I had been using the Cerave brand of retinol serum and I thought I would try something a little stronger. Although it's too early to tell if the Ordinary Retinoid will work better than the Cerave, I do not like the thickness of the Ordinary Retinoid. It is more oily and doesn't feel comfortable on my face. I do have naturally oily skin, so that may play a role. The product may still provide better results, but...I may still return to the Cerave retinol. Since I started using a series of products (one from the Ordinary which I love, for instance, the lactic acid serum) and matryxl, niacinamide and vitamin c to name a few, my skin has improved tremendously. Many of my 57 year old wrinkles have diminished considerably and my skin tone and firmness has improved ... MoreI had been using the Cerave brand of retinol serum and I thought I would try something a little stronger. Although it's too early to tell if the Ordinary Retinoid will work better than the Cerave, I do not like the thickness of the Ordinary Retinoid. It is more oily and doesn't feel comfortable on my face. I do have naturally oily skin, so that may play a role. The product may still provide better results, but...I may still return to the Cerave retinol. Since I started using a series of products (one from the Ordinary which I love, for instance, the lactic acid serum) and matryxl, niacinamide and vitamin c to name a few, my skin has improved tremendously. Many of my 57 year old wrinkles have diminished considerably and my skin tone and firmness has improved dramatically. To really see results, everyone needs to use these products for at least 2 months and use them daily. If you have oily skin, therefore, I do not recommend the product. However, folks with dry skin may find it acceptable.

AMAZING RESULTS IN ONE DAY

I bought the 2% granactive retinoid in emulsion 6 days ago and it arrived 4 days later, real fast shipping. I used it in my regimen last night and was not sure if I should use direct acids or not. In the end I decided to and the next morning, my keratosis pilaris bumps became a lot smoother! Additionally, my nose was glassy and smooth, my blackheads were still apparent but I was happy with that result still. Though, there are still visible signs of discolouration but with continued use, I hope they’ll clear up. The texture of the product showed a milky water-like consistency which quickly absorbed into the skin and left no oiliness feeling and was basically weightless. You may not get the same results as all our skin is unique and in my case, I did use salicylic ... MoreI bought the 2% granactive retinoid in emulsion 6 days ago and it arrived 4 days later, real fast shipping. I used it in my regimen last night and was not sure if I should use direct acids or not. In the end I decided to and the next morning, my keratosis pilaris bumps became a lot smoother! Additionally, my nose was glassy and smooth, my blackheads were still apparent but I was happy with that result still. Though, there are still visible signs of discolouration but with continued use, I hope they’ll clear up. The texture of the product showed a milky water-like consistency which quickly absorbed into the skin and left no oiliness feeling and was basically weightless. You may not get the same results as all our skin is unique and in my case, I did use salicylic acid, Hyaluronic acid, niacinimide 10% + zinc and benzoic acid. My skin never felt smoother and was not dry or patchy at all. Luv this product so far but can’t say much till further use.

Amazing product that delivers good results!

I purchased The Ordinary's 2% granactive retinol in emulsion and have used it daily for two months after reading the reviews. This is the very first skin improvement product from the many I have tried over the years that actually has noticeably improved my facial skin .I am in my early 60's and am a sun-lover who has not regularly used sun-protection on my face (oops). My facial skin has been showing increasing signs of age that include an orange-peel texture, large pores, uneven colouring and age spots. I purchased this product after a recommendation from my esthetician who said its effective over a few months of use and offered for a very reasonable price too.Now two months later after using once a day, my skin feels much softer, is more luminous and the ... MoreI purchased The Ordinary's 2% granactive retinol in emulsion and have used it daily for two months after reading the reviews. This is the very first skin improvement product from the many I have tried over the years that actually has noticeably improved my facial skin .I am in my early 60's and am a sun-lover who has not regularly used sun-protection on my face (oops). My facial skin has been showing increasing signs of age that include an orange-peel texture, large pores, uneven colouring and age spots. I purchased this product after a recommendation from my esthetician who said its effective over a few months of use and offered for a very reasonable price too.Now two months later after using once a day, my skin feels much softer, is more luminous and the orange-peel texture has noticeably diminished. The loose skin on my jowls are now less saggy. Five drops is sufficient for my neck and small face. I experienced no skin irritation whatsoever and once I apply a moisturizer over the retinol, no feeling of dryness.I have used such a variety of other products over the year, including high-priced products and none of these ever produced positive results. I still have lots left in the bottle from my first purchase but have already bought a second bottle as I live in Canada and can only access an Ulta store when I cross the border to the USA every couple of months. This product is a shinning star in the battle against aging skin and I intend to keep using it. This is my honest appraisal of this excellent skincare product.

