The Ordinary
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
retinol serum · 30 ml · 24 ingredients
£8.80−20%Amazon UK
- Fragrance-free
- No essential oils
- With glycerin
- With retinoids
Full ingredient lists, decoded. Free-from facts on every product.
Balea
retinol serum · Skincare
Balea Concentrate Retinol Anti-Aging face serum 7 capsules is free of essential oils, labelled fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, sulfates, parabens and MI / MCI, going by its full 15-ingredient list, with retinoids, squalane and bakuchiol. List checked November 5, 2026.
The catch: it contains fragrance and silicones (Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer).
Listed in Amazon's stores in United Kingdom; links take you to your own store.
Retinoids
Vitamin A forms that speed cell turnover for lines, texture and breakouts.
Squalane
A light, skin-compatible emollient.
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived retinol alternative.
Vitamin E
An antioxidant that protects the formula and the skin.
15 ingredients, in label order (highest amount first; below about 1% the order is free).
Source: Open Beauty Facts (ODbL), world.openbeautyfacts.org/product/4066447952933, retrieved November 5, 2026.
| Check | Result | Ingredients found |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrance | Contains | Parfum (#14) |
| Essential oils | None listed | — |
| Labelled fragrance allergens | None listed | — |
| Drying alcohol | None listed | — |
| Sulfates | None listed | — |
| Silicones | Contains | Dimethicone (#1), Dimethicone Crosspolymer (#4) |
| Parabens | None listed | — |
| MI / MCI | None listed | — |
| Formaldehyde releasers | None listed | — |
| Mineral oil & petrolatum | None listed | — |
| Lanolin | None listed | — |
| Chemical UV filters | None listed | — |
No. Balea Concentrate Retinol Anti-Aging face serum 7 capsules contains Parfum (ingredient 14 of 15).
Silicones: yes (Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer). Sulfates: none listed. Parabens: none listed.
Its full list passes our ingredient rules for MI allergy, acne-prone skin, dry skin and oily skin. Key ingredients: Retinoids, Squalane, Bakuchiol and Vitamin E.
The Ordinary
retinol serum · 30 ml · 24 ingredients
£8.80−20%Amazon UK
Medik8
retinol serum · 50 ml · 29 ingredients
£134.54−10%Amazon UK
Vichy
retinol serum · 2.4 l · 39 ingredients
The Inkey List
retinol serum · 30 ml · 30 ingredients
Amazon UK prices as of 6 November 2026, 05:32 GMT; Amazon sets the final price at checkout.