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The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum
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Summary
Highlights
The Ordinary's Retinol 0.5% in Squalane Serum is a water-free formula containing 0.5% retinol. This oil-like serum (anhydrous) is great for experienced users of pure retinol products looking for solutions for textural irregularities and signs of aging.
Benefits
- Targets signs of aging
- Improves skin's elasticity, texture, and radiance
Formulated Without
- Alcohol
- Gluten
- Nuts
- Silicone
- Parabens
- Sulfates
Item 2551172
The Ordinary recommends performing a patch test prior to incorporating a new product into your skin care routine.
Apply a small amount to the face in the PM, 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%.
Squalane, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) Seed Oil, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (tomato) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, BHT.
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Questions
Ask a QuestionQ&A
Showing 20 out of 24 Questions
- Q
Any tips for using? I find this to be very greasy.
- Asked by Kelly
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! As this is an anhydrous (water-free) serum, the squalane may contribute to a slightly rich texture. It's included to help counteract dryness often caused by retinoids. We recommend using just 1-3 drops for the entire face. If it still feels too heavy, you might prefer a lighter option like our Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Does this product need to be refrigerated?
- Asked by rm
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! We recommend refrigerating after opening. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
How to use retinol, niacinamide and HA B5 in the rountine?
- Asked by Kaylee
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there , we'd recommend the following: Cleanse > Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 > Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% > Retinol 0.5% in Squalane > Moisturizer.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hi! I use a Vitamin C under eye cream as well as the vitamin C under eye jelly patches. Am i still able to use this retinol? Or should i avoid the two together?
- Asked by Jen
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageWe recommend avoiding the use of Vitamin C and Retinol together in the eye area to avoid irritation.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use vitamin c wipes before retinol?
- Asked by kel
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageWe recommend using Vitamin C and Retinol in alternate routines to avoid irritation.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is this for dark spots
- Asked by Amanda
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageRetinol 0.5% in Squalane can help to reduce the look of dark spots. However, if hyperpigmentation is a primary concern, we recommend exploring Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Will this help reduce appearance of stretch marks?
- Asked by Question
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngagePlease note this product has been specifically formulated and tested for use on the face. If you wish to use it elsewhere, we strongly recommend applying a small test patch before proceeding.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
So im confused on how old you have to be to use it, many people are confusing me. So at what age is it convenient to use retinol and would it help with my oily akin?
- Asked by Kim
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Retinol is generally used to target signs of skin aging so it's recommended for adult skin; if this is a concern of yours then you may absolutely use it! For oily skin, we suggest exploring Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% or Balancing & Clarifying Serum.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use this with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ?
- Asked by San
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageYes, you can! We recommend applying Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 first then Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and Retinol 0.5% in Squalane.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use this product at night
- Asked by mely
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi! Yes, you can use Retinol 0.5% in Squalane at night.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is this fragrance free?
- Asked by Virginia
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi! Yes, none of our products contains added fragrance.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hi I noticed you took out alpha arbutin , what should I add to replace that in my am routine ?
- Asked by Alpha arbutrin
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! You may wish to explore Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution as an alternative for reducing the looks of hyperpigmentation.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used with the glycolic acid 7% toning solution?
- Asked by beautylearner
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi! If you wish to use both Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner , we recommend applying them on alternate evenings to avoid irritation.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
So, it really needs to be refrigerated after opening?? Well, I guess that will save me a lot of money in the long run, because I'll never remember to get it out of the fridge, so I'll never use it, so I won't have to replace it.
- Asked by Lo
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Yes, we do recommend refridgerating after opening. This is recommended in order to delay the inevitable oxidation of the active ingredients (Retinol and Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR). <3 Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can i use hyaluronic acid right after using this product? Thanks!
- Asked by Morgan
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageWe recommend applying Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 before Retinol 0.5% in Squalane <3Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is it still safe to use even if it was not refrigerated for more than 6 months?
- Asked by .
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHello :-) For best results, we recommend refrigeration after opening. In this case, we would suggest replacing the Retinol and ensuring it is refridgerated after you open it <3Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Do u use all over the face
- Asked by Eva
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHello :-) We recommend applying Retinol 0.5% all over the face, but avoid the eye area.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be mixed in with with other products? I have a face oil I love but would like it to have some retinol as well!
- Asked by CL
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there :-) It is always recommended to use products as per label directions. Our products come with disclaimers of when two actives are not to be mixed. As a general rule, be mindful with highly acidic products or treatment strength products. Hopefully, this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Does it have to be refrigerated?
- Asked by Liz
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Yes. We recommend refridgerating Retinol 0.5% in Squalane after opening.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can you use Buffet without copper?
- Asked by Chase
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Retinol 0.5% in Squalane can be used alongside Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (Previously called "Buffet").Was this answer helpful to you
Reviews
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Most Helpful Positive Review
The product is...
The product is quite good but I find the size of the bottle quite inappropriate regarding its PAO of just 3 months, it's impossible to use even a third of the bottle with regular use before it spoils. Please consider a smaller packaging. DECIEM Response: Thanks so much for your review and feedback ...
Most Helpful Critical Review
You should HIGHLIGHT the need to refrigerate.
This should be in bold, really. Maybe with a graphic element. Because I completely missed it until reading a recient marketing email.
611 results
Great Retinol!
I pair this with Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid and my face feels amazing!
Such a great product
Goes on smooth. Absorbs quickly. Works wonders on my dark spots, is giving me a more even complexion, and provides moisture overnight. Amazing product for the price.
Too Oily
This product is SO oily and will not dry down whatsoever so I can apply the rest of my skincare routine. It's straight oil. Not a fan.
So Oily - Just sits on the skin
This retinol serum is beyond oily. It just sits on the skin and rubs off with an oily sheen on anything you touch to your face. Would not recommend.
Face soft
Product is more of an oil, but leaves my face feeling soft and smooth. Unscented