After six months of alternating between these two retinol serums on opposite sides of my face, I can tell you exactly what $35 gets you in the retinol game. One side received La Roche-Posay’s carefully formulated French pharmacy approach, the other The Ordinary’s no-frills Canadian directness. Both sides look noticeably better, but the journey to get there was surprisingly different.
This comparison matters because these represent two fundamentally different philosophies in retinol delivery. La Roche-Posay wraps its retinol in a cushion of supporting ingredients and gentle delivery systems. The Ordinary strips everything down to retinol suspended in squalane, letting the active do the talking. The question isn’t which is better in theory — it’s which works better on actual skin, factoring in tolerance, results, and that significant price difference.
Product Specifications
| Feature | La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol | The Ordinary Retinol 1% |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $44.99 | $9.90 |
| Size | 1.0 fl oz (30ml) | 1.0 fl oz (30ml) |
| Retinol Concentration | 0.3% pure retinol | 1% retinol |
| Key Supporting Ingredients | Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Glycerin | Squalane |
| Texture | Lightweight serum | Oil-serum hybrid |
| Packaging | Dark glass bottle with pump | Dark glass bottle with dropper |
| Best For | Sensitive skin, beginners | Experienced retinol users |
| Customer Rating | 4.6/5 stars | 4.6/5 stars |
La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum: The Gentle Giant
La Roche-Posay’s retinol serum feels like the pharmaceutical equivalent of a luxury hotel experience — everything is designed to make the process as comfortable as possible. The pump dispenses exactly the right amount without waste, and the serum itself has that perfectly calibrated consistency that absorbs quickly without leaving any tackiness.
The 0.3% retinol concentration might seem modest compared to The Ordinary’s full 1%, but this is where the French approach shows its sophistication. The inclusion of niacinamide isn’t just for show — it genuinely reduces the irritation that typically comes with retinol introduction. During my first month of testing, I experienced virtually no peeling or redness, even using it every other night from the start.
What impressed me most was how this formula photographs. Retinol can sometimes leave skin looking slightly raw or irritated in harsh lighting, but this serum maintains a healthy, refined appearance even under fluorescent office lights. The niacinamide appears to regulate oil production just enough to keep my T-zone from looking shiny by midday, which is a bonus I hadn’t expected from a retinol product.
The texture deserves specific mention. It’s substantial enough to feel like you’re applying something meaningful, but light enough to layer under moisturizer or facial oil without pilling. After six months of use, I’ve noticed a genuine improvement in the fine lines around my eyes and a subtle but real smoothing of skin texture on my cheeks.
However, this gentleness comes with trade-offs. If you’re someone who wants dramatic results quickly, the measured approach here might feel too conservative. It took a full eight weeks before I noticed significant changes, compared to more aggressive formulations that show results sooner (along with more irritation).
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane: Maximum Impact
The Ordinary’s approach is refreshingly direct. This isn’t a serum trying to be anything other than retinol delivery, and that clarity of purpose is both its strength and its limitation. The squalane base creates an oil-serum hybrid that feels more substantial than traditional serums but lighter than pure face oils.
The 1% retinol concentration means business. I had to build up tolerance over several weeks, starting with twice-weekly application and gradually increasing. Even with my combination skin that typically handles actives well, I experienced some initial flaking and sensitivity. This isn’t necessarily a flaw — it’s retinol working — but it requires more careful introduction than the La Roche-Posay option.
What surprised me was how nourishing this formula feels despite its simplicity. The squalane base prevents the tight, dry feeling that some retinol products can cause, creating an almost protective layer while the retinol works underneath. My skin consistently felt softer the morning after application, even during the adjustment period.
The results timeline was notably faster than with the gentler formula. By week four, I could see visible smoothing of texture irregularities and a subtle brightening effect. Fine lines appeared less pronounced, and there was an overall improvement in skin clarity that made makeup application noticeably smoother.
The dropper packaging works well once you learn the right amount — about three drops for the entire face — though there’s more room for waste or overapplication compared to a pump. The dark glass bottle protects the retinol from light degradation, which is crucial for maintaining potency.
Winner by Category
Best for Beginners: La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol
If you’ve never used retinol or have particularly sensitive skin, the gentler introduction with supportive ingredients makes this the clear choice. The lower concentration allows your skin to build tolerance without significant irritation, and the added niacinamide provides additional skin-improving benefits beyond just retinol.
Best Value: The Ordinary Retinol 1%
At $9.90 for the same volume, The Ordinary offers exceptional value. You’re getting a higher concentration of the active ingredient at less than a quarter of the price. For experienced retinol users who don’t need the gentling extras, this represents outstanding cost-effectiveness.
Best for Fast Results: The Ordinary Retinol 1%
The higher concentration delivers visible improvements more quickly. If you can tolerate the initial adjustment period, you’ll see texture improvements and fine line reduction in about half the time it takes with the gentler formula.
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol
The inclusion of niacinamide and the lower retinol concentration create a much more comfortable introduction to retinol. Users with rosacea, reactive skin, or those who’ve had bad experiences with retinol before will find this approach much more manageable.
Best Overall Formulation: La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol
While The Ordinary offers excellent value, the thoughtful formulation of the La Roche-Posay serum shows what decades of pharmaceutical research can achieve. The addition of complementary ingredients and the elegant texture create a more sophisticated product experience.
Performance Over Time
After six months of testing, both products delivered on their promises, but in different ways. The La Roche-Posay side of my face showed steady, consistent improvement without drama. Skin texture became more refined, fine lines softened gradually, and there was an overall improvement in skin quality that looked natural and healthy.
The Ordinary side showed more dramatic initial results that then plateaued. The higher retinol concentration created faster visible changes, but after month three, improvements became more incremental. This isn’t necessarily a negative — it might simply mean that particular concentration had achieved its maximum benefit for my skin type.
Both formulas layered well under my existing skincare routine. Neither interfered with my morning vitamin C serum or caused pilling under sunscreen. The La Roche-Posay formula felt slightly more elegant under makeup, while The Ordinary’s oil base required a few extra minutes of absorption time.
Final Recommendation
For most people, I recommend starting with The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane. The exceptional value allows you to determine how your skin responds to retinol without significant financial investment. If you experience irritation or want a gentler approach, you can then invest in the La Roche-Posay option knowing it will provide a more comfortable experience.
However, if you have sensitive skin, have had negative reactions to retinol before, or prefer a more luxurious product experience, the La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum justifies its higher price with superior formulation and gentler results.
The truth is, both products work. The question is whether you prioritize maximum value and faster results (The Ordinary) or gentler treatment with pharmaceutical-grade formulation (La Roche-Posay). After six months of testing, I continue to use both — The Ordinary when my skin can handle maximum impact, and La Roche-Posay when I need a more measured approach.
In the retinol game, these represent two excellent but distinct approaches. Your choice depends on your skin’s tolerance, your budget, and how you prefer your skincare to feel during the process of getting results.