Product Reviews Rated 4.34 out of 5 stars
83 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review The HOLY GRAIL You guys!!!! I bought this on a whim. From previous dermatologist appointments I knew retinol was great for your skin so i decided to try it. A little bit of a background.. I'm 25 and have had cystic acne and black heads that wouldn't ever go away, fine lines and I also worked at a tanning salon for a few years so my skins seen better days. I bought this and I had a pimple on my neck, the morning I woke up, the swelling went down drastically and I noticed my skim was getting smoother. Fast forward to month 1 and I hardly break out now, my pores have SIGNIFICANTLY shrunk, my fine lines are going away and my black heads are finally going away. Mind you, for at least my skin type being oily anyway, this does make it Uber shiny.. however it does not break you out or "purge" my acne scars are becoming less noticeable along with the texture is evening out. I pray they don't discontinue this or change the formula. 10/10 recommend and it doesn't make my skin dry or irritated as well. I even sometimes use this after a glycolic toner.
Most Helpful Critical Review No Results I'm getting to that age where anti-aging products are changing from preventative to correcting. I had normal skin until around 30 when I became more prone to breakouts. I've started to develop fine lines between my eyebrows and marionette (naso-labial). I used to be able to exfoliate them away but over the past two years or so, they've become more stubborn (this is what it's like to age, if you're curious). I started using retinol about three years ago when someone gifted me an EL set with the night repair serum and moisturizer. I started getting comments from people who ID'd me that they were shocked and young class mates (I'm back in school continuing my education) that were confused when I mentioned my age. I'm super skeptical about skin products like anyone with basic anatomy and physiology training, so when this happened I still questioned it...until I stopped using them and saw the crazy difference in my skin. Went from those products to Alpha Skin Wrinkle Repair Cream, to The Ordinary Retinol .5% in Squalane, to this. I had the same experience switching from the .5% in Squalane to the Granactive Retinol as I did when I switched from using the EL products to nothing. I read all the hype about it being the "next generation" of retinol, just as effective but without irritation or sun-sensitivity, etc. After about a month of using this, I was starting to look in the mirror and get depressed. Fine lines, texture, and pigmentation were all getting worse, and on top of that "peach fuzz" was getting really obvious on my face. It never crossed my mind that this product wasn't working because everything from the ordinary is great and they're claims are usually spot on. BUT, after switching back to the old retinol, all signs of aging have improved drastically.
Reviewed by 83 customers Not impressed 3
Jbeautify from CT
My first Ordinary purchase, and I realized after that it takes MONTHS (like 6 months) for a type of Retinoid like this one to show positive results. So I'm not impressed and probably returning it.
noticed a difference in 2 weeks. 5
jaq from mesa az
I do recommend!
Nice texture 5
Trish from Warren, MI
I like this emulsion formulation much better than the squaline formula. The emulsion absorbs better and is not greasy.
Use it with The Ordinary Buffet and Niacinimide at night and have seen great results shrinking my pores with only 2 weeks of use. Still waiting for noticeable improvement in fine lines, but I've used these products before with noticeable improvement.
Good products, great price, effective!
Made my skin GLOWW!! 5
Mal from Canada
AMAZING! This product reduced my acne/inflammation, I love it to death. I used this product in my nighttime routine. I used; Cetaphil cleanser, niacinamide, retinoid serum, and a Cetaphil moisturizer. This completely cleared my skin!! The retinoid serum is good for beginners if you're starting out with retinoids/retinols.
Loveeeee 4
Bethany from New York
I love this product!! it has done such wonders for my skin. taking off 1 star because it does have to be refrigerated and it has a 3 month expiration. I've been using the same bottle for 4 months now *shrug*. I hate being wasteful and don't want to discard a bottle that's 3 quarters full. a little goes a very long way. I wish it came in a smaller bottle with less product.
very nice 5
Ari from New Jersey
I bought this to try as a first time retinoid/retinol user with sensitive skin. I have been using it 2x a week and enjoying it. It has not given me any issues with irritation. I use it at night and the next day my skin is so soft.
