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The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum
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 5 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
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.
608 results
Amazing!
This is making such a difference in my skin. I am in my 60s and this has helped with keeping my skin looking more healthy.
Very good for my skin.
I have been using it for years. Love it.
The Ordinary does it again 💜
After a life changing injury 6 years ago, my skin changed from mildly oily to sensitive and dry. Prior to the 0.5% retinol in squalane I was using the AHA/BHA and it burned my skin 🥺. This one is perfect and my skin loves it.
Retinol by the Ordinary
I appreciate the price point of the Ordinary products, makes a beauty routine attainable. Personally I am not one that spends a lot of time waiting for layers of product to dry with multiple steps. I have a great lotion that I've used for years and I just add a couple drops of retinol with my lotion and apply to my face and neck before bed, so far so good.
Works on dark spots, but not for acne-prone skin
This stuff really did work on my dark spots - I noticed an improved difference in 3-4 weeks. But I think the oil delivery was way too much for my sensitive skin and I broke out in cystic acne. I so wanted to like this product!