CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
Both serums contain Retinol, but each adds something the other doesn't. Here's where they overlap and where they split.
Encapsulated retinol with niacinamide, ceramides and licorice root extract for post-acne marks. Low-irritation formulation — a sensible step up from a niacinamide-only routine, or a maintenance retinol for acne-prone skin that's finished with benzoyl peroxide.
The advanced-strength option in The Ordinary's retinol ladder — oil-based, no water, stable. For users who've already tolerated 0.2% and 0.5% and are ready to escalate. Expect visible purging and dryness in the first 2–4 weeks; pair with a barrier-supporting moisturiser and strict AM SPF.
Which should you choose?
Both contain Retinol. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum adds Niacinamide and Licorice Root Extract. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. On price, The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is the less expensive option (Budget versus Mid-range).
What they share
This hero active appears in both formulas:
Ingredient stacks, side by side
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum — top of the list
- Water~50–80%
- Glycerin~5–25%
- Niacinamide~2–6%
- Sodium Hydroxy…~1.5–4%
- Cetyl Alcohol~1–2%
- Pentylene Glycol~1–2%
- Ceramide NP~1–2%
- Licorice Root …~1–2%
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane — top of the list
- Squalane~50–80%
- Solanum Lycope…~2–6%
- Simmondsia Chi…~1.5–4%
- Rosa Rubiginos…~1–2%
● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.
The specs
| CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum | The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Serum | Serum |
| Price tier | Mid-range | Budget |
| Best for | Rough Texture, Dark Spots, Aging | Aging, Rough Texture, Dark Spots |
| Usage notes | Evening only | Evening only |
| Shared hero actives | Retinol | |
Common questions
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Are the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane dupes for each other?
Can I use the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane together?
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