The Ordinary retinol review

What are you buying?

The range includes retinol, Granactive Retinoid and retinal products, which are different retinoids rather than interchangeable names. This review focuses on Retinol in Squalane, with the detailed formula and directions for the 0.5% version. The product names tell you the concentration, which is more useful than a name that sounds like a classified research project.2

The 0.5% serum is water free and contains squalane and jojoba seed oil. Squalane supplies moisture alongside retinol, but the formula is not oil free. The Ordinary lists it for dry skin. The Thailand storefront lists a 30 ml bottle at $11.20 USD; check your local listing rather than treating that as a worldwide price.1

What results should you expect?

Retinol is a vitamin A ingredient used to improve uneven tone, pigmentation and texture. It increases skin cell turnover, the replacement of old surface cells, and supports collagen production. These are general retinol benefits, not a prediction of how this particular bottle will perform on your face. Visible improvement takes several weeks, while a noticeable change in wrinkles usually takes several months. Dark spots can also take months to lighten.34

How do you use it?

1. 1Patch test before facial use. For the 0.5% product, apply a small amount to clean upper forearm skin, keep it dry and rinse after 24 hours. Do not use it if redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation develops.
2. 2Use retinol at night. Cleanse gently, pat dry, then apply any water based serums before the retinol.
3. 3Apply a few drops of the 0.5% serum to unbroken facial skin. Keep it out of your eyes, mouth and nose.
4. 4Finish with moisturizer. Start a couple of nights a week and increase gradually as your skin adjusts, rather than starting nightly.
5. 5Use sunscreen during the day, alongside shade and protective clothing.
6. 6Refrigerate the 0.5% bottle after opening and use it within three months.

Keep direct acids, direct vitamin C and copper peptides in separate routines or on alternate evenings. Introduce one treatment before adding another, and do not combine retinoids, including prescription retinoids. You can finish with moisturizer without adding more treatment serums, so the bottle does not need an entourage.12

Who should be careful?

A dry skin label does not make retinol suitable for skin that is already irritated. People with skin allergies, marked dryness, redness or inflammation should ask a dermatologist about alternatives. Topical retinoids can worsen eczema through their drying effect. On darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks, making a slow introduction and moisturizer especially useful.35

Retinol can cause redness, irritation and peeling, especially near the eyes and mouth. If irritation occurs with the 0.5% serum, rinse it off, stop using it and consult a physician. Avoid this product during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The 0.5% serum is not an acne treatment; if breakouts are your main concern, choose acne care rather than buying it for that purpose.1