Product Reviews Rated 4.17 out of 5 stars
52 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review This saved my skin I have been using this product along with The Ordinary's Niacinamide and Proactiv's Step 3 Benzol Peroxide treatment since last December and it has dramatically changed my skin. I have had cystic, hormonal acne since I was a teenager and it had dropped to my jawline and neck in my older age. I was given some samples of some other products at Ulta that began my quest for better skin. I discovered Sunday Riley but can not afford those products so I searched the net and found the Ordinary. As a teenager and young adult, I spent a lot of money on the dermatologist and prescription drugs one of which was the first retinoid product which was harsh and burned my skin. I had been hesitant to try today's retinoid products because of my past experiences. IF you have acne-prone skin retinoid/retinal products WILL cause you to break out for 1-3 months because it is causing your skin cells to turn over and doing so brings what's deep in your skin to the surface. My skin went bananas for roughly 2 months but I kept a very regular schedule of use. My skin was soft and brighter even while breaking out and then suddenly the intense breakout ended.
My skin cleaning routine lasts about 30-45 minutes to complete at night. I have since discovered the Korean skincare routine of washing twice, toner, active ingredient products and then moisturizers and sunscreen. 5% granactive retinoid goes on oily it takes a while to dry but for me, it is worth it. I still breakout but the acne comes and goes very quickly and is never as severe, my skin is soft and IMHO shows less aging. Words of caution if you've never used retinoids before start with a lower concentration, use every other day and absolutely use a sunscreen. I also use The Ordinary's AHA/BHA Peeling Solution once a week which also causes your skin to purge acne just like a retinoid but this is an even stronger product.
Most Helpful Critical Review Gotta Do the Research! In the how to use section on Ulta's website it simply says to keep the product in a cool dry place. It also mentions something about Ordinary's patch testing. Curious, I went directly to Ordinary's website and there it clearly says this product needs to be refrigerated after opening. I haven't done that obviously because I didn't know. Really disappointed because I don't know how this has affected the product and it's ingredients. I'm thinking I will stop using it which really sucks after only using so little. I think this makes this product harder to use. I for one do not have a fridge dedicated to skincare nor am I going to get one just for this product. Which means I would have to keep this in a regular fridge. First world problems, I know. But I do all my skincare routine stuff in my room and this makes it inconvenient and convenience and ease of use is important to me.
I have used it for about a week before I discovered the refrigerate thing. As others have mentioned it is on the oilier side but in don't mind that for a nighttime routine. I haven't had any bad reaction but haven't seen any improvements either other than moisture.
Reviewed by 52 customers This product is now part of my skin care regimen! 5
Marlie from Michigan
The Ordinary is easy to use. Just take a few drops and massage them onto skin. It's very smooth so a little goes a long way. My skin is used to retinol so no irritation for me! Check directions for use.
I see a difference! 5
Antonina from Seattle, WA
I've definitely noticed a positive difference after starting to use this product. My skin is looking so good and noticeably healed and better looking after only a week of using it.
Skincare staple 5
LB from Chicago
I noticed a major difference with my skin after consistent nighttime use. Smoother skin, no breakouts, reduced appearance of scars. It's the first retinoid I've ever used and I don't plan on venturing away from it any time soon.
Formula FYI #2 ingredient is a Benzoate 2
Skincare Kitty from USA
First I have not bought nor tried this because of benzoate allergy. This is just an FYI on the formula. Benzoates are preservatives and can be very irritating to sensitive skin. Especially if you have problems with apple, cinnamon, or camphor. I like the ingredients for their .2% and .5% better though this one has the pine version of retinol. I have used and liked the .2% btw. A Benzoate so high up in a list just screams cheap instead of frugal to me. *Frown face.
Good once you figure out how to use it 4
Francesca from New Orleans
This took me a bit of trial and error, but I kept with it because I like what it does for my skin. Squalane is an oil, it's not going to evaporate or "soak in" to your skin- no skin care product does, actually. Instead the squalane settles on top of your skin and stays there until you wash it off. The best way I have found to use it is to mix a few drops in with my moisturizer, and that helps the skin feel less greasy. It also prevents me from using too much of the squalane, as I would if i applied it in a separate step from my moisturizer. It's worth it if you stick with it.
Love this serum 4
Penny from Cali
I used this serum every night before bedtime followed up with a moisturizer and it left my skin feeling so soft and it also smoothed out the texture of my skin
NEEDS REFRIGERATION 1
DS444 from Chicago
Received product today. Directions say product must be refrigerated after opening. Sure doesn't say that on the website. Wrote The Ordinary to confirm need to refrigerate and they said yes. No mention of need for cold storage on Ulta site. So now I'm supposed to move my skin care routine to the kitchen? Not gonna happen. Lots of retinol products out that don't require refrigeration. Was only $8 or so and not going to pay shipping to return. Next stop? Garbage can.
Not good for sensitive/breakout prone skin 2
AB from Illinois
This product is super oily. My skin was so broken out the next day after 1 use. I haven't had a breakout this bad in a long time. I actually wore my mask again in public just to Hide the breakout.I love retinols and thought I'd give this one a try with its glowing reviews and price point, but it's a big no for me.
