The Ordinary is commonly regarded as a cost-effective solution for potent skincare products, offering a variety of formulas with high concentrations of active ingredients. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which one is right for your skin? In this article, we will compare two of their popular products: The Ordinary Buffet and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane. These products have different purposes and benefits, but they also share some common features. We will explain what they are, their ingredients, their textures, and how to use them safely and effectively. Upon reaching the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of these products and be able to decide which one suits your needs and goals.
We will talk about the following:
- What are The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane?
- What are the ingredients of The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane?
- How are the textures of The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane?
- How is the ideal usage of The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane?
- What are the price differences between The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane?
- Which one to buy?
| The Ordinary Buffet | The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 5.91 x 5.91 x 3.94 inches | 5.91 x 5.91 x 3.94 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1.06 Ounces | 1.06 Ounces |
About The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane
The Ordinary is a skincare brand hailing from Canada that has revolutionized the industry with its distinctive and innovative approach. The brand focuses on transparency, simplicity, and affordability, offering products that are formulated with scientifically backed ingredients in precise concentrations. Two of their most well-known products are The Ordinary Buffet and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane.
The Ordinary Buffet is a reliable skincare product that targets wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. It combines multiple active technologies like multi-peptide in one serum. The product is well-received for its effectiveness against signs of aging, improving skin elasticity, and its non-irritating formula. It has also been said to work well to hydrate, plump, and firm the skin.
Meanwhile. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is an expert-level formula that offers a water-free solution containing a main ingredient of 1% retinol to improve the appearance of fine and dynamic lines that arise from a loss of collagen and elastin, while evening skin texture and tone. This serum is considered a high-strength and potent formula, yet still gentle and able to revitalize and hydrate your skin.
Comparing the two, both The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane are designed to target signs of aging, but they do so in different ways. The choice between the two would depend on the specific skin concerns and tolerance of the user. Let’s compare these two in more detail.
Ingredients of The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane
The Ordinary Buffet has peptides that take center stage in its core ingredients. This ingredient is proteins and molecules that make up the building blocks of skin, and keep it feeling smooth, firm, and bouncy. Other than peptides, The Ordinary Buffet also contains other 50 ingredients from amino acids like arginine to improve skin hydration, Copper Tripeptide-1, Lysine, hyaluronic acid itself, and many more.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalene has a key ingredient consisting of highly stable vitamin A called retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearance of aging with impressive results. This potent ingredient promotes the renewal of skin cells, resulting in smoother and healthier skin, while also addressing issues like blemishes, dark spots, and signs of aging.
Other than that, it is supported with squalane, a moisturizing agent naturally found in your skin that enhances surface-level hydration and helps combat the dryness that can be associated with retinol use. Besides these two key ingredients, it also contains other additional ingredients to boost this serum’s work even more optimally such as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tomato Fruit Extract, Jojoba Seed Oil, and many more.
Textures of The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane
The Ordinary Buffet is a lightweight serum that has a slightly viscous texture. It leaves a slightly tacky finish after application but is still considered to be quickly absorbed into the skin and the tackiness disappears after a few minutes, leaving the skin feeling smooth and nourished. It is also easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane has an overall lightweight and non-greasy texture, but the consistency can be said as oily-watery. The oily sensation is caused by the squalane, which is a nourishing and hydrating oil-like substance. However, despite being an oil, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block your pores and cause acne or breakouts. It also has a relatively fast-absorbing nature.
Ideal Usage of The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane
When it comes to their application, The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane are two distinct products from The Ordinary, each with its unique properties and uses. For The Ordinary Buffet, it is a multi-tasking water-based serum that targets multiple signs of skin aging and improves overall skin health.
It’s recommended to apply The Buffet to the face in the AM and/or PM after cleansing and before moisturizing. It’s also suitable for anyone looking to improve their overall skin health and is particularly beneficial for those looking to target signs of skin aging. However, this serum shall not be combined with certain ingredients like Vitamin C, direct acids, niacinamide, and retinol as they can compromise the performance of the peptides and cause skin irritation.
On the other side, The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is formulated with a potent 1% retinol concentration, which is the highest retinol concentration of any The Ordinary product. This serum’s retinol is paired with squalene to prevent skin dehydration. However, although it has hydrating oil like squalene, this product’s usage may need to be more mindful and cautious.
For ideal usage, you are recommended to apply only a small amount to your face in the evening as part of your skincare regimen. It’s better to be used in the evening because using this serum means you need to avoid solar exposure since the high retinol makes your skin sensitive to the sun. Besides that, always make sure to use it after water-based serums and before oils, suspensions or creams.
Please note that improper retinol application can cause irritation, redness, peeling, and flaky skin. High retinol is not recommended for beginners, that’s why if you are about to add retinol to your skincare regimen, it will be better to start with a lower concentration of retinol and gradually work your way up to Retinol 1% in Squalane.
Overall, while both products aim to improve skin health and address signs of aging, they differ in their ingredients, usage, and potential side effects. The Ordinary Buffet serum uses a combination of active ingredients to target a range of skin concerns, while the Retinol 1% in Squalane uses a potent concentration of retinol to improve skin texture and clarity.
For those new to skincare or with sensitive skin, The Ordinary Buffet might be a better choice due to its mild formulation and wide range of targeted concerns. For those looking for a potent anti-aging solution and whose skin can tolerate retinol, Retinol 1% in Squalane could be a good option. Make sure to pick the right product for your skin and use it as recommended for the best results.
Price Differences between The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane
On the market, The Ordinary Buffet is priced at around $13.50 for the 30ml size and around $17.50 for the 60ml size. Meanwhile, The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is priced at around $9.30 for the 30ml size.
| The Ordinary Buffet | The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Features | - Reduces Signs of Aging: Tackles multiple signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. - Multiple Peptide Complexes: Target different aspects of skin aging, stimulating collagen, elastin, and hydration. - Lightweight and Water-Based: Absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. | - Retinol 1% in Squalane offers a water-free solution containing 1% retinol: an ingredient that improves the appearance of fine and dynamic lines that arise from a loss of collagen and elastin, while evening skin texture and tone. - This expert-level formula is supported with squalane, a moisturizing agent naturally found in your skin that enhances surface-level hydration and helps combat the dryness that can be associated with retinol use. - Lightweight Serum Formula: Absorbs Quickly. |
Conclusion
In summary, you can see that The Ordinary Buffet and Retinol 1% in Squalane cater to different skincare needs. The Ordinary Buffet is a versatile, lightweight serum that is more suitable for daily use and targeting various signs of aging with peptides and other skin-nourishing ingredients.
Meanwhile, The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is a potent formula with a high concentration of retinol, ideal for addressing skin texture and clarity concerns. It requires careful application in the evening, avoiding sun exposure due to heightened sensitivity.
Which one to choose? Well, consider your specific skin goals, tolerance, and the targeted benefits of each product to make an informed choice for your skincare routine. Remember that both The Ordinary Buffet and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane are well-regarded skincare products. They cater to different skincare needs, so their effectiveness depends on your specific goals and needs.