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The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for Wrinkles and Uneven Texture
Summary
Highlights
The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is an emulsion of a next-generation form of retinoid. This serum with a creamy texture is great for those looking for solutions for textural irregularities and signs of aging without the side effects associated with retinol.
Benefits
- Targets signs of aging
- Improves skins' elasticity, texture, and radiance
- PH 5.00 - 6.00
Key Ingredients
- Granactive Retinoid
Formulated Without
- Fragrance
- Alcohol
- Gluten
- Nuts
- Oil
- Silicone
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Mineral Oil
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Animal Oils
- Coal Tar Dyes
- Formaldehyde
- Mercury
- Oxybenzone
Item 2551170
The Ordinary recommends performing a patch test prior to incorporating a new product into your skin care routine.
Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Use sun protection in the AM.
Contraindications:Do not use in the same routine as other retinoids, direct acids, pure or ethylated vitamin C, or "Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1%.
Aqua (water), Glycerin, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/leaf Extract, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Behentrimonium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Free gift with purchase
Free gift with purchase
Online only free Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturizer with $15 Ordinary purchase (valid thru 8/2/25 on shipped purchases only. Full or partial pickup or same day delivery purchases do not qualify. While quantities last)
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Questions
Ask a QuestionQ&A
Showing 14 out of 14 Questions
- Q
Is it safe for sensitive skin?
- Asked by Daisy
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is suitable for all skin types. To err on the side of caution, we recommend patch testing new products. Patch tests can be done in several different ways. We have a comprehensive guide on how to perform a patch test on our website - https://deciem.com/patchtest.htmlWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Will this product still be effective even if I am not refrigerating it?
- Asked by Caitlin
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageWe recommend refrigerating Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion t as it helps maintain the stability during the PAO (Period After Opening Date). If you'd like to try a retinoid that does not require refrigeration, you may wish to explore Retinal 0.2% Emulsion.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hi, can i use your retinoid emulsion in combination with your salicylic acid formula?
- Asked by Jess
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHello! To avoid irritation, we recommend alternating between Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion and Salicylic Acid 2% Solution.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used after the good Moldcules hylronic acid serum? Its water based but wasnt sure about the other stuff
- Asked by Jen
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! It is difficult for us to comment on the pairing of our products with those of other brands and/or prescription medications. We recommend consulting with your doctor/dermatologist, gradually incorporating one new product into your regimen at a time, and applying test patches first to see what works best for your skin. <3Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use on non red stretch marks to help fade appearance?
- Asked by Chel
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Our Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion was formulated specifically for use on the face. <3Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Why does this product have to be refrigerated?
- Asked by Ellie
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi! Yes, we advise refridgerating our Retinoids/Retinols after opening.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is this ok to use every day if this is my first time using it?
- Asked by crystal
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi! We suggest applying 2-3x per week to start and slowly increasing based on your skins tolerance. <3Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used with BHA/AHA/ Exfoliant toners?
- Asked by Rose
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! To avoid irritaiton, we would recommend using Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion on alternate evenings than exfoliating products.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Others have said that this product is only good for 3 months is that true? Does it go bad after that or not work anymore?
- Asked by Makeup buff
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! We recommend using Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion within 3 months after opening for best results. <3Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Does this product help reduce fine lines/wrinkels and what age is recommended to use this?
- Asked by Little G
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Yes. Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion helps to reduce the looks of fine lines and wrinkles. There is no set, recommended age to begin the use of Retinoids. <3Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
can this be used with hyaluronic acid?
- Asked by h
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageYes! Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 can be applied before Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is this retinol? How does it compare to your Retinol .5% product?
- Asked by K
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHello :-) Retinoid and Retinol are two different technologies but offer similar end results. Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion can be a great place to start as this technology can mimic the visible effects of Retinol but with less risk of skin irritation. If you're new to Retinoids/Retinol, we would recommend starting off with Retinoid then gradually building your tolerance to Retinol. We hope this helps clarify <3Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used in the under eye area?
- Asked by Summer
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! We would not recommend applying Granactive Retinoidl 2% Emulsion in the delicate eye area to avoid irritation. Instead, you may wish to explore The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum <3Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Do you have to refrigerate it?
- Asked by Rae
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, no you do not have to refrigerate this product.Was this answer helpful to you
Reviews
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Most Helpful Positive Review
brighter, glower skin in 6wks (5% now please!!)
started looking after my skin beyond cleanse-exf-moisturise late last year. been trying to work out what works and what doesn't. added granactive retinoid 2% emulsion to my regime about 6 weeks ago. i feel like it's already fast tracked taking back the hyperpigmentation from sun that i've been fig...
Most Helpful Critical Review
Usage guidelines not very good!
So I just found out here that this needs to be refrigerated. Also just noticed on the label that it's only good for 3 months after opening! Considering I only use 2 drops to cover my entire face, there is no way I would finish the whole vial in 3 months. What happens to the product if it's not refri...
524 results
So glad I stumbled over this!!
I am over 60 by a few months. I have always taken care of my skin. I always wore a hat when outside, but you still get sun spots, other discolorations, and loss of collagen as we age. I have tried to use RetinA since my 30's and have always been just to sensitive. This product is god send! I've used it now for 2 wks every night. And my skin loves it. I will def continue to use.
BEWARE!!! STRONG!!!
I bought this about a month ago thinking my skin could handle it because I've been using retinol for about two years now, and I was hoping to benefit from the anti aging aspect of this product. Within one day, I was broken out with small red bumps and small whiteheads on my face and collarbone. My skin is waaaayyy too sensitive for this. Even if you have been using retinol for awhile like I have, use caution if you buy this. I would recommend doing some sort of small test if you do decide to give this a chance. I got my money back and exchanged it for my gentle retinol cream I've been using. It might work and be a miracle for others, but it is definitely not for me.
I never write reviews but this one deserves it!
I love The Ordinary products but this one, holy cow! I wake up with beautiful glowing skin at 50. The change was almost instant. This is one that will stay in my routine forever.
This is my holy grail product
I have dry, acne prone skin and this product quickly makes a visible difference in my acne & skin texture without causing dry/flaky skin like many other products. My skin just looks glowy the morning after using it, and I have the best skin of my life when it's in my routine. It was hard to get for a while because of the brand's popularity, and my skin definitely suffered for it during that time. So glad it's easy to stock again!
Essential Part of my Daily Regimen
I absolutely LOVE The Ordinary!!! With these inexpensive products, you can put together a personalized skin care regimen that meets your exact needs without paying for a lot of ingredients you probably don't need and/or going through some expensive customization service. Granted, my regimen consists of about a dozen products, so I could save time by spending more money, but the results I've gotten from the regimen I've put together are undeniable! My skin looks firmer, healthier, and younger. This Retinoid Emulsion is my preferred retinoid/retinol option after trying several others. Use as directed and see the results you expect.