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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
Review Snapshot
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Ratings Distribution
Best For
Describe Yourself
Skin Type
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
Great product
Age 30-44
Skin Type Combination
Verified Buyer
Great product for the price. Not greasy at all. Will continue buying it. I'm on my 3rd bottle. Dries up quickly after applying. No harsh smells.
Had actually made a difference!
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at

I started using Retinol regularly since October and it has actually made a difference to fine lines! My skin looks plumper as well. I did have to use it in combination with other things. For example you're not meant to mix Vit C suspension with retinol so I use Vit C on a night I don't use retinol. I've also been recently using argireline on some days with retinol as well as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid (depending on when my skin either has spots, unevenness or is dry) I also put in under my eyes and it seems to help with dark eyes. I think retinol works best when used in combo as a routine with other things. You're gonna have to figure what else works for you though.
Leaves Skin Soft and Reduces Blemishes Overnight
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at

I've never used retinol before but wanted to try it out because I have lots of post-acne scarring, clogged pores, and have started to notice fine lines (I smile A LOT so my smile lines are especially bad). I was worried since I'd read reviews that retinol will make you break out or irritate the skin. I've had minimal purging, nothing worse than breakouts I would get during my period, and my skin has never been softer. I can tell that my clogged pores are clearing out too. I don't think I've been using long enough to see differences in my fine lines, but if I go to bed with a blemish, I wake up with the softest skin and the breakout is gone! I use it almost every night without any issue and it's a total game changer!
Very effective, a bit irritating & drying
Verified Reviewer
Reviewed at

The retinol serums have been the most effective product I've tried from The Ordinary. I started with the 0.2%, and moved on to this one after finishing that bottle. The .2 didn't cause any irritation or dryness; with this one, I have had some of that, but I can also see it being more effective in fading hyperpigmentation and smoothing wrinkles. It's worked better for my sun spots than all the other products from TO I tried. The only downside is it has to be refrigerated, so can't be used when travelling. I will probably not stop at 3 months but use it till it's used up, like the first one. We'll see how my skin continues tolerating it and whether I move to the 1% or just stay with 0.5.
I would not buy this product again
Age 60+
Skin Type Normal
Verified Buyer
This product was recommended for reducing the appearance of bags under the eyes. I can observe no results at all. All of folks close to me can see no results at all. The only good thing about this product: it is less costly than the $45 stuff
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