Is The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane good for beginners?

Why start with a lower strength?

Retinol is a type of retinoid, the family of skincare ingredients derived from vitamin A. It helps improve uneven tone, roughness and fine lines, but introducing it too quickly can cause dryness and irritation. Begin with the lowest strength rather than treating the percentage as a target to beat.23

The 1% formula contains squalane to support surface hydration, but retinol can still cause redness and peeling, particularly around the eyes and mouth.1

How often should you use The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane?

For a beginner, choose a lower strength first. General retinol guidance is to start once every few days after a patch test, then increase gradually as your skin tolerates it. Every other night is another starting schedule for a low intensity retinoid. Neither schedule makes 1% the right first purchase.24

How do you apply The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane?

1. 1Patch test first. Apply a small amount to clean upper forearm skin, keep it dry and rinse after 24 hours. Do not use it if a reaction occurs.
2. 2At night, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Do not scrub.
3. 3Apply a few drops to intact facial skin after serums and before richer creams. Keep the product out of your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. 4Finish with moisturizer. Use sunscreen during the day.

Refrigerate the bottle after opening and use it within three months. The product details here match The Ordinary's German listing; check your own packaging because formulas can change by region and purchase date.1

Can you use The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane every night?

Do not start with nightly use. Daily use is a possible later step in general retinol guidance, not a requirement to work toward regardless of irritation. If you already tolerate a lower strength, increase frequency gradually rather than jumping straight to nightly 1% use.4

What should you keep out of the routine?

Do not combine this serum with other retinoids, including prescription retinoids. The Ordinary also lists direct acids, direct vitamin C, copper peptides and Multi Active Delivery Essence as incompatible.1

Keep your supporting routine to a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen rather than adding several new aging treatments together. Keeping the routine simple leaves fewer products to juggle, and your face does not need a project manager. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day, including cloudy days.56

When should you expect results?

General retinol results take several weeks to become visible, and changes in fine lines can take several months. Around three months of regular use is a reasonable point to assess improvement. Using more than directed can cause problems rather than speed progress. Continue using a tolerated product if you want to maintain its benefits.456

Who should be careful, and when should you stop?

Avoid this product during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If irritation occurs, rinse it off, stop using it and seek medical advice promptly.1

Skin allergies, substantial dryness, redness or inflammation are reasons to discuss alternatives with a dermatologist before trying retinol. In darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks, so watch carefully for reactions. Stinging, burning and tingling are signs to stop an over the counter product, not evidence that it is working harder.26