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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
Helps With My Aging Arm Skin
Age 45-59
Skin Type Dry
Verified Buyer
I use this on my arms at night. It's helping reduce the crepiness of my skin. I follow with a good moisturizer once the retinol has dried.
Where's the button to ask a question?
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at

I just got this, not sure yet how I feel about it. It feels super oily for hours and it smells bad. I keep it in the fridge but I don't think it had a chance to go bad in the couple days it took to ship? I have high hopes but not sure I want to continue to use if it's not supposed to stink…
Cost effective staple!
My skin lovesss this stuff. I know squalene is hit or miss with some people but it works great for me (dry/combination with dark spots) Really good for its pricepoint. I may be ready to move on for a stronger rentinol but will always love this stuff because of how nice it was on my sensitive skin
Amazing for sensitive skin
I have sensitive eczema and acne prone skin and this serum has cleared my acne without causing me any flare ups. sadly, it does expire fairly quickly
I love this product
Age 45-59
Skin Type Normal
Verified Buyer
I like this product allot. Thank God I read review. I would have missed the part to refrigerate it. It is oily but a little goes a long way. I have notice some improvement around the forehead area. Will continue using it
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