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
Yay! You're earning rewards points on this purchase!
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
cocokind
Ceramide Lip Blur Balm Hydrating & Smoothing Lip Treatment
OLEHENRIKSEN
Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment
Clinique
Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
TATCHA
The Dewy Skin Cream Line-Plumping Moisturizer
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
Estée Lauder
Advanced Night Repair Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
Good Molecules
Discoloration Correcting Serum
Sponsored products
12 items
Use previous and next buttons to navigate the slides of the Sponsored products Product Carousel
Good Molecules
Discoloration Correcting Serum
Questions
Ask a QuestionQ&A
Showing 5 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
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