The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane - 30ml

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.

This was my first retinol product ever. Initially, I broke out for the first three weeks which mainly consisted of small breakouts on certain areas of my face. But afterwards, I noticed my skin became a bit more clear and my hyperpigmentation reduced a bit as well. Overall, I was pretty impressed since this retinol product had a small concentration. Two downsides were that it was a bit too oily so I felt that the product didn’t really absorb into my skin fully. Also, it has a short expiration date. I wasn’t even halfway done the bottle after 2 months so I resorted to using it on my body. So, I would recommend this product as the price is really good and you may end up liking the product as well!

Very impressed so far with this product. I use the Matrixyl 10% + HA acid in the morning before applying the buffet serum and the moisturizer HA and at night I use the retinol 0.5% in squalene with the Azelaic acid suspension 10% cream and the moisturizer. I am into week two and my complexion is back to pink (from a seriously scary dull grey due to grief side effects in the past six months). Pores on my cheeks have dramatically decreased. Dynamic wrinkles have halved. CRAZY improvement on elasticity of overall skin (skin around corner of mouth/cheeks, eyes was so reelaxed that I had multiple "wrinkles" all over, now is 1/3 as bad as was a little over 2 weeks ago). I will continue using these products and I plan to add the glycolic toner a little down the line for a ... MoreVery impressed so far with this product. I use the Matrixyl 10% + HA acid in the morning before applying the buffet serum and the moisturizer HA and at night I use the retinol 0.5% in squalene with the Azelaic acid suspension 10% cream and the moisturizer. I am into week two and my complexion is back to pink (from a seriously scary dull grey due to grief side effects in the past six months). Pores on my cheeks have dramatically decreased. Dynamic wrinkles have halved. CRAZY improvement on elasticity of overall skin (skin around corner of mouth/cheeks, eyes was so reelaxed that I had multiple "wrinkles" all over, now is 1/3 as bad as was a little over 2 weeks ago). I will continue using these products and I plan to add the glycolic toner a little down the line for a once a week gentle peel. Very impressed so far for the results obtained with the low price point. I actually cannot believe how something so cheap actually works. None of the products I use gave me skin reactions, only the occasional purge (couple small pimples, a little pealing the first few days, some redness here and there when using acids). I am 45 but this is my first attempt using this type products. I was blessed with good skin and I was able get by with a good moisturizer and a serum (anti aging). But with the loss of my mom six months ago I aged 10 years at once, due to grief. Lack of sleep. I did a TON research about how to go about to try and fix my face. And I landed into The Ordinary.

I am a HUGE fan of The Ordinary, wonderful no frill products for a great price point that really work! I have tried a slew of their serums have loved mostly all of them. This was my starter retinol and how I introduced my skin to it I would say I made a great first choice. The retinol isn’t strong (0.5%) and it makes a great non irritating introduction to it for beginners. The squalane is soothing and moisturizing so no need to worry about your skin cracking or drying out. I used it once every few days and then over time I increased frequency so my skin slowly got used to it. I have sensitive skin with slight rosacea this was perfectly safe to add into my nightly routine. I’ve now graduated from this formula use their 1% Retinol in Squalane. Don’t forget to wear ... MoreI am a HUGE fan of The Ordinary, wonderful no frill products for a great price point that really work! I have tried a slew of their serums have loved mostly all of them. This was my starter retinol and how I introduced my skin to it I would say I made a great first choice. The retinol isn’t strong (0.5%) and it makes a great non irritating introduction to it for beginners. The squalane is soothing and moisturizing so no need to worry about your skin cracking or drying out. I used it once every few days and then over time I increased frequency so my skin slowly got used to it. I have sensitive skin with slight rosacea this was perfectly safe to add into my nightly routine. I’ve now graduated from this formula use their 1% Retinol in Squalane. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen during the day while you use it as it can make your skin sensitive to the sun like with any retinol product. I would recommend to anyone just starting out with retinols or anyone with sensitive skin looking to add a safe anti-aging serum into their routine.

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! ☀️

All good so far!

My skin type is normal to oily, and this is the first time that I have ever used a retinol product. I decided to start with the lowest percentage, which is what is recommend for beginners. I washed my face and made sure that my face was completely dry before apply 2-3 drops of the retinol product all over my face, a little bit down my neck, and even a little bit on my ears. Initially, I felt as if I did not need to follow it up with a facial moisturizer, but I usually play it by ear and see how my skin feels after applying the product. I found that I could use the product every other night right off the bat without any negative effects to my skin. I also found that I need at least 4 drops of the product to get full face coverage. I always apply a face lotion with ... MoreMy skin type is normal to oily, and this is the first time that I have ever used a retinol product. I decided to start with the lowest percentage, which is what is recommend for beginners. I washed my face and made sure that my face was completely dry before apply 2-3 drops of the retinol product all over my face, a little bit down my neck, and even a little bit on my ears. Initially, I felt as if I did not need to follow it up with a facial moisturizer, but I usually play it by ear and see how my skin feels after applying the product. I found that I could use the product every other night right off the bat without any negative effects to my skin. I also found that I need at least 4 drops of the product to get full face coverage. I always apply a face lotion with SPF every morning, but now I am hyperaware of how well I apply SPF to my face since retinol products make your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight. I have only applied the retinol every other night for the past week and a half, and so far there have been no positive nor negative changes to my skin, but I also understand that retinol application is a bit of a long haul before getting to reap the benefits of it. I rate this product only 4 starts because I haven't experienced any negative effects from using it, but I am also still in the waiting period to see if it actually improves my skin in any way. We shall see! I recommend beginners start out at the lowest percentage you can find on the market and really give it a try before ridding it off altogether. It's worth a shot to make it through any short-term negative side effects for the potential benefits retinol offers down the line.

Good entry level retinol product

Quite potent despite being "only" 0.2%. I'd been using a 0.4% retinyl palmitate serum but learned that these are 2 quite different products. The Ordinary's 0.2% retinol is actually stronger. I experienced dryness and soreness for a few weeks at first despite using it only 2-3 times a week. After a break I resumed the same frequency, using no more than 2-3 drops for face and neck, and after The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid (this retinol works best over a buffer product) and under a light moisturiser. A couple of months later, my skin's now clear and firmer with tighter pores, and I have built up to around 5 drops. The slightly oily texture and faint chemical odour take a little getting used to, but otherwise this is a great no-frills retinol product to start with.

Hyperpigmentation appeared after use

I’ve been using this product for some time now and firstly i was satisfied with it. I saw decrease in intensity of my forehead wrinkles. However, this morning i woke up with hyperpigmentation on the cheak. It already happened to me once before but I didn’t pay attention to it I thought it might have been cause by sun but when it repeated I started to wonder what cause it since I use sunscreen and have not been the sun. So I did research and apparently retinol can cause hyperpigmentation in some cases. Please @deciem what should I do now? I would like to get rid of it. Also, I believe it would be useful to have a list of potential side effects. I did patch testing and didn’t help me to uncover that i could have this issue. Thank you.

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