Can you use The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream?
Yes
Their key actives have no known conflict.
The Ordinary's layering guide puts water-free formulas like this squalane retinol before creams, so the CeraVe cream goes on after it as the last step.
Based on 4 active-ingredient pairings, listed below.
How to use them
- Apply the thinner, more watery product first, then the thicker one.
- Finish with moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning.
Every active pairing checked
| Actives | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Retinol + ceramides | Yes | Yes. A ceramide moisturizer is a good match for retinol. |
| Retinol + hyaluronic acid | Yes | Yes. Hyaluronic acid is an easy, gentle partner for retinol. |
| Squalane + ceramides | Yes | Yes. Ceramides and squalane can be used together. |
| Squalane + hyaluronic acid | Yes | Yes. Hyaluronic acid and squalane can be used together. |
What's in each product
Actives read from each brand's published ingredient list (as transcribed on INCIDecoder and INCIDecoder). Formulas change; check your bottle.
Sources
- The Ordinary. Your Guide to Layering The Ordinary Skincare.
- Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606-612.
- Mukherjee S, et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):327-348.
- Meckfessel MH, Brandt S. The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(1):177-184.
- Coderch L, et al. Ceramides and skin function. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(2):107-129.
- Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: a key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-258.
- Pavicic T, et al. Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011;10(9):990-1000.
- Zanchetta C, Scandolera A, Reynaud R. Hyaluronic Acid in Topical Applications: The Various Forms and Biological Effects of a Hero Molecule in the Cosmetics Industry. Biomolecules. 2025;15(12):1656.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers). Content current as of 07/06/2023.
- Fiume M, et al. Squalane and squalene. Int J Toxicol. 2023;42(3 Suppl):107S-109S.
- Huang ZR, Lin YK, Fang JY. Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Molecules. 2009;14(1):540-554.
- INCIDecoder. The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane: ingredient list.
- INCIDecoder. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: ingredient list.