The Ordinary
Granactive Retinoid 2% EmulsionThe Derma Co
0.3% Retinol SerumA serum built around Retinoid, for barrier repair and smoothing.
A serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for barrier repair and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 10.89 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
INR 799.00 · checked 5 Oct 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

They come out differently on Silicone-free; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Key Ingredients

Fatty alcohol1
Waxy fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners; unrelated to drying alcohol.

Benefits

Hydrating3
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Barrier Repair8
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Ethyl Linoleate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Sucrose Laurate
Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethiconol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone
Barrier Repair10
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Behenyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Dimethiconol, Glycerin, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Physalis Angulata Extract

Concerns

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis12
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Behentrimonium Chloride, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Ethyl Linoleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 20, Sucrose Laurate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis6
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Behenyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Ingredients Side-by-side

Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Retinol (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
- Retinoid
- Acne Fighting
- Anti-Aging
- Dark Spots
- Firming
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Smoothing
Skin Conditioning
Emollient
Antioxidant
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C derivative (stable)
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Antioxidant
Skin Protecting
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aqua
Solvent
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Fragrance, Perfuming, Occlusive, Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is the mixed triester of glycerin and caprylic and capric acids.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Retinol is a retinoid.
Learn more about Retinol →Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Chelating
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
Learn more about Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →
Similar Comparisons
Each product against its closest dupes.
- View the comparison

The Ordinary
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

No7
Pure Retinol 0.3% Retinol Night Concentrate
- View the comparison

The Derma Co
0.3% Retinol Serum

The Derma Co
0.1% Retinol Serum
- View the comparison

The Ordinary
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

No7
Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate
- View the comparison

The Derma Co
0.3% Retinol Serum

Mamaearth
Retinol Face Serum with Retinol & Bakuchi for Fine Lines & Wrinkles