I never write reviews but wow you need. 5
alexal9 from Newington, CT
Okay SO this is easily magic in a bottle. I don't have super acne prone skin, but I'll get like one big zit a month and pick it and it takes forever to heal. By the time it's somewhat healed I have a new one - this stuff basically sped up the healing process and two darker remnants of zits are completed HEALED. In six dates it flaked off and it's all new pretty skin underneath. I'm shook.
Love! 5
Kelsey from Maryland
I have sensitive skin, no reactions at all! Highly recommend for, good quality low cost
No Results 2
Rachel J from Northeast US
I'm getting to that age where anti-aging products are changing from preventative to correcting. I had normal skin until around 30 when I became more prone to breakouts. I've started to develop fine lines between my eyebrows and marionette (naso-labial). I used to be able to exfoliate them away but over the past two years or so, they've become more stubborn (this is what it's like to age, if you're curious). I started using retinol about three years ago when someone gifted me an EL set with the night repair serum and moisturizer. I started getting comments from people who ID'd me that they were shocked and young class mates (I'm back in school continuing my education) that were confused when I mentioned my age. I'm super skeptical about skin products like anyone with basic anatomy and physiology training, so when this happened I still questioned it...until I stopped using them and saw the crazy difference in my skin. Went from those products to Alpha Skin Wrinkle Repair Cream, to The Ordinary Retinol .5% in Squalane, to this. I had the same experience switching from the .5% in Squalane to the Granactive Retinol as I did when I switched from using the EL products to nothing. I read all the hype about it being the "next generation" of retinol, just as effective but without irritation or sun-sensitivity, etc. After about a month of using this, I was starting to look in the mirror and get depressed. Fine lines, texture, and pigmentation were all getting worse, and on top of that "peach fuzz" was getting really obvious on my face. It never crossed my mind that this product wasn't working because everything from the ordinary is great and they're claims are usually spot on. BUT, after switching back to the old retinol, all signs of aging have improved drastically.
Yes! 5
JP from US
I'm honestly surprised by how much I love this product! I'm new to Retinoids, as I've only used a .01% retinol serum with any frequency. I've tried other related products, but I've always experienced the dreaded side effects, or "uglies". This is perfectly normal and nothing to be ashamed of, but it can be hard to stick with a product long enough to get past the peeling etc. I have not experienced any of that with this product. Perhaps a very minor "peeling" the morning after a PM application, but nothing beyond what a BHA or AHA might cause. I do feel a mild tingling at first, but it's momentary, then my skin feels normal. I know these products can take 3-6 months to see any result, by I swear my skin looks better the day after using this. Right now I'm using on M/W/F, PM only. I alternate nights with my AHA to avoid over drying and irritation. I usually follow up with Rosehip seed oil. I'll definitely keep buying this and have no doubt I'll see even more improvement over time!
Love it 5
Becca from Redlands ca
I just started my retinol journey lol I actually started with the ordinary's .5 retinol in squalene. I really didn't notice much with that bottle so I leveled up to this and I'm really loving it. I've been using it for about 2 weeks. I have not had a purge period really but I have noticed it's brought some black heads to the service that came out on their own. My skin type is oily T zone, break out prone but only in certain areas. I'm 29 with some hormonal acne. I don't think this is a cure all for bad skin, I would go for the ordinary's aha peel. But for daily maintenance I think this is great and it's keeping my skin nice rather than textured.
Did nothing for acne, fine lines, pigmentation 2
La Jess from Virginia
I used this product every night or every other night for over three months. I wanted to give it a good shot. I am 34, pale skin, constant acne around my chin, pigmentation from acne scars, new blackheads on my cheeks, and lines around my mouth. I had a few days of dryness when starting out but it wasn't bad at all. However, after three months of consistent use, I cannot see a single difference in my acne, lines, tone, etc. (I've got daily photos to back it up.)
