Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Buffet
The Ordinary Buffet scores 8.9/9.8 vs Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum at 8.6/9.8. The Ordinary Buffet wins for active ingredients.
Head to head
Score comparison
The Ordinary Buffet edges ahead, winning 2 of 5 attributes.
Scores last verified: July 2026
Attribute battle
Hydration Efficacy
The Ordinary WINSIrritation Risk
TIEActive Ingredient Strength
The Ordinary WINSIngredient Transparency
TIEFormulation Safety
TIEIngredient face-off
17% overlapOnly in Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum
32 unique
Shared ingredients
8 in common
Why The Ordinary Buffet comes out ahead
Where The Ordinary Buffet really shines is active ingredient strength, scoring 8.4 compared to Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum's 5.5. Its formula features Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in high positions, signalling meaningful concentrations.
Hydration Efficacy is another area of separation. The Ordinary Buffet scores 8.7 here versus 6.8 for Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.
The Ordinary Buffet brings Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 as actives, while dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum relies on Retinol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, and Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.
Best for your skin type
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum is better if you have
- Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
- Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations
The Ordinary Buffet is better if you have
- Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
- Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Glycerin
- Targeting specific concerns like aging or uneven tone — Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 does the heavy lifting
Value comparison
At luxury pricing with a score of 8.6, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum is a decent pick. The Ordinary Buffet sits at the budget level with a 8.9 score — the higher investment pays off in formulation quality.
Our verdict
The Ordinary Buffet edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum is still a solid pick.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum or The Ordinary Buffet?
Based on ingredient analysis, The Ordinary Buffet scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.
Do Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum and The Ordinary Buffet share ingredients?
Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.
What's the main difference between Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum and The Ordinary Buffet?
The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.
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