Gotta Do the Research! 3
Do Your Research! from Virginia, US
In the how to use section on Ulta's website it simply says to keep the product in a cool dry place. It also mentions something about Ordinary's patch testing. Curious, I went directly to Ordinary's website and there it clearly says this product needs to be refrigerated after opening. I haven't done that obviously because I didn't know. Really disappointed because I don't know how this has affected the product and it's ingredients. I'm thinking I will stop using it which really sucks after only using so little. I think this makes this product harder to use. I for one do not have a fridge dedicated to skincare nor am I going to get one just for this product. Which means I would have to keep this in a regular fridge. First world problems, I know. But I do all my skincare routine stuff in my room and this makes it inconvenient and convenience and ease of use is important to me.
I have used it for about a week before I discovered the refrigerate thing. As others have mentioned it is on the oilier side but in don't mind that for a nighttime routine. I haven't had any bad reaction but haven't seen any improvements either other than moisture.
I use it at night 5
RickW from Palm Springs
I use it at night. It's a bit too shiny and oily to use during the day. Goes on smooth and spreads easily. Seems to be a good moisturizer because of the Squalane. I can't comment on the Retinol aspect as I have only been using it a few weeks.
When will I learn? 1
MishyMash from Bellevue, WA
Seriously, when will I ever learn? Love what retinol does for my skin and use 1% nightly. Considering the price, trying the 5% "granactive retinoid", aka hydroxypinacolone retinoate, seemed like a bargain. Nope, no, uh-huh. The bottle is half-empty and I have seen zero skin improvements. In fact, I've stopped using it altogether. My 1% retinol oil is 5x more expensive, but leaves my skin firmer and poreless. With dryer skin, I often use squalane because it absorbs quickly. This formula containing "squalane" did not and just sat on top of the skin. Sticking with retinol, moving forward < sigh>.
Great Company! 5
cld from Iowa
Excellent retinoid product. The price point is terrific. Mind the application instructions so one doesn't negate positive benefits by countering with another product.
Best retinol 5
Manda1680 from Jacksonville, FL
Not irritating at all. Bought after a reaction to Rapid Wrinkle Repair. These ingredients are cleaner and hypoallergenic so far.
Nope. 2
AuntyRo from Great NW
If you like to put oil on your face then this one is for you. It's in an oil base which made it greasy to apply and horrible under make-up. (yes, I use retinols during the day) Worse, it actually made me break-out a little. This one is a PASS for me.
Haven't used long but see improvement 5
Bubba from Illinois
Use before bed every night.
you must have it！ 5
Vivian from Fairfax
The most powerful retinoid product that I have seen.
Must have 5
Just get it! from Okla.
Back story I'm 29 have mild adult acne and starting to see wrinkles. Combo skin. I have tried many retinoids/retinols. I've been to the dermatologist all my life and they always prescribe one to me for acne. This is by far my favorite and at a great price. My acne is non existent and my skin is looking the best it has in years. The oily part doesn't bother me as squalane oil is super beneficial for your skin. I put it on before bed and in the morning my face is clear and no longer oily. I actually wait a few minutes and put the HA moisturizer on top of this. Works well together also.
Love!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 5
Gia from Hudson Valley, NY
Best Retinoid! Was a little scared of the squalane at first (I have oily skin and it seemed like it would add to the problem). I decided to use it only at night and with The Ordinary toner. I also started with 2% Retinoid to build up tolerance slowly. For the price, what is actually does for my skin and the fact my skin transforms overnight, this is an amazing product. I have tried it all! It is really solid! And how can you beat around 20 for toner and Retinoid that lasts a long time? FYI... during the day I switch to Glam Glow Charcoal Toner (refreshing) and Tacha Water Cream. My make-up has a high SPF (50) too... don't tan after all this!
I will buy this product again & again 5
sherrell from Fair Haven, MI
The Ordinary does it again with great & affordable products! Excellent & gentle Retinoid. Although it is very watery, it is very oily on the skin. As I already have oily skin, I can only use it at night. But, you won't see the dry or flaky skin that can occur with some retinol/retinoid products. This is great for a rentinol beginner or someone with sensitive skin.
Best retinoid serum ever 5
Bobbielyn from Cleveland, Ohio
Magic in a bottle!!!
Amazing!!! 5
Moon love from Az
I use it before bed and I love how my skin looks the next day. The only bad thing is its hard to buy product because its usually out of stock. My favorite.
Must have in skin care routine. 5
Roche from Tucson Az
It's a excellent product that is affordable, I use a medical grade Rentnod, however due to Covid I haven't refilled, I researched products and came across this little gem, i will continue to purchase and have now turned my Daughter onto it, ( was able to have it delivered to my front door) big plus!
Worth it for me 4
Kyra Mora from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I have never used retinol before this product but it barely irritated my skin the first night and it hasn't since. It is slightly oily but hey it has an oil in it. Just give it 15 min to absorb and focus on problem areas first you don't need much product or I'm not surprised it would clog pores. When I did it before bed I woke up visibly smoother wrinkles and I even put it on my stretch marks from a baby belly and it's helped smooth that too over time. My skin is combo/sensitive and I'm 24
I wanted to love it so badly. 3
Narnia from Texas
I used to use the 2% retinoid so I figured this was okay. It's just a little too oily for me. I'm also starting to think that squaline oil breaks me out. Right now I'm trying to heal my skin which means leaving this out for now. I think it does work but unfortunately my acne wins this round.
Changed my entire routine 5
Jenny F from Orlando, FL
This product is amazing. I was using several treatment products on my 45 year old skin. I tried this and was absolutely amazed. My dark spots are fading. The texture of my skin is improving. A weird bump that started on my face is gone. I was worried that I would break out because the product is very oily, however that hasn't happened, even due to hormones. Just remember a little goes a long way. I cannot recommend this product enough.