Immediate Results 5
Amanda the Skin Junkie from New York
I saw, and felt, a huge difference in my skin the first time I used this. It's been almost a month and my skin is visibly clearer, my are pores less noticeable, smoother and my dark spots have faded outrageously. In addition to this retinol, I also use Vit C in the mornings, Niacinimde on nights, and exfoliate 3 times a week, all of which I think contribute to the current state of my skin. I only use It twice a week at the moment since I'm new to retinol, I plan to bump it up to 3 times a week soon.
So far so good 4
MadiT from Minot, ND
I use this in the evening along as part of my evening routine and so far no new acne has appeared! It absorbs well into the skin super quick so that I can move to the next part of my routine.
Love this! 5
e668 from texas
This is such a good retinol. It doesn't burn but took a little bit to get used to. I started by using every 4 nights at first and then every couple nights until I built up to every night. I've been using every night for about 2 months and it has smoothed out my skin so much. I love the price too.
Surprisingly in love 5
Dena from Ct
Are usually buy the retinol with squalene.But I've heard so many good reviews on this I usually use the retinol at night. This one I use in the morning because it's almost like a cream form it leaves my skin looking hydrated and do we feel soft I've noticed let's breakouts and fine lines and wrinkles looked diminished!! Won't be with out!!
AMAZING and on sensitive skin 5
Bethany from VA
I have very sensitive skin and was afraid to try a retinol product because everything tends to make my skin angry. I have to be very careful with any product I place on my face. I took a chance though and bought this and LOVE IT. I use it at night and after I apply the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 to my damp face. I have had no angry face reactions and I can see a difference in my skin.
Used this since December and it broke me out 1
Angel A from Corpus Christi, TX
I actually did not mind the smell and enjoyed the texture and application consistency of the product. However, throughout the time that I used it, it broke out my chin. I never did see the life changing results I expected from a retinol product. I think I saw more results with Olay Reginerist.
Great Product -- No "Purge" Period for Me 5
Mallory from Winston-Salem, NC
I've been using this product for a few weeks and so far, so good! My skin never went through a purge period, although I did notice a few breakouts after a facial, but it may not have been related. It's been a great way for me to ease into a retinol and I can already tell there's been an impact on some fine lines around my eyes. I do notice that if I don't use the product for a few days, my dry skin really builds up and I notice a huge difference. I'll certainly keep using this!
amazing 5
😊 from new york
leaves my skin so soft
See it to believe it 5
Ging from Lexington Ky
I found a skincare like that I love, but what they have for the eyes and fine lines was disappointing and expensive. I found The Ordinary and picked it up because if the price just to have something. After just a couple of applications I saw a huge difference under and around my eyes and on the marionette lines. If your looking for a GREAT fine line treatment, for a more than reasonable price, just be ORDINARY and treat yourself to happy hour with the money you will save and show off that new youthful face.
UNREAL 5
scratch from Green Bay, WI
I just turned 30 and decided to take better care of my skin. I'm sensitive so I started with this and after I went through the "retinol uglies" my skin is glowing! I use this along with a few other products from The Ordinary. My foundation looks wonderful and my skin is so so smooth. I just can't believe the results at such a great price point.
Great Product and Price-Point 5
Emily from Fargo, ND
I have been using this for about a month. After some trial and error starting every other night worked best for me as this did cause my skin to be a bit dry/sensitive at first. I would encourage anyone trying this for the first time to really stick with it consistently for at least a couple of months as retinoids can take a while to make a noticeable difference. Of the retinoids I have tried I like this one because it is quality, cost effective, and feels pretty light on the skin.
PURE MAGIC 5
Marie from Seattle, WA
I never right reviews. Ever. Buuuut this stuff is amazing! I have struggled with acne since I was in middle school. I've tried ever treatment under the sun with no to little results. I tried this on a whim because I love other products of this line. So glad I did! My skin has never been this clear and soft. Ever! I'm 31 and finally have smooth skin. Another plus, it has really lightened my acne scars! 10/10 would recommend to anyone who has struggled like me.
Love it! 5
Kari92 from Duluth mn
Great products at great prices!
