The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% vs 1% in Squalane

What actually changes?

The 1% costs only $0.60 more, so the higher number is not much of a luxury tier. Make the choice around your experience with retinol, not the small price difference.2

Which strength should you choose?

Consider 0.5% after introducing 0.2% gradually. Consider 1% only after working through 0.5%, rather than buying the strongest bottle first. If 0.5% already suits your routine, keep it; the product range is not a ladder you are obliged to climb. Retinol is a form of vitamin A used for fine lines, uneven tone and rough texture, so choose around those concerns rather than treating strength as the goal.12

How do you introduce it?

These product specific application and storage instructions are for 0.5%; follow the 1% bottle's own label. The cleansing, moisturizing and gradual introduction steps are general retinol guidance.

1. 1Patch test before applying the serum to your face, following the bottle's instructions.
2. 2At night, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Do not scrub.
3. 3Apply a few drops of 0.5% to intact facial skin, keeping the product out of your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. 4Finish with a facial moisturizer. Start every other night and increase gradually as tolerated, rather than beginning with nightly use.
5. 5Use sunscreen during the day, with shade and clothing for additional sun protection.
6. 6Refrigerate 0.5% after opening and use it within three months.

The Ordinary tells you not to combine 0.5% with other retinoids, direct acids, direct vitamin C, copper peptides or its Multi Active Delivery Essence. That includes avoiding a second retinol or prescription retinoid in the same routine. If you already use a prescription retinoid, discuss any change with your prescriber rather than adding either bottle.1

How long should you wait for results?

For retinol generally, visible improvement takes several weeks, and changes in wrinkles usually take several months. Do not use a quiet first week as a reason to move straight to 1%. Dryness, redness, itching, burning and peeling can occur during introduction. Squalane helps surface hydration in the 0.5% formula, but irritation still needs attention.14

Who should be careful?

Sensitive skin, skin allergies, substantial dryness or ongoing redness are reasons to discuss alternatives with a dermatologist rather than choosing 1%. Although The Ordinary lists 0.5% as suitable for dry skin, that does not override existing irritation. On darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks, making a slow introduction and moisturizer especially useful. Avoid these retinol products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.13

If irritation occurs with 0.5%, rinse it off, stop using it and consult a doctor. A severe skin reaction, or one that does not settle with a cool compress or petroleum jelly, needs a dermatologist's attention.15

If acne is the reason you are comparing strengths, do not treat 1% as an automatic treatment upgrade: The Ordinary explicitly says 0.5% is not an acne treatment. Acne guidance favors avoiding oily and pore clogging preparations. Seek medical help for deep, painful spots, scarring or acne that is not improving with treatment.167