Product Reviews Rated 4.34 out of 5 stars
112 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Thumbs up for combination skin This was my first time adding retinal into my skin routine and I first started 1 time a week for about 2 weeks (I have sensitive skin so highly recommend slowly adding this product in skin routine) then went to 2 times a week and currently sticking to that, I only apply at nighttime. At first I had no idea how to apply this onto my face and was applying TOO much which cause it to be super greasy. I then tried applying it differently and only put about 3/4 drops on my hands rubbed them together and patted the product onto my skin with it on my hands, it turned out LESS greasy and my skin absorbed it a lot better. Ever since I started doing it I began to love the product and my skin is definitely benefiting from it. Another thing I will say is make sure to wait about 15-20min until your skin fully absorbs the product and then go into your moisturizer on top. This has helped my cystic acne really minimize and my acne scarring to brighten up. The next morning my skin feels so healthy, bright, and vibrant. Hope this helps anyone who has sensitive skin, cystic acne, hormonal acne, and maskne like me. You aren't alone and time will heal your skin. Don't forget to SPF daily.
Most Helpful Critical Review ZERO Stars Priced at 1/5 of my favorite retinol oil, this seemed like a bargain. Wrong, wrong, wrong. It didn't act like retinol on my skin, delivering zero skin improvements. Won't be returning, using it on my face, nor repurchasing. Instead, I'll use it on my hands and feet. Hoping that it wasn't true, but I guess that you really do get what you pay for. Sticking with my a-boost retinol oil, moving forward.
Reviewed by 112 customers ZERO Stars 1
SillyBilly from Bellevue
Priced at 1/5 of my favorite retinol oil, this seemed like a bargain. Wrong, wrong, wrong. It didn't act like retinol on my skin, delivering zero skin improvements. Won't be returning, using it on my face, nor repurchasing. Instead, I'll use it on my hands and feet. Hoping that it wasn't true, but I guess that you really do get what you pay for. Sticking with my a-boost retinol oil, moving forward.
Great 5
Em from Nj
I don't understand why people are shocked that it's "greasy". It's in squalane. Squalane is an oil. it's not going to sink right into your skin immediately like HA.
Retinol also isn't a miracle product that'll give you results in 2 weeks. You have to use it for a long time just like any other product.
These products are good,some people just don't understand how it works. And some people use things they shouldn't use. Just because someone else swears by it, doesn't mean it'll be a good fit for your skin too.
Do research.
Fantastic Product 5
I love this from Fort Wayne
I have severe cystic acne and scars and I've used this product so much and I can safely say I've seen improvement. I have not gotten any more cysts and this product helps keep my skin moisturized and fresh.
Thumbs up for combination skin 4
Jaja from Las Vegas,NV
This was my first time adding retinal into my skin routine and I first started 1 time a week for about 2 weeks (I have sensitive skin so highly recommend slowly adding this product in skin routine) then went to 2 times a week and currently sticking to that, I only apply at nighttime. At first I had no idea how to apply this onto my face and was applying TOO much which cause it to be super greasy. I then tried applying it differently and only put about 3/4 drops on my hands rubbed them together and patted the product onto my skin with it on my hands, it turned out LESS greasy and my skin absorbed it a lot better. Ever since I started doing it I began to love the product and my skin is definitely benefiting from it. Another thing I will say is make sure to wait about 15-20min until your skin fully absorbs the product and then go into your moisturizer on top. This has helped my cystic acne really minimize and my acne scarring to brighten up. The next morning my skin feels so healthy, bright, and vibrant. Hope this helps anyone who has sensitive skin, cystic acne, hormonal acne, and maskne like me. You aren't alone and time will heal your skin. Don't forget to SPF daily.
Affordable retinol that works great! 5
JessD from IA
I have sensitive, oily/combination skin with acne and wrinkles. I use this 2x a week. In the mornings, I wake up with WAY less oil on my face then when I don't use it but it only dried me out the first 2x I used it (spaced it a week apart to start). It seems my skin has started to accept it and it looks AWESOME!! I have researched a TON of retinol products because I wanted to start including it in my skincare routine but all of them are stupid expensive OR they're including in nightly creams (which I didn't want to switch out my current skincare routine because I love it so much, it just doesn't include retinol). So i found this stuff and I am in LOVE!!! I've been using this for 3 weeks and already see a huge different. You literally only need two drops of this stuff for your whole face. Also, be sure to apply AFTER your moisturizer (it will help 'buffer' your skin so that the retinol doesn't dry it out when you first start using it). But absolutely yes i would recommend this to someone who wants to include retinol in their skincare routine but doesn't want to spend their whole paycheck or change up their entire skincare routine.
Really surprised! 5
Lara in Texas from TX
I have tried so many products at such a range of prices and I'm really surprised at the quality for the price. I've also had b@tox and filler pre Covid. I have this product, Lactic Acid and the Super Buffet. I use them together and have noticed a difference in my skin. After about 3 weeks of use, my skin is smoother and brighter. My wrinkles are definitely less noticeable. I got a bunch of products for my teen and adult daughters' stockings. I can't wait for them to try it!
Great Retinol Product 5
Lynn from West Chester, PA
Love this product! I use it every night before bed before my face cream. The Ordinary has always been my go to for retinol.
