How often should I start using The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion?

What should my starting schedule look like?

• Weeks 1 and 2: Use it on one evening each week.
• Week 3 onwards: Increase to two evenings a week if your skin is tolerating it.
• Before the first application: Patch test rather than starting with your whole face.

Twice weekly is The Ordinary's ongoing schedule, not a stepping stone to nightly use. General advice to start a mild retinoid every other night is not the starting schedule for this high strength emulsion.12

How do I fit it into my evening routine?

Keep the order simple: cleanse, treat, moisturize.

1. 1Cleanse first. General retinol application guidance favors a gentle cleanser, patting skin dry and avoiding scrubbing.
2. 2Apply any compatible water based hydration serum first and let it dry.
3. 3Use Retinal 0.2% Emulsion during the treatment step of your evening routine.
4. 4Finish with moisturizer to support hydration.

The Ordinary includes hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serums among its compatible nighttime options, but optional serums are not admission tickets to the routine. Its moisturizer options include a lightweight gel suited to oily and combination skin and a richer cream for more hydration. Choose what fits your needs rather than treating the product list as a shopping assignment.3

What should I leave out on retinal nights?

Do not combine this emulsion in the same routine with direct acids, direct vitamin C, copper peptides or another retinoid. Put acids and copper peptides on alternate days or nights. Use direct vitamin C on alternate evenings, introducing it only after your skin has adjusted to the first product.1

What if my skin gets irritated?

Do not increase frequency while your skin is irritated. General retinol side effects include dryness, redness, itching, burning and peeling; these are reasons to pause progression, not targets to achieve. During a patch test, check for redness or itching over the following couple of days before expanding application.4

If you already use a prescribed retinoid, follow your dermatologist's instructions rather than adding this emulsion or changing the prescription schedule yourself. A dermatologist can address irritation by adjusting the amount, frequency or moisturizer placement. Those changes to a medical treatment plan should be made with their help.5

Who should be especially careful?

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. Skin allergies or existing dryness can make retinoids a poor choice. If you have substantial redness or inflammation, avoid starting and ask a dermatologist about suitable alternatives. Irritation can trigger dark marks in darker skin, making a slow start and moisturizer particularly useful.2

Use sun protection during the day because retinoids can increase sun sensitivity. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin, seek shade and wear protective clothing. For sensitive skin, a sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is an option.2

How long should I wait for results?

Visible changes may begin in as little as two weeks. The Ordinary advises at least ten weeks of use for optimal results. The formula targets the appearance of uneven tone, texture, dark spots, lines and wrinkles.1