The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA vs Dr.Althea 0.1 Gentle Retinol Serum

The Ordinary

Dr.Althea

A serum built around Peptides and Hyaluronic acid, for hydration and anti-aging.

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

Serum

17 ingredients

32 ingredients

Brand price

USD 9.81 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 23.90 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from Canada

Brand from South Korea

At a Glance

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

Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Peptides2
Short amino-acid chains used as signalling actives.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Bakuchiol1
A plant-derived ingredient studied as a retinol alternative.
Bakuchiol
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Retinoid1
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol

Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Anti-Aging2
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

May Trigger Acne4
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis5
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Glycine Soja Oil

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Butylene Glycol (in both products)
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Peptides
- Anti-Aging
- Firming
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Peptides
- Anti-Aging
- Firming
- Reduces Irritation
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Skin Conditioning
PPG-26-BUTETH-26
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

Water
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Butylene Glycol (in both products)
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Dibutyl Adipate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
3 / 0
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- 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.

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 →
Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Learn more about Butylene Glycol →