Side-by-side comparison

The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging 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.

1Shared hero active
The Inkey List
Retinol Anti-Aging Serum
SerumBudgetEvening only
AgingRough TextureSensitive skinDamaged barrier

Stabilised 1% retinoid complex (a blend of retinol and slow-release granactive retinoid) in a squalane base. Budget-priced gentler-than-classical retinol — a reasonable first step into the category.

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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. The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum adds Retinyl Retinoate. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is the better fit for 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

The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum — top of the list

  • Caprylic/Capri…~50–80%
  • Squalane~5–25%
  • Dimethyl Isoso…~3–10%
  • Isononyl Isono…~2–6%
  • Hydroxypinacol…~1.5–4%
  • Retinol~1–2%
  • Hydrogenated O…~1–2%

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

The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging SerumThe Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
CategorySerumSerum
Price tierBudgetBudget
Best forAging, Rough TextureAging, Rough Texture, Dark Spots
Usage notesEvening onlyEvening only
Shared hero activesRetinol
Questions

Common questions

Is The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum or The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane better?
It depends on what you're treating. Both contain Retinol; The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum adds Retinyl Retinoate.
What's the difference between The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane?
The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum's hero actives are Retinol, Retinyl Retinoate and Squalane. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane's are Retinol.
Are The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane dupes for each other?
Partly. They share Retinol, but The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum's Retinyl Retinoate isn't in the other, so they aren't full substitutes.
Can I use The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum 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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