La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum vs The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%
Both serums contain Glycerin, but only La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum adds a targeted active: Retinol and Niacinamide. That's the main thing to weigh.
A pure retinol plus retinyl-derivative serum buffered with niacinamide and glycerin for wrinkles and texture. A well-tolerated mid-strength retinol from a clinical brand; ramp up slowly and always follow with SPF.
A 5% pine-bark antioxidant (pycnogenol) serum in a lightweight base, for environmental defence. A niche but potent antioxidant; pleasant layered under SPF in the morning, with a faint natural tint to the formula.
Which should you choose?
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum goes further with Retinol and Niacinamide, which The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% doesn't have. If you only need Glycerin, The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% covers it; if you want Retinol and Niacinamide as well, choose La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum. La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum is the better fit for fine lines and rough texture; The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% for dullness and redness. On price, The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% is the less expensive option (Mid-range versus Premium). La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum is flagged evening only; The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% is flagged morning or evening.
What they share
This hero active appears in both formulas:
Ingredient stacks, side by side
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum — top of the list
- Dimethicone~3–10%
- Niacinamide~2–6%
- Retinol~1.5–4%
The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% — top of the list
- Caprylic/Capric…~30–70%
- Pinus Pinaster …~2–6%
- Propanediol~1.5–4%
● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.
The specs
| La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum | The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Serum | Serum |
| Price tier | Premium | Mid-range |
| Best for | Fine Lines, Rough Texture, Photoaging Prevention | Photoaging Prevention, Dullness, Redness |
| Usage notes | Evening only | Morning or evening |
| Shared hero actives | Glycerin | |
Common questions
Is the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum or The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% better?
What's the difference between the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum and The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%?
Are the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum and The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% dupes for each other?
Can I use the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum and The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% together?
Related comparisons
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