Amazing product!!! :)

Hello everyone!I'm using this product for about 5-6 months,or so and I couldn't be happier!! I'm not sure if it's because of this product or the other ones, ordinary products but my skin is glowing as never before! I couldn't say thank you enough !In the morning I'm using mostly buffet - copper peptides 1% - approximately 5 days a week Or asorbic acid 8% alpha arbutin 2% the rest 2 or 3 days a week. In the evening I'm using granactive retinoid 2% and afterwards 100% organic cold pressed rose hip seed oil and that's it.. I'm used to wearing makeup every single day but honestly my skin feels so much better now and happy without makeup that it's a miracle! I was never expecting such amazing results .I have sensitive and a bit dry skin but now it's so happy and ... MoreHello everyone!I'm using this product for about 5-6 months,or so and I couldn't be happier!! I'm not sure if it's because of this product or the other ones, ordinary products but my skin is glowing as never before! I couldn't say thank you enough !In the morning I'm using mostly buffet - copper peptides 1% - approximately 5 days a week Or asorbic acid 8% alpha arbutin 2% the rest 2 or 3 days a week. In the evening I'm using granactive retinoid 2% and afterwards 100% organic cold pressed rose hip seed oil and that's it.. I'm used to wearing makeup every single day but honestly my skin feels so much better now and happy without makeup that it's a miracle! I was never expecting such amazing results .I have sensitive and a bit dry skin but now it's so happy and well hydrated!I don't need any other products, I'm staying with ordinary products forever <3Thank you guys so much for recommending which products to tryout. I couldn't be happier now <3

Gives your skin a chance to be healthy

I'm older than most of you ( 75). I have some deep wrinkle areas this is not made to fix. But I got this because - those areas which years ago had acne have rougher areas, and some areas of skin are bumpy and I have both whiteheads and black heads. I suspect the problem is both the slowing of skin growth and the fact that some pores were damaged a long time back.What this does seem to do is to gently encourage a sort of natural exfoliation and regrowth of the skin. Fewer white heads or congested looking areas. Many years ago I used stronger stuff -- but I had oily skin - and think it is better to be consistent with lighter products. Respect that the skin's job is to protect you, so treat it gently. No abrasives which cut the skin, no strong peels.After cleansing ... MoreI'm older than most of you ( 75). I have some deep wrinkle areas this is not made to fix. But I got this because - those areas which years ago had acne have rougher areas, and some areas of skin are bumpy and I have both whiteheads and black heads. I suspect the problem is both the slowing of skin growth and the fact that some pores were damaged a long time back.What this does seem to do is to gently encourage a sort of natural exfoliation and regrowth of the skin. Fewer white heads or congested looking areas. Many years ago I used stronger stuff -- but I had oily skin - and think it is better to be consistent with lighter products. Respect that the skin's job is to protect you, so treat it gently. No abrasives which cut the skin, no strong peels.After cleansing at night ( with a different company's oil based cleanser I've used for several years), rinse well, and the wipe on the O"s Glycolic Acid Toner. Let skin dry, and apply this. Usually I apply a light moisturizer. ( I love rose oil for dry skin, but even that feels too heavy sometimes). I haven;t settled on a favorite.To me this does exactly what it should do: as a part of a regular routine it helps your skin get better. Not over night or in 2 weeks but little by little.As you get older, on annoying thing is that it takes everything in your body, including the derma, longer to repair damage. [ Which is why you should always wear sun protection, long sleeves and a hat! }I am finding that this has helped eliminate some little marks on my face from pimples or other irritations, ( I wonder if it would work on hands damaged from a lifetime of sun exposure?)I do share with others a question about shelf life: Does this absolutely need to be stored in a refrigerator, temperature, 39-40 degrees F, or is there an acceptable room temperature range where it remains stable?Is there an expiration time limit for unopened emulsion?Expiration dates do not necessarily reflect the actual viability of medications -- Many have a much longer shelf life than the official times, others really aren't fit to use. Certain items - oils, e.g, can go rancid in which case they can be damaging. High heats and UV light are a plague for most anything that is reactive. But nothing is good today and utterly useless tomorrow.So I do wish the O staff would give us some of their testing results (I'm sure they have them) and some idea of how the potency changes. Is this a half life sort of measurement, where maybe the emulsion has lost 1/2or 3/4 of its potency by the 3 month mark?Now if The O would please start making makeup again. The srum one worke beautifully under sunscreen, making skin just look better, not made up.

