but it acts much better than Panthenol due to its wider effectiveness. It softens the skin and helps to recover skin cells after dryness. It is also a nice protector – it helps to protect the skin from aggressive chemical and physical impact. Bisabolol, Panthenol, and Allantoin are the true saviors and very often you can find all these 3 components mixed in a product for better efficiency.

Position 4

#4Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Emollient, Hair conditioning
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]
-- versus --

#4Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Origin: natural
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Fragrance ingredient
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient that also hydrates the skin without leaving a fatty film. When applied, the component feels smooth and light. In haircare products, it’s also used for hydrating purposes. It makes hair silky, lowers tangling, and makes hair smooth.

It’s safe for most people, except for people with allergic reactions to coconut or palm oil because these oils are usually used for producing the component.

Position 5

#5Niacinamide

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Hair conditioning, Smoothing
Antioxidants
Acne fighting
Pore Shrinking
Soothing
Anti-aging
Lightening
Elasticity improvement
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and it’s a superman in cosmetics. This ingredient is researched very well. It has a lot of positive reviews from scientists and experts. It's very important for healthy skin. The lack of this vitamin can cause dryness, itching, and sun sensitivity. The component removes small wrinkles and fine lines, heals wounds, and prevents the forming of cancer cells. It also makes the skin tone even by removing dark spots. It increases ceramide synthesis which increases the overall health of your skin. It fights acne and lowers pores.

Researches say that 4-5% of Niacinamide is the most effective concentration for skincare use.

-- versus --

#5Dimethyl Isosorbide

Origin: chemical
Role: Solvent, Viscosity controlling agent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
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