The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution vs Foxtale 0.15% Beginner-friendly Retinol Night Serum

The Ordinary

Foxtale

A serum built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

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

Serum

9 ingredients

33 ingredients

Brand price

USD 6.75 · 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.

Face oil1
An oil formulated to be used on the face.
Squalane
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid1
The BHA used in acne treatment.
Salicylic Acid

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

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Squalane
Smoothing3
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Salicylic Acid, Squalane
Acne Fighting1
Helps clear breakouts and keep pores clear.
Salicylic Acid

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Squalane

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:

Squalane
Emollient
1 / 0
- Face oil
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Oily Skin
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (in both products)
Occlusive
1 / 1
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
0-1 / —
Salicylic Acid
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Perfuming
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol (in both products)
Preservative
0 / —
Chlorphenesin
Preservative
0 / —

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
1 / 0
- Silicones
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (in both products)
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
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.

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 →
Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →