The Ordinary Retinol Squalane Such AS Those Found In Our Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. Note: Once Opened

Oh I love this product! The only thing you have to be careful is because it’s retinol, you have to be careful about not putting on too much or it can make your skin red (slight burn) just slightly by the next day, or it can burn if you go into the sun for too long without any sunscreen since your skin becomes more sun sensitive after using this product, but for me it always goes away in a day or two and can be covered with makeup as long as you hydrate and prime before hand. So the most you should use should only be hung a couple drops on your face, and not on the thin areas like below your eyes, your eyelids, or close to your lips. But after you build up a tolerance to using it, you can put a little more on and more often. With the other retinol products offered by ... MoreOh I love this product! The only thing you have to be careful is because it’s retinol, you have to be careful about not putting on too much or it can make your skin red (slight burn) just slightly by the next day, or it can burn if you go into the sun for too long without any sunscreen since your skin becomes more sun sensitive after using this product, but for me it always goes away in a day or two and can be covered with makeup as long as you hydrate and prime before hand. So the most you should use should only be hung a couple drops on your face, and not on the thin areas like below your eyes, your eyelids, or close to your lips. But after you build up a tolerance to using it, you can put a little more on and more often. With the other retinol products offered by The Ordinary, I feel this product is right there in the middle of perfection! The granactive retinol serums do not have the same level of retinol as the regular retinol in squalene products. But if you are overly sensitive then those ones are for you. This percentage is just right at the sweet spot because any more retinol, and I feel I would have more red spots on my face the next day and it would be too much. But I really only get them now if I put TOOO much of the serum underneath my eyes or on thinned skin areas, or if i go out into the sun the next day or two with absolutely no sunscreen. But if you use it just right and build up a tolerance and use it just every couple days and at night, you end up getting used to it and don’t get any red marks. I feel any more retinol in the higher percentage retinol products would be way too much. So this level and amount of retinol I feel is at the PERFECT spot for seeing improvements, but not burning your face! Your first time using you only need a drop MAAAAAYYBEE two since you haven’t built up a tolerance. But once you do, a few drops will not hurt you.

I started to this Retinol around November 2022 along with their Moisturizer (Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA). I used around 2 drops to get started and I started to break out so much! I thought it was purging but I completely stopped using their Moisturizer and the purging kind of stopped. I think I may be allergic to their moisturizer, but the retinol after that did NOT break me out! I watched a few tiktoks about this product and I did notice that the packing recommends to REFRIGATE the product. SO right when I opened it, I placed it inside my fridge. Now April 2023, my skin feels soft, fine lines around my eyes have minimize and I even notice my nose pores got smaller. I use around 3 drops twice a week or even 3 times depending if I feel like I need a extra ... MoreI started to this Retinol around November 2022 along with their Moisturizer (Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA). I used around 2 drops to get started and I started to break out so much! I thought it was purging but I completely stopped using their Moisturizer and the purging kind of stopped. I think I may be allergic to their moisturizer, but the retinol after that did NOT break me out! I watched a few tiktoks about this product and I did notice that the packing recommends to REFRIGATE the product. SO right when I opened it, I placed it inside my fridge. Now April 2023, my skin feels soft, fine lines around my eyes have minimize and I even notice my nose pores got smaller. I use around 3 drops twice a week or even 3 times depending if I feel like I need a extra pump! Just be careful trying their other products along with this retinol, I know I learned my lesson :)

I have been having major issues with my skin lately and I can never seem to remember to use certain skincare products when I'm supposed to. So, I got this retinol from The Ordinary to address everything with just one product. Holy moly this stuff is awesome. I've been using for about a week now, that's it, and I already see the most amazing difference it's made. Every time I use it my skin gets better and better. My skin is no longer congested looking, acne is pretty much non-existent, my face is the perfect amount of moisturized all day, and much more. I love this product! After I finish this bottle I'm going to the 1%. I haven't had the slightest bit of irritation or redness or dryness or any of the side effects that sometimes come with using retinol (thank ... MoreI have been having major issues with my skin lately and I can never seem to remember to use certain skincare products when I'm supposed to. So, I got this retinol from The Ordinary to address everything with just one product. Holy moly this stuff is awesome. I've been using for about a week now, that's it, and I already see the most amazing difference it's made. Every time I use it my skin gets better and better. My skin is no longer congested looking, acne is pretty much non-existent, my face is the perfect amount of moisturized all day, and much more. I love this product! After I finish this bottle I'm going to the 1%. I haven't had the slightest bit of irritation or redness or dryness or any of the side effects that sometimes come with using retinol (thank you,squalane). Even people with sensitive skin should be able to use this with no problem. I am in love with this stuff.

Finally, after a month of using it I have enough experience with this Retinol so I can write my honest review. I am very happy with this Retinol 05% In Squalane 30Ml. It has been gentle with my skin but gave lovely results. The first week I have applied it every other day. I had no reaction to it, only a bit of peeling around my chin (my problematic area). The second week I used it almost every day but only in the evening as I was making sure to apply not only on my face but on my neck as well. I had days when I noticed a bit more red spots or break-outs not on the usual places..But in general, my skin was calm and somehow brighter. That was the first difference I saw. My skin was radiant and glowing. ✨ The third week was when I started to notice my dark acne spots ... MoreFinally, after a month of using it I have enough experience with this Retinol so I can write my honest review. I am very happy with this Retinol 05% In Squalane 30Ml. It has been gentle with my skin but gave lovely results. The first week I have applied it every other day. I had no reaction to it, only a bit of peeling around my chin (my problematic area). The second week I used it almost every day but only in the evening as I was making sure to apply not only on my face but on my neck as well. I had days when I noticed a bit more red spots or break-outs not on the usual places..But in general, my skin was calm and somehow brighter. That was the first difference I saw. My skin was radiant and glowing. ✨ The third week was when I started to notice my dark acne spots fading away. This positive progress motivates me to continue using it. I can honestly say that I am very happy with my results and in the future I will continue my Retinol journey once more with the Ordinary. ☀️ P.S. Throughout the whole time, I was listening to my instincts and I was applying moisturiser after the retinol. The La Roche Posay Hydraphase Ha Rich Hyaluronic Acid Face Cream is the best EVER- I have been using it for more than 3 years, it was recommended by my dermatologist and I loved it from the very beginning. And of course, after the moisturiser I have applied sunscreen, don’t forget it! ☀️

Good strength to start with

My first retinol ever in my mid-40's. Overall redness was reduced on the first month of use (2-3 times a week) and no more hormonal acnes before mense on the second month. Stubborn wrinkles on the forehead and sunspot on my cheek have faded just a tiny bit. But I'm satisfied overall because I know it is low strength. I have used half the bottle and will build up to 5-6 times a week for the rest. Retinol purge has been minimal, tolerable and acceptable, probably because I built up tolerance slowly and wasn't in a rush to change overnight. For those who are starting out, please do your own research on how to build up tolerance gradually.The only thing I don’t like is its texture. It’s too watery and can be difficult to estimate the amount to be used, because the ... MoreMy first retinol ever in my mid-40's. Overall redness was reduced on the first month of use (2-3 times a week) and no more hormonal acnes before mense on the second month. Stubborn wrinkles on the forehead and sunspot on my cheek have faded just a tiny bit. But I'm satisfied overall because I know it is low strength. I have used half the bottle and will build up to 5-6 times a week for the rest. Retinol purge has been minimal, tolerable and acceptable, probably because I built up tolerance slowly and wasn't in a rush to change overnight. For those who are starting out, please do your own research on how to build up tolerance gradually.The only thing I don’t like is its texture. It’s too watery and can be difficult to estimate the amount to be used, because the serum just spread all over my fingers before I can apply it properly on my face.

Not for me

I love the Ordinary but unfortunately I haven't had very good luck with any of their retinol products. The squalane is advertised as a natural face oil mimicking medium, but in my experience it's very oily and not very appreciated by my skin. Despite being just 0.2% the retinol itself also causes too much irritation for me to wait out the adjustment period. Finally I find that I just don't fully trust the semi-transparent packaging since retinol is a fragile ingredient that breaks down easily when exposed to sunlight (I'm sure they've tested it for shelf stability but I'm just not very confident in it)If other folks have sensitive skin like me and are looking for a retinoid they can tolerate, I'd suggest searching for something with an encapsulated retinol instead ... MoreI love the Ordinary but unfortunately I haven't had very good luck with any of their retinol products. The squalane is advertised as a natural face oil mimicking medium, but in my experience it's very oily and not very appreciated by my skin. Despite being just 0.2% the retinol itself also causes too much irritation for me to wait out the adjustment period. Finally I find that I just don't fully trust the semi-transparent packaging since retinol is a fragile ingredient that breaks down easily when exposed to sunlight (I'm sure they've tested it for shelf stability but I'm just not very confident in it)If other folks have sensitive skin like me and are looking for a retinoid they can tolerate, I'd suggest searching for something with an encapsulated retinol instead (basically, because of the encapsulation, the product won't convert into the type of retinol that can be utilized by your skin until it's already deeply penetrated, causing less surface irritation). I've had good luck with the Peace Out Retinol Face Stick and would recommend that instead for anyone with sensitive skin who can swing the higher price point

Works great?

I have dry skin, and the Squalane in this helps keep my skin moisturized, but it also leaves it super soft in the morning. Ive been using this for about three months and it has faded my acne scars, reduced acne overall, wrinkles are less noticeable and it has given me a better skin texture. Since I am at the three month mark, it has now started to give off a strong smell which means it's time for it to be replaced. Best way to keep retinol is in a dark, cool place away from light exposure, but this product still seems to have a three month shelf life.The only other con is that this goes on heavy and it takes a bit to sink into the skin. I usually have to do this an hour before bed so I don't accidentally smear it all over my pillow.I'll be purchasing this again!

Wow!

This is the product of life. Improves skin texture by smoothing skin lumps. Helps decrease blackheads, decreases blemishes and acne, decreases hyperpiemtation, helps relieve wrinkle marks.. It's magical. Pure magic. I'm 20 and I started using it for two months. Believe me when I tell you that it changes your skin, and you don't have to be 40 to use it, you can start from a low percentage even when young. Clearly, I recommend inserting it gradually starting from the lowest percentage (this one) and then proceeding with a higher one. For the first uses you have to be careful and use little (2 times a week) and then over time introduce it every night. CAUTION: Retinol may dry out your skin and THEREFORE you must absolutely hydrate and ultra hydrate your skin. If you ... MoreThis is the product of life. Improves skin texture by smoothing skin lumps. Helps decrease blackheads, decreases blemishes and acne, decreases hyperpiemtation, helps relieve wrinkle marks.. It's magical. Pure magic. I'm 20 and I started using it for two months. Believe me when I tell you that it changes your skin, and you don't have to be 40 to use it, you can start from a low percentage even when young. Clearly, I recommend inserting it gradually starting from the lowest percentage (this one) and then proceeding with a higher one. For the first uses you have to be careful and use little (2 times a week) and then over time introduce it every night. CAUTION: Retinol may dry out your skin and THEREFORE you must absolutely hydrate and ultra hydrate your skin. If you find that retinol leaves your skin dry or extremely dry, you are using it incorrectly. You should always moisturize, either before or after applying retinol. I recommend it to everybody