The Ordinary Retinol before and after

  • About
  • Usage Details

Description

In your regimen

  • Prep
  • Step 2: Treat
  • Seal

Use after cleansing and water-based serums, before oils, suspensions or creams.

About

Retinol 1% in Squalane offers a water-free solution containing 1% retinol—an ingredient that improves the appearance of fine and dynamic lines that arise from a loss of collagen and elastin, while evening skin texture and tone. What’s more, this expert-level formula is supported with squalane, a moisturizing agent naturally found in your skin that enhances surface-level hydration and helps combat the dryness that can be associated with retinol use.

The Ordinary Tip: Start with Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and slowly work your way up to Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and Retinol 1% in Squalane. That said, if you are prone to sensitivity, you may prefer to use newer retinoid technologies, such as those found in our Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion.

Note: Once opened, this formula should be refrigerated and used within a three-month period.

Caution: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. This product is not a treatment for acne

Note: When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.

How to use

View Product Directions.

Product Directions

  • Apply a few drops to the face in the evening. 
  • Do not use with other retinoid products. 
  • Use sun protection during the day. 
  • Caution: Retinol can cause irritation, redness, and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early stages of use while skin builds tolerance. 
  • Refrigerate after opening. 
  • If irritation occurs, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician. 
  • Use only as directed on unbroken skin. 
  • Patch testing prior to use is advised.
  • Keep out of reach of children.

Always patch test before use.

View Customer disposal instructions.

When to use

Use in PM

Good for

3 months after opening.

Step 1: Prep 1

Cleanse the skin and prepare it to receive active ingredients.

Step 2: Treat 9

Address specific skin concerns using targeted formulas. Always check each product's Usage Details to ensure products are compatible in the same routine.

Targets

Antioxidant support

Step 3: Seal 3

Lock in benefits and support the skin barrier.

Targets

Antioxidant support

Targets

Antioxidant support

The Ordinary posts ALL reviews, positive or negative :-)

Thanks to its powerful formulas and jaw-droppingly affordable prices, skincare professionals and beauty obsessives alike are understandably obsessed with The Ordinary’s straightforward but smart products. The only catch it that you need to be clued up on your skincare ingredients to know exactly what each one does and whether it will work for you. 

The Ordinary’s Retinol in Squalane range is one of our favourites, not only because retinol helps to speed up cell turnover, trigger collagen production, tackle pigmentation, and reduce congestion, but because squalane is a gentle and nourishing ingredient which can benefit all skin types. 

Scroll down to read more about The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane

Reduced side effects

Dryness, redness, irritation, increased sensitivity, and even breakouts are just a few of the side effects that can unfortunately come hand-in-hand with using retinol. While this transition or ‘purging’ period likely won’t last forever, it’s enough to persuade some people to give up on retinol before they’ve seen the benefits. However, thanks to its squalane-based formula, this one simultaneously helps to soothe, soften, and moisturise skin. 

It's good for beginners

Retinol is powerful, and first time users are more likely to experience the above side effects than those who have used retinol previously. Because the side effects of the retinol are reduced thanks to the nourishing squalane, this formula is perfect for those who are introducing retinol into their skincare routine for the very first time.  

It's easy to add into a routine

It can be hard to know when to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine, especially if you’re already using other active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C, which experts recommend you shouldn’t apply at the same time as each other, or as retinol. Most retinol products are serums which would be applied post-cleanse and pre-moisturiser, but because this formula sees the retinol suspended in an oil, it should be the final step in your skincare routine, after moisturising. 

Squalane doesn't cause breakouts

Squalane is derived from olives, but it mimics squalene – an oil naturally produced by our own oil glands. Squalene helps to hydrate and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier, so essentially, our bodies know what it is and what to do with it. Squalane is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and is non-irritating and odorless, so even the most sensitive skintypes are unlikely to react to it. 

It's available in different strengths

If you are new to using retinol or have had a negative experience with the ingredient in the past, the good thing about this formula is that it’s available in different strengths. You can start with the 0.2% formula (which has the lowest amount of retinol) and progress to the 0.5% and 1% strengths as your skin gets used to the ingredient. 

The water-free formula is more stable

Many retinol serums are water-based but water can affect the stability of the retinol and cause it to become ineffective or potentially irritating. Because this formula is oil-based, the oil helps to protect the retinol and prevent destabilising from happening. 

Shop The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane

Should I moisturise after The Ordinary retinol?

It's easy to add into a routine Most retinol products are serums which would be applied post-cleanse and pre-moisturiser, but because this formula sees the retinol suspended in an oil, it should be the final step in your skincare routine, after moisturising.

Can I use The Ordinary retinol everyday?

Is it safe to use retinol every day? For most people, yes — once your skin is used to it, that is. That said, there are some people who may not want to use it frequently or at all.

Are The Ordinary Retinols effective?

If you are looking to try a skincare product to address the signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and dullness, then look no further than The Ordinary retinol and retinoid products. These products from The Ordinary are effective and affordable.

How many times a week should I use The Ordinary retinol?

How often should I start with The Ordinary 0.5% Retinol? We recommend slowly incorporating Retinol 0.5% into your routine. You may wish to begin by using it 1-3 times per week.