Side-by-side comparison

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) 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.

1Shared hero active
CeraVe
Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)
SerumBudgetEvening only
Post-Acne MarksRough TextureCongestion

Encapsulated retinol with licorice and niacinamide, targeted at post-acne marks and uneven texture. The CeraVe ceramide base buffers irritation — a gentle entry retinol rather than a high-strength one.

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The Ordinary
Retinol 1% in Squalane
SerumBudgetEvening only
AgingRough TextureDark SpotsSensitive skinDamaged barrier

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.

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The verdict

Which should you choose?

Both contain Retinol. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) adds Niacinamide and Licorice Root. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) is the better fit for post-acne marks and congestion; The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane for signs of aging and dark spots. Both sit in the Budget price tier.

The overlap

What they share

This hero active appears in both formulas:

Retinol
The formulation

Ingredient stacks, side by side

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Glycerin~5–25%
  • Dimethicone~3–10%
  • Niacinamide~2–6%
  • Caprylic/Capric…~1.5–4%

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane — top of the list

  • Squalane~50–80%
  • Caprylic/Capri…~5–25%
  • Retinol1%
  • 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.

At a glance

The specs

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
CategorySerumSerum
Price tierBudgetBudget
Best forPost-Acne Marks, Rough Texture, CongestionAging, Rough Texture, Dark Spots
Usage notesEvening onlyEvening only
Shared hero activesRetinol
Questions

Common questions

Is the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) or The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane better?
It depends on what you're treating. Both contain Retinol; CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) adds Niacinamide and Licorice Root.
What's the difference between the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane?
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)'s hero actives are Retinol, Niacinamide and Licorice Root. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane's are Retinol.
Are the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane dupes for each other?
Partly. They share Retinol, but CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)'s Niacinamide and Licorice Root aren't in the other, so they aren't full substitutes.
Can I use the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane together?
There's no benefit to using two retinoids at once, and it raises the risk of irritation. Pick one.
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1 shared hero active

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