The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics vs Foxtale 0.15% Beginner-friendly Retinol Night Serum

The Ordinary

Foxtale

A serum built around Lactic acid and BHA, for hydration and smoothing.

A serum built around Retinoid and Niacinamide, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Serum

33 ingredients

Brand price

USD 8.28 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

INR 599.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from Canada

Brand from India

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fragrance-free, Silicone-free, Pore-clogger-free and Oil-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Lactic acid1
An AHA that also acts as a humectant.
Sodium Lactate

Chemical sunscreen1
Organic UV filters that absorb UV and release it as heat.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Sunscreen1
Any ingredient acting as a UV filter.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20

Hydrating9
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Algae Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Histidine, PCA, Propanediol, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Algae Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin
Smoothing5
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Algae Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Lactate
Acne Fighting1
Helps clear breakouts and keep pores clear.
Salicylic Acid

May Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Hexylene Glycol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 20
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Hexylene Glycol

May Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis7
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Palmitoyl Glycine, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Olivate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Garcinia Indica Seed Butter

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
1 / 0
- Silicones
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Cetearyl Olivate
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
1 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Possibly animal-derived
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Propanediol (in both products)
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Aqua
Solvent
Water
Learn more about Aqua →
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →
Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →
Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →