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The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion and The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane are both treatments — both are dosed with Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. They earn the same efficacy grade (C, 63/100). The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion costs $1 less (8% cheaper). That makes The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion the stronger pick on both efficacy and price.
Side by side
Grade, key actives, and price — the actives they share (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate) are what do the work.
How we grade
Both products are graded A–F on the same standard: the active, its published effective concentration, and the study behind it — never marketing. A cheaper product can out-grade a pricier one. See the full methodology. Buy links are affiliate links; we may earn a small commission at no cost to you, and it never changes a grade.
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Get the appBased on published concentration thresholds and formulation science. Our algorithm predicts likely efficacy — it does not test the product. Individual results vary. Not evaluated by the FDA. Comparisons are based on graded efficacy, shared actives, and published dosing — not side-by-side clinical testing; textures and tolerability still differ.