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The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum
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Highlights
Summary
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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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.
623 results
Results overnight
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at

I'm 30yo with light skin, freckles, and some hormonal acne. My face is very tolerant to strong products as I've used many over the years for cystic acne etc. I started slacking on my skincare over the last year and my face was struggling - my blemishes wouldn't go away with my salicylic toner and my overall skin was looking tired, uneven, and dull. I needed something intense enough to give my face a "fresh slate" while I build up my routine again. I applied this at night & woke up with smooth, brightened skin. I could feel it "working" right away, which I love. My blemishes are now all shrunken & less red. I'm so happy with it - exactly what I needed.
I wanted to love this!!
I am a huge ordinary fan however this product needs to be fixed as someone who has combination skin. I'm lucky to be able to use most products. However, this product is so oily, and my skin did not seem to absorb the oil at all. I feel like because my skin cant absorb it I didn't get the benefits, I don't recommend this unless you have super dry skin even then it's just so messy. You also need to refrigerate it. Which I don't really like because I like to have my skin care accessible and it only lasts three months. I am switching to the emulsion formula which is a more creamy formula and I'm hoping this gets reformulated. I thought about returning this product but instead I just threw it away. I've never thrown a skincare product away. I am disappointed because this is such an affordable price point and I love that they have different percentages, but I'm hoping that the ordinary considers evolving this product into a more creamyformula or like a water-based type serum
Not worth buying !
This product is extremely oily , thin, and just sits on the skin . It doesn't absorb. You cant layer any product or moisturizer over it . Don't get fooled by how inexpensive it is. Spend a little more for a product with results .
OILY
Did not at all feel the way retinol feels when applied. felt like straight bay oil being rubbed onto my oily prone skin. Did not act as a rentinol at all. (oily skin, don't recommend), but love the ordinary niacinamide 10% and zinc 1%
I would buy this again. Love it!
Age 60+
Skin Type Combination
Verified Buyer
I have only been using for almost 2 weeks, but I love it and I can tell the difference in my skin.
Questions
Q&A
Showing 5 out of 39 Questions
- Q
I current use The Ordinary GF 15% serum for visible skin repair & winkles & multi-peptide + hyaluronic acid serum for firmness & elasticity followed by The Ordinary moisturizer. Should i add this to my nightly regime for the retinol?
- Asked by JH
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there. Thank you for reaching out. Yes, GF 15% Solution and Retinol 0.5% in Squalane can be combined in the evening as a part of a well-aging regimen. We recommend applying GF 15% Solution, followed by Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and then finishing with Retinol 0.5% in Squalane before your moisturizer. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use this with your Multi Peptide Eye Serum?
- Asked by Em
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, yes, both Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and Multi-Peptide Eye Serum can be used together in the same regimen. However, we do not recommend applying Retinol 0.5% in Squalane around the eye area.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I tend to have an oily T zone. Will this increase the oil production as i am trying to decrease "11" and forehead lines?
- Asked by Sayrah
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageSqualane is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. It makes up 10% of our natural sebum and is among the most commonly found lipids in the skin cell. Using Retinol 0.5% in Squalane should not increase oil production. Retinoids regulate sebaceous activity and over time often help control excess shine and breakouts.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
how many times can. u use it in a week
- Asked by lisa
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, thank you for reaching out! We recommend starting with 1-2x/week and then building up as your tolerance increases. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used to brighten body marks?
- Asked by ne
- 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