I Use it EVERY NIGHT. I GLOW. I Have No More Acne.

I have been using this product for several years now. My skincare routine has its lulls. Sometimes I am good and do it everyday, then there will be weeks sometimes months, where I keep up with it once in a while. This product replaced my Sundae Riley Retinol. While I LOVED that product, I couldn't justify the price.This product as a topical chemical exfoliant is mild. This is something that you can use everyday. It can be used a long with other chemical exfoliants, or you can use it on the days where you are not using something stronger. If the texture of my skin is really struggling, I use lactic acid. I have in the past used AHA and BHA's. I tend to not use stronger exfoliants when I am actively outdoors, as they could do more harm to your skin with exposure to ... MoreI have been using this product for several years now. My skincare routine has its lulls. Sometimes I am good and do it everyday, then there will be weeks sometimes months, where I keep up with it once in a while. This product replaced my Sundae Riley Retinol. While I LOVED that product, I couldn't justify the price.This product as a topical chemical exfoliant is mild. This is something that you can use everyday. It can be used a long with other chemical exfoliants, or you can use it on the days where you are not using something stronger. If the texture of my skin is really struggling, I use lactic acid. I have in the past used AHA and BHA's. I tend to not use stronger exfoliants when I am actively outdoors, as they could do more harm to your skin with exposure to the sun.Let me tell you how this product works for me. In the evening I use the Glycolic Acid Toner, Hyaluronic Acid (not by the Ordinary, I don't like their version. Up to this step, I also put the products on my lips), Salicylic Acid on nose and chin, Glycolic Acid, and Moisturizer. Sometimes between steps, I will mist some water on my face. When I wake up, my skin looks DEWEY and SUPPLE. I don't apply Glycolic Acid in the morning. It's hard to continuously put SPF, and if you're wearing makeup, you can just keep applying SPF. So in the morning it is just Glycolic Toner, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C serum, Moisturizer, SPF.My moisturizers rotate. I currently have 3 that I am using. 2 contain Hyaluronic Acid, 1 contains AHA.While I have been using this for years. I can't say that I can attribute it to its claims. As I think of skincare as a team. They all work together to help you achieve you skin goals. Since it has been in my routine (several years) I have not had any breakouts, fine lines are less noticeable, skin looks and feels smooth, no dry patches, feels plump. My best results is when I have a humidifier on in the evenings. You will wake up LOVING your skin.

Love love love it!

So I love Retin A & it's derivatives & what they're capable of as an active ingredient as an anti-ageing skincare ingredient but I have extremely sensitive skin o even if I understand the science , I can't apply it to myself that easily. My favourite is Tretinoin but it's too powerful for my skin to handle, so I eased my skin into it by introducing OTC Retinol over the years in my skincare regime. I have tried a lot of OTC Retinol, & this by far is the most effective while going easy on my skin. It is also available in squalene (oil based) but I prefer this one that is the emulsion. I would highly recommend this as Retinol should be part of skincare arsenal & this is not only effective (2% is high for OTC) but is easy on the skin. I have spoken in detail about what ... MoreSo I love Retin A & it's derivatives & what they're capable of as an active ingredient as an anti-ageing skincare ingredient but I have extremely sensitive skin o even if I understand the science , I can't apply it to myself that easily. My favourite is Tretinoin but it's too powerful for my skin to handle, so I eased my skin into it by introducing OTC Retinol over the years in my skincare regime. I have tried a lot of OTC Retinol, & this by far is the most effective while going easy on my skin. It is also available in squalene (oil based) but I prefer this one that is the emulsion. I would highly recommend this as Retinol should be part of skincare arsenal & this is not only effective (2% is high for OTC) but is easy on the skin. I have spoken in detail about what are actives & what they do on my igtv channel @hajanders & spoken about The Ordinary's products too in length. Do check it out to learn more. Thank You.

OMG! Fast results!!! I'm amazed!!

I'm 35 and have been using skincare since age 20, but I've never seen a skincare routine work so fast and so good!😄 Sure, I've seen improvements over time with continued use, but not like this. I have very dry, uneven skin, hyperpigmentation, blackheads/ period acne. Since age 30, I'm developing the 11 wrinkles in myforehead, smile lines and light crows feet.I began using the retinoid emulsion along with alfa arbutin, niacinamide+ zinc, and the buffet. I had been using a different brand's targeted wrinkle cream for a couple years, but this new combo routine from the ordinary (day and night) has made a GIANT difference in my skin in just 2 weeks!! I haven't had issues with the retinoid making me irritated, despite my daily use.My skin was purging the first 4 ... MoreI'm 35 and have been using skincare since age 20, but I've never seen a skincare routine work so fast and so good!😄 Sure, I've seen improvements over time with continued use, but not like this. I have very dry, uneven skin, hyperpigmentation, blackheads/ period acne. Since age 30, I'm developing the 11 wrinkles in myforehead, smile lines and light crows feet.I began using the retinoid emulsion along with alfa arbutin, niacinamide+ zinc, and the buffet. I had been using a different brand's targeted wrinkle cream for a couple years, but this new combo routine from the ordinary (day and night) has made a GIANT difference in my skin in just 2 weeks!! I haven't had issues with the retinoid making me irritated, despite my daily use.My skin was purging the first 4 days, but i was prepared to see that as part of the process. My skin's tone is more balanced, hydtated, smooth, pores look smaller, the dark spots from acne scars have lightened up, and the most dramatic change is my 11's wrinkles are 50% less deep (barely visible)!! The little wrinkles along my smile lines are almost gone, and my tiny crows feet lines are totally smooth!! I've been using this new routine for 13 days and I'm definitely convinced this is going to STAY part of my routine. I'll be aging gracefully and hapily thanks to The Ordinary!!

Significant Difference Two Weeks!!

The time to replace my skincare finally came and I decided to give retinol a go. My skin is super sensitive, and often times dry, so I knew I had to be picky with what I ordered. After some research, I decided the granactive retinoid was a safe place to start.Since I'm new to retinoids, I've been applying a pea sized amount three days a week.I've been doing this for the last two weeks and the results have been shocking. My skin looks glowy, any redness or hormonal acne has gone down significantly, and the texture irregularities have smoothed over a lot faster than I thought they would! I know a lot of people say full results are seen in about three months. . so either my skin was starving for this formula or this is just downright the holy grail.It's unscented ... MoreThe time to replace my skincare finally came and I decided to give retinol a go. My skin is super sensitive, and often times dry, so I knew I had to be picky with what I ordered. After some research, I decided the granactive retinoid was a safe place to start.Since I'm new to retinoids, I've been applying a pea sized amount three days a week.I've been doing this for the last two weeks and the results have been shocking. My skin looks glowy, any redness or hormonal acne has gone down significantly, and the texture irregularities have smoothed over a lot faster than I thought they would! I know a lot of people say full results are seen in about three months. . so either my skin was starving for this formula or this is just downright the holy grail.It's unscented but it definitely has somewhat of an earthy smell. Not necessarily bad or irritating, but it's there. It's extremely gentle - I'm thinking of upping the dosage in the upcoming weeks - and lightweight. I love how effortlessly it melts into the skin. If this is just the beginning, I can't wait for the next months. Hopefully it'll help with hyperpigmentation.I'm currently pairing it with the hyaluronic acid serum and I've no complaints. This retinoid is great for those looking into implementing retinol into their skincare routine.

The only thing that keeps my skin clear & smooth!

After 5 years of using adapalene (prescription and then over fhe counter), I was so sick of still having small bumps all over my face. Adapalene had helped my cystic acne but reached a plateau where my skin was good but not great. I started using only granactive retinoid 2% emulsion on my face at night after my favorite facewash by YTTP (I tried GR a year earlier with alpha albuteral at night and zinc nianciamide in the morning but didn't have positive results, my skin didn't like this routine). But now, holy moly my skin is finally just about perfect. I am so glad I made the switch, the results are just amazing and the price! Hoping this will help someone with similar issues. Even my pores are smaller and my skin feels smooth everyday. Ensure you use a quality ... MoreAfter 5 years of using adapalene (prescription and then over fhe counter), I was so sick of still having small bumps all over my face. Adapalene had helped my cystic acne but reached a plateau where my skin was good but not great. I started using only granactive retinoid 2% emulsion on my face at night after my favorite facewash by YTTP (I tried GR a year earlier with alpha albuteral at night and zinc nianciamide in the morning but didn't have positive results, my skin didn't like this routine). But now, holy moly my skin is finally just about perfect. I am so glad I made the switch, the results are just amazing and the price! Hoping this will help someone with similar issues. Even my pores are smaller and my skin feels smooth everyday. Ensure you use a quality moisturizer in the morning plus SPF, but this product has saved me from any worries about my skin :).