The Ordinary

The Ordinary Advanced Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Name: The Ordinary - Advanced Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Brand: The Ordinary

Efficacy93/100IrritancyHigh·

See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone

Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“This next-generation retinoid improves the look of fine lines that arise from a loss of collagen and elastin, while evening the appearance of skin texture and tone.”

Source: Deciem

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: ethyl linoleate.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.6–1.4%

Hydroxypinacolone retinoateHeroEffect: HighA derivative of the most potent form of vitamin A, retinoic acid. The ingredient can be sold under name Granactive Retinoid. Note that if a skincare brand discloses the concentration of Granactive Retinoid in a product, the concentration refers to a diluted form of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate: 1% of Granactive Retinoid corresponds to 0.1% of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a unique derivative of retinoic acid because it can directly work in the skin and does not require additional conversion steps. According to studies done by the manufacturer on models of human skin (not real people), this derivative is more effective than other cosmetic versions of retinoids (such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinyl palmitate), and, at the same time, causes less irritation. It has been also demonstrated to be more stable than retinol which makes formulating with easier and increases the chances that a product with it will maintain its effectiveness after opening. The packaging should still ideally be air-tight. HPR is available over the counter in the EU, UK, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, but is only with a prescription in Canada.~0.1–0.35%

Ethyl linoleateEffect: LowHelps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking~2.7–4%

Anti-blemish

Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Works to treat a variety of skin conditions, including pigmentation, common signs of ageing and acne”

Source: SpaceNK EU

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

In addition, this product contains ethyl linoleate. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.

Ethyl linoleateKey activeEffect: HighHelps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking~2.7–4%

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractUnder-dosedCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.1–0.4%

Anti-aging

Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate

Works well

What the product description says

“This next-generation retinoid improves the look of fine lines that arise from a loss of collagen and elastin, while evening the appearance of skin texture and tone.”

Source: Deciem

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Moisturizing

Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 5 more

Works

What the product description says

“The result? A complexion that is plump, radiant and more youthful-looking.”

Source: Escentual

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, ethyl linoleate.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.8–5.7%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~3.7–5.6%

Ethyl linoleateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking~2.7–4%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.35–0.8%

Cetyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability~0.2–0.7%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.4–0.95%

Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanoneEffect: LowAn anti-oxidant. Is also called 6-paradol. It might be able to neutralize free radicals in skin. The manufacturer claims that it is able to stimulate synthesis of hyaluronic acid in skin, but there is no evidence of effectiveness of this ingredient so far. The only evidence of efficacy for this ingredient so far come from small lab tests. This ingredient comes together with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride as part of the complex called SymDecanox HA produced by a cosmetic ingredient supplier Symrise.~0.1–0.45%

Exfoliation

Not advertised by the brand · Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate

Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: retinol.

RetinolKey activeEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.6–1.4%

Hydroxypinacolone retinoateKey activeEffect: MediumA derivative of the most potent form of vitamin A, retinoic acid. The ingredient can be sold under name Granactive Retinoid. Note that if a skincare brand discloses the concentration of Granactive Retinoid in a product, the concentration refers to a diluted form of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate: 1% of Granactive Retinoid corresponds to 0.1% of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a unique derivative of retinoic acid because it can directly work in the skin and does not require additional conversion steps. According to studies done by the manufacturer on models of human skin (not real people), this derivative is more effective than other cosmetic versions of retinoids (such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinyl palmitate), and, at the same time, causes less irritation. It has been also demonstrated to be more stable than retinol which makes formulating with easier and increases the chances that a product with it will maintain its effectiveness after opening. The packaging should still ideally be air-tight. HPR is available over the counter in the EU, UK, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, but is only with a prescription in Canada.~0.1–0.35%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Retinol, Bisabolol + 2 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (retinol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

BisabololEffect: LowAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties~1.2–1.8%

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.1–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Retinol + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Hydroxypinacolone retinoateA derivative of the most potent form of vitamin A, retinoic acid. The ingredient can be sold under name Granactive Retinoid. Note that if a skincare brand discloses the concentration of Granactive Retinoid in a product, the concentration refers to a diluted form of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate: 1% of Granactive Retinoid corresponds to 0.1% of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a unique derivative of retinoic acid because it can directly work in the skin and does not require additional conversion steps. According to studies done by the manufacturer on models of human skin (not real people), this derivative is more effective than other cosmetic versions of retinoids (such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinyl palmitate), and, at the same time, causes less irritation. It has been also demonstrated to be more stable than retinol which makes formulating with easier and increases the chances that a product with it will maintain its effectiveness after opening. The packaging should still ideally be air-tight. HPR is available over the counter in the EU, UK, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, but is only with a prescription in Canada.High~0.1–0.35%est.

RetinolTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritatingHigh~0.6–1.4%est.

Tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract—High~0.5–1.15%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~3.7–5.6%est.

Ethyl linoleateHelps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lackingMedium~2.7–4%est.

Ceteareth-12Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient propertiesMedium~0.35–0.85%est.

CarrageenanHelps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulationMedium~0.3–0.7%est.

Acacia senegal gumHelps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product textureMedium~0.15–0.7%est.

Isoceteth-20Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.3%est.

Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.

Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.3%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.

ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

CarrageenanHelps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation3/5~0.3–0.7%est.

Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties2/5~0.35–0.85%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.35–0.8%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

IOPE Expert Retinol RX™ 2% Reti-Jection Serum for Wrinkles

Higher efficacy · 100/10091% match

$55.26

Beauty Pie Super Retinol High Dose Booster Treatment

Higher efficacy · 100/