Use the following zoom and pan buttons to control the image that follows them
Tab through the images or use the previous or next buttons to navigate each product image
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum
Offers
Use previous and next buttons to navigate the slides of the %1 Product Carousel
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.
We think you'll like
12 items
Use previous and next buttons to navigate the slides of the We think you'll like Product Carousel
StriVectin
TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus
Clinique
Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Foundation
bareMinerals
COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Mineral SPF 30
Clinique
Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Similar items for you
12 items
Use previous and next buttons to navigate the slides of the Similar items for you Product Carousel
The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides
Lancôme
Genifique Ultimate Recovery Serum with Beta-Glucan
Clinique
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Clinique
Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Sponsored products
12 items
Use previous and next buttons to navigate the slides of the Sponsored products Product Carousel
Good Molecules
Discoloration Correcting Serum
SickScience Labs
ShapeShift Advanced Jaw & Neck Firming Serum
Questions
Ask a QuestionQ&A
Showing 20 out of 32 Questions
- Q
I know this is a serum, but it is extremely oily. Is it supposed to be so oily?
- Asked by Rebecca
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, yes, as our Retinol 0.5% in Squalane sits in a base of Squalane. This is what contributes to the oil-like texture.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Will this product clog pores or cause milia? Is it noncomedogenic?
- Asked by Grace
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, our Squalane base is non comedogenic. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is it okay to use this retinol on the same night with murad dark spot serum and BHA AHA exfoliants (peach slices exfoliating toner and cerave acne control serum)?
- Asked by Hana
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there. We do not recommend using exfoliants with Retinol 0.5% in Squalane in the same regimen. Unfortunately, it is difficult for us to comment on the pairing of our products with those of other brands. We recommend consulting with your doctor/dermatologist, gradually incorporating one new product into your regimen at a time, and applying test patches first to see what works best for your skin. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can i use this with estee lauder night repair and what order?
- Asked by Sandee
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageUnfortunately, it is difficult for us to comment on the pairing of our products with those of other brands. We recommend consulting with your doctor/dermatologist, gradually incorporating one new product into your regimen at a time, and applying test patches first to see what works best for your skin.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is it safe to travel with this since you can't have it refrigerated?
- Asked by Wendi
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there. We recommend refrigeration to ensure the stability and efficacy of our Retinol 0.5% in Squalane. It's difficult to say with any certainty whether the formula will go off without knowing the exact conditions and circumstances at the time. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can i use this product daily?
- Asked by Karla clara
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there. If you're new to retinoids, we'd recommend starting with once a week application. If this is well tolerated, you can bump it up to 2x/week, then 3x/week etc. Eventually you can work your way up to daily application! We hope this helps.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use retinol and aregeiline on the same wrinkle in one night? I know i can use argeiline daily. Does the retinol need to be refrigerated?
- Asked by Crybaby Princess
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there. Both Argireline Solution 10% and Retinol 0.5% in Squalane can be used together in the same regimen. We recommend refrigerating Retinol 0.5% in Squalane after opening. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
What is the shelf life with refrigeration after opening?
- Asked by Red
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, you have 3 months to use this product after opening.Was this answer helpful to you
- 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
Reviews
Write A REVIEWReview Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Ratings Distribution
Best Uses
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.
617 results
Regret using this
I've used products from the Ordinary for years, as well as using retinol from different brands for years. This is the first time a skincare product has ever broke me out this bad, and I don't have sensitive skin at all. It gives me small itchy bumps all over my cheeks and forehead that take days to go away. I thought that it was a different product that was causing it at first, so I used this 3 times before I realized this serum was the culprit. I'll definitely continue buying from this brand because I love their other products, but I'll be avoiding their retinoids from now on.
Would buy again
I use this 6 nights a week (not the night I exfoliate with Glycolic acid). It's a little greasy and will pill if the previous skincare is not fully absorbed.
Great for keratosis pilaris
Works great on arms, thighs and butt for keratosis pilaris, absorbs much faster than Amlactin.
This does not work for me.
I have been using this for 4 weeks, once a day with one to two drops. I've used retinol before, but I wanted to try this because it's affordable. I usually had a 3-4 day purge period, but my acne has not let up after 4 weeks of use. The last week I've used it every other day but still. Nothing else is new in my routine. Never again—I threw this away. I wish I could attach the photos of my skin right now. I am so frustrated!
Wow!
I was skeptical but my 57 year old skin feels so smooth and the few dark spots i have a lightening after a few uses absorbs quickly as well