The original, what makes it special, the shelf parts we use and how to get closer. Add or swap parts and the score updates.
The original · ZO Skin Health
$200 · 60 mL / 2 fl oz
A 1% retinol in almond oleosomes (slow release) in a silicone base with sunflower and plukenetia oils, plant stem cells and vitamins C and E.
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
Step 2 · The build
The Ordinary
Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.
The 100 points
We split Radical Night Retinol into 3 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.
Stated strength.
Slow release for tolerance.
Antioxidants.
Optional
70 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.
Step 3 · Buy
One link per part. Each opens the retailer in a new tab.
Your build
Running total $15.94
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Snapshot prices. Each link shows today's price.
One bottle instead of a build. Sorted by match score; scores use the same standouts as above.
The Ordinary
Why it is close. Same 1% retinol, plain squalane serum, 1 fl oz.
Paula's Choice
Why it is close. Mid-price 1% retinol with peptide and licorice.
Cheaper generic: The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane (opens in new tab) at Amazon, $15.94 for 1 fl oz (30 ml). ~$15.94/fl oz vs ~$65/fl oz, about 75% less per fl oz. Snapshot prices dated Oct 28, 2026. A different product, a close match, not identical; ingredient source (opens in new tab). Affiliate link.
Cheaper in store: Retinol Night Serum. In store at Trader Joe's, $9.99 (price as of Oct 28, 2026), no link, we don't earn from this. 1 fl oz. ~$9.99/fl oz vs ~$65/fl oz, about 85% less per fl oz. A different product, a close match, not identical. Concentration not stated. The ingredient list comes from a third party, so check the label in store: ingredient source (opens in new tab).
Olay
Why it is close. Olay night moisturizer with retinol; level not published.
The Ordinary
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowThe Ordinary
Olay
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowOlay
Paula's Choice
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Cheaper generic: The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane (opens in new tab) at Amazon, $15.94 for 1 fl oz (30 ml). ~$15.94/fl oz vs ~$65/fl oz, about 75% less per fl oz. Snapshot prices dated Oct 28, 2026. A different product, a close match, not identical; ingredient source (opens in new tab). Affiliate link.
Cheaper in store: Retinol Night Serum. In store at Trader Joe's, $9.99 (price as of Oct 28, 2026), no link, we don't earn from this. 1 fl oz. ~$9.99/fl oz vs ~$65/fl oz, about 85% less per fl oz. A different product, a close match, not identical. Concentration not stated. The ingredient list comes from a third party, so check the label in store: ingredient source (opens in new tab).
No gain nowPaula's Choice
0.4% retinol improved fine wrinkles over 24 weeks in older adults.
Kafi 2007 · Arch DermatolOTC vitamin A cosmetics improved facial aging in a systematic review.
Spierings 2021 · J Clin Aesthet DermatolCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oleosomes, Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture, Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Oleyl Alcohol, Lecithin, Diisopropyl Adipate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Sodium Sulfite, BHT, Beta-Carotene, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance (Parfum), Citral, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
We split Radical Night Retinol into 3 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 70 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane by The Ordinary is our closest single-product match at 70 out of 100 for $15.94 (1 fl oz (30 ml)). It shares Retinol 1%, Squalane base.
Radical Night Retinol costs $200 for 60 mL / 2 fl oz. The closest dupe costs $15.94, a saving of about $184.06. Prices change, so check the seller page.
No. Dupes share the key actives but can differ in concentration, vehicle and supporting ingredients. Missing from this one: Encapsulation, Plant extracts. See our methodology for how we score.
SkinBetter Science · exfoliant
~$37our build, 4 partsOriginal $125, build ~$37.
The Ordinary
SkinBetter Science · serum
~$52.98 + check priceour build, 4 partsOriginal ~$195, build ~$52.98 + check price.
CeraVe + The Ordinary + Vanicream + Paula's Choice
SkinBetter Science · treatment
~$109.18our build, 4 partsOriginal $145, build ~$109.18.
CeraVe + The Ordinary + Paula's Choice + Minimalist