The Ordinary retinol strengths: which should you choose?

What are the strengths in The Ordinary retinol strength chart?

These are alternative products to choose between, not a shopping list disguised as a strength chart. The 1% formula is a water free serum with moisturizing squalane; its US listing is $9.90 for 30 ml.1

What does retinol actually do?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A and one member of the retinoid family. Retinoids is the broader name for vitamin A based skincare ingredients and medicines. Retinol is available without a prescription and is used to improve uneven tone, pigmentation and texture.2

Retinol increases skin cell production and collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A strength percentage tells you the retinol concentration, but choosing a starting product also means considering how readily your skin becomes irritated.3

Which strength should you start with?

For beginners, the lowest strength is the sensible starting point. General dermatology guidance is to begin with the least intense retinoid formula and use it every other night, increasing slowly. Do not treat starting at a lower strength as a commitment to eventually use the strongest one: the practical priority is a routine your skin tolerates.2

Skin allergies, significant dryness, redness or inflammation are reasons to discuss alternatives with a dermatologist before starting. Irritation can trigger dark marks, called hyperpigmentation, in darker skin. Starting slowly and using moisturizer helps reduce that risk.2

The Ordinary suggests Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion as an alternative for sensitivity. It uses a different retinoid technology, so it is not another strength in the Retinol in Squalane sequence.1

How do you apply it and build up use?

1. 1Test a small area before applying retinol to your face.
2. 2In the evening, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Do not scrub.
3. 3Follow your bottle's directions. For Retinol 1% in Squalane, The Ordinary specifies a few drops after serums and before heavier creams.
4. 4Keep retinol out of your eyes, nose and mouth. Finish with moisturizer.
5. 5Begin every other night rather than nightly. General retinol guidance also allows starting once every few days and increasing gradually as tolerated.
6. 6Use sunscreen during the day, seek shade and cover exposed skin with protective clothing.

Increasing frequency and increasing concentration are separate decisions. Establish tolerance rather than following a fixed upgrade calendar. The every other night starting schedule is general retinoid guidance, not a promise that every strength will suit that schedule.2

How should you test it first?

For the 1% serum, The Ordinary directs you to apply a small amount to clean skin on the upper forearm, keep it dry and rinse after 24 hours. Do not use it if redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation develops.1

Testing a small area can help predict a negative reaction before you introduce a skincare product more widely. If a reaction develops, gently wash the product off and do not use it again. A severe reaction that does not settle with a cool compress or petroleum jelly needs assessment by a dermatologist. Persistent reactions with no obvious cause can require medical patch testing to identify the responsible ingredient.4

What should you avoid combining with it?

The Ordinary lists other retinoids, direct acids, direct vitamin C, copper peptides and Multi Active Delivery Essence as incompatible with its 1% serum. That includes prescription retinoids: do not add this serum alongside them.1

How long do results take?

General retinol results take several weeks to become visible, while changes in wrinkles usually take several months. Dark spots can also take months to lighten. These are general retinol timelines, not separate deadlines for The Ordinary's three strengths. Retinol starts acting in skin cells before you can see an improvement, so an unchanged mirror after a few applications is not a reason to immediately increase strength.3

When should you stop or get medical advice?

Dryness, itching, burning, redness and peeling are recognized retinol side effects. Although early effects are often temporary, do not use irritation as a signal to apply more. For the 1% serum, The Ordinary tells you to rinse off, stop use and consult a physician if irritation occurs. Apply only to unbroken skin.13

Avoid retinoids during pregnancy. The Ordinary also advises avoiding them while breastfeeding.12

The Ordinary's 1% serum is not an acne treatment. If acne is your reason for considering a stronger bottle, seek medical help when spots are deep, painful, causing scars or not improving with self treatment. A doctor can offer acne treatments, including retinoid medicines such as adapalene and tretinoin, rather than simply increasing a cosmetic retinol concentration.15

How should you store the 1% serum?

Refrigerate Retinol 1% in Squalane after opening and use it within three months.1