The ordinary - Retinols

Hi you're correct in the sense that their Granactive Retinoid is weaker than traditional retinol. This is because their Granactive Retinoid is Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate which is a new generation of retinoid. There hasn't been much studies done around the efficacy of it, but it is generally better tolerated and much better for sensitive skin since it doesn't seem to have any side effects like traditional retinoids. I also just want to point out that it's not actually 5% HPR. HPR is actually 10% active and 90% solvent, meaning 5% actually means it makes up 0.5% of the entire ingredient list. The other 4.5% of that 5% is the solvent dimethyl isosorbide. Whereas the 1% retinol is actually straight up 1% retinol, which will burn your face off, especially you're new to retinoids. Remember stronger doesn't necessarily mean better, especially when it comes to actives.

If you want to up the game, try Granative retinoid Grantative retinoid is another name for hydroxypinacolone retinoate which is made by Grants industry hence the name grantative retinoid. It is said to have the power of retinol without the irritation. Retinol needs to be converted twice into retinoic acid while granative retinoid is used directly. The only cons I know is granative is newer than retinol. Retinol has been in research far longer than granative retinoid but many products are including it in their products.

Their 1% retinol in squalane is their strongest product.

I’ll share a link to Caroline Hirons video about the Ordinary Retinol products. https://youtu.be/1K6cLNZ3PzU