Medicube NAD EGF Serum vs The Ordinary Retinol 1%: which should you buy?
A no-retinoid peptide firming serum against a high-strength 1% retinol for experienced users.
medicube medicube NAD EGF Firming Serum for Face
4.5(2,893) £16.90£18.90-11% Check price on Amazon →
The Ordinary The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, High-Strength Retinol Serum
4.5(19,505) £8.10£9.00-10% Check price on Amazon →The short answer
if you want firming care without a retinoid or you are new to actives.
if you have already built retinol tolerance and want the best-researched active for the least money.
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Side by side
| NAD EGF Firming Serum | The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £16.90£18.90-11% See on Amazon → | £8.10£9.00-10% See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.5 | ★★★★★ 4.5 |
| Review count | 2,893 | 19,505 |
| Amazon best-seller rank | #8 in Face Serums | #13 in Face Serums |
| Amazon purchases | 10K+ bought | 5K+ bought |
| Key active | NAD and EGF | retinol |
| Format | serum | serum |
| Size | 1.01 fl.oz | - |
| Routine step | treat | treat |
| Best for | firmness | - |
| Sensitive-skin friendly | Listing flags no strong actives | Contains actives, patch test |
| Highlights |
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Our verdict
Both hold 4.5 out of 5, but they are aimed at very different users. The Ordinary’s Retinol 1% in Squalane is a high-strength retinol, and its own listing says it is best for people who have already built tolerance to lower strengths. It is far cheaper and has the much larger review base, 19,505 against 2,893. Retinol is the most studied over-the-counter ingredient for fine lines, but at 1% it needs sunscreen, patience and a slow build-up. Medicube’s NAD EGF Firming Serum takes the no-retinoid route: niacinamide 4th of 65, the EGF peptide 20th and NAD 24th, sold for face and neck firmness and flagged as gentle enough for daily use. The evidence behind topical EGF and NAD is much thinner than retinol’s. If you are an experienced retinol user, The Ordinary gives you more for less. If retinoids irritate you, or you are new to them, the Medicube is the gentler firming option.
Which one is for you?
- Choose the Medicube NAD EGF Firming Serum if you want firming care without a retinoid or you are new to actives. Read our full look at the NAD EGF Firming Serum →
- Choose The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane if you have already built retinol tolerance and want the best-researched active for the least money. See The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane on Amazon →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the NAD EGF Firming Serum and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane?
A no-retinoid peptide firming serum against a high-strength 1% retinol for experienced users.
Which is better, the NAD EGF Firming Serum or The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane?
Neither is simply better; it depends on your skin and goal. Choose the Medicube NAD EGF Firming Serum if you want firming care without a retinoid or you are new to actives. Choose The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane if you have already built retinol tolerance and want the best-researched active for the least money.
Can I use the NAD EGF Firming Serum and The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane together?
Often yes. If they sit at different routine steps you can layer them lightest to heaviest, and if they do the same job you would usually pick one. Introduce new actives one at a time and patch test first.
Where these claims come from
- Star ratings and review counts: Amazon.co.uk's own figures for each listing, read on 2026-09-30.
- Prices and stock: read from each Amazon.co.uk listing, read on 2026-09-30.
- Best Sellers Rank and "bought in past month" badges: Amazon.co.uk's own figures, shown on the product page, read on 2026-09-30.
- Ingredient list as published by the manufacturer · medicube.us
We have not tested either product. Everything above is read from the listings and the manufacturer, with the dates shown, plus our own reading of what the two are for. Ratings are Amazon customers' scores, not ours.
Amazon.co.uk figures, not ours: prices read on 2026-09-30; star ratings and review counts read on 2026-09-30. Prices and ratings change; these are dated snapshots.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in PDRN & Salmon DNA or browse the whole range.