Initial impressions 5
Brooke from San Diego, CA
I heard about this from friends who had success incorporating it into their skin routine. I have combination skin that fluctuates with the seasons and has been very very sensitive to other Retinol products. So far so good. I dilute it with my night time moisturizer and I have not had the typical negative reaction the next day which is huge for me! The next morning I usually have red splotchiness, itchy skin, no matter what I would do. This could be a new regular product for me.
Nice 5
Mimi from Pa
I really like the texture and find it easy to spread. I don't have acne scars, but do have a lot of texture from acne bumps. This has really helped smooth the bumps after just one use. Although some people find it greasy, I think it sinks in nicely. I have really oily skin and it's working fine.
Will definitely be repurchasing 5
SC from FL
Overall great retinol.
It works!! 5
Glencoco from Bethlehem
I'm an African American and I'm 24 yrs old. I recently have been noticing minor fine lines around my mouth. I see a big improvement after using this product after 2 weeks. I have faith that the lines with disappear all together!
Went from using prescription to this... 5
Shoemaven25 from Charleston, SC
I had been using prescription retinol so I was a little leary about trying this, but boy am I glad I did. Not only does it cost less but it works even better! I am actually noticing a change in my skin tone and the congestion in my pores is far less. I will be a lifetime user.
No change in texture or hyperpigmentation 3
Ivy from Iowa
I've been using this since April, every night and I did not see a change... nothing! At all! I even kept the stupid little bottle away from light and air. I hear it takes a long time for results but its been over half a year. This is the second product from their line that's disappointing me, too bad cause I thought the price was right. I guess you get what you pay for.
Not good for oily skin 3
Nmiles from Hampton GA
It's greasy, oily, and not good for my skin
People leaving bad reviews should learn how to read 5
Ray from Tampa, FL
This stuff is amazing.
People that are saying that it's "greasy" or "it made me break out" or "it expires in 3 months"...guess what? Read the instructions and description
Greasy - it's oil-based. What were you expecting?
Breaking out - this is normal when starting a retinol regimen. Again, learn how to read.
Expires - says on the bottle to refrigerate.
Now that we got that out of the way...this stuff is awesome. Purged my skin, cleared up redness in certain areas, and made my frown lines disappear. Highly recommend.
Combination acne prone 5
NZ from South Gate
I love it ! It immediately started fixing my dark spots. It also helped with my acne. I saw a difference in just two days. My complexion was glowing. It didn't dry me out at all. I highly recommend this products.
Greasy, expires in 3 months & needs to be refrigerated 1
W1nelif3 from Northern California
Too greasy, I couldn't even apply my regular moisturizer. Also I didn't realize that it expires in 3 months and that it needs to be refrigerated. Good thing this is cheap because I didn't have to waste my time to return this, just threw it out.
Waaaay too greasy 1
Healthyskinfirst from United States
I have used other retinol products in the past. It's common advice to use a less potent retinol before moving up in potency. This product was a total disaster. There was not only NO tingling and skin clearing effect that retinol has, it was so greasy that it clogged my pores and triggered acne.
Love it! 5
Daniela from San Marcos, Tx
I started using this to get rid of acne scars but my complexion has been improving so much! Wear it at night and you'll see noticeable changes in the morning! Gets rid of redness and scaring, the only downside is that if I use it everyday my skin can get a bit dry, whenever that happens I stop using it for few days and apply moisturizer. It's like my holy grail! ♥️
Expires in 3 months, needs to be refrigerated 4
K from NC
Great retinol and so cheap, but I wish I could buy a smaller bottle. I couldn't use it all before it expired. Keep in mind the expiration and remember to throw it in the fridge (packaging says to refrigerate after opening).
Great Retinol, would recommend 5
sandy from America
My mom and I have been using this for about 2 months now. I have seen reduction of fine lines and wrinkles in her skin while she uses this, although she is not very consistent with it, I have been using this to get rid of acne scars (both pigmentation scars and physical scaring) I see some improvement with my scars and will continue to use this. Retinol takes time to show results so my expectations are still high for this product. The price is great and I love that the ordinary offers difference concentrations of retinol to use over time when skin gets more tolerant. This is a great one for beginners. It's the first one I used and as long as you use it along with a hydrating product you should be fine. The smell is not pleasant but it's bearable. Make sure you do not put too much on your skin or your skin might break out or feel greasy all night. 2-3 drops is good for me on my face and one drop on my neck
The price reflects the effectiveness 2
Dana from Montclair, NJ
I used for a month and didn't see a significant change in my skin. I didn't purge when I used it so there was no period of time that I had to suffer before I saw changes. It did feel nice when I applied it to my skin, but it is very easy to put too much. It's cheap so you pay for what you get.
NOT FOR BEGINNERS 4
Sum from Usa
Be careful using this product if you have never used retinol on your skin before. It will make you look rough.. Even if you space it out during the week, the concentration of this retinol is TOO strong for BEGINNERS. This is the kind of product that people who have used retinol for years would use (An employee on The Ordinary on their website told me this). If you want to start using retinol, start with The ordinarys retinoid granactive serums. This one is too strong for beginner users and especially if you have sensitive skin.
Greasy 1
Tori_Carolynn from Pennsylvania
This product felt no different than putting vegetable oil directly onto my face. The formula is thick and greasy. Even with a drop or two, it doesn't absorb at all and leaves an uncomfortable layer of product on your skin. I feel this would only work on someone with severely dry, dehydrated skin.
I would buy this again 5
LC from Tarzana, Ca.
Loves this product, it's very gentle, not harsh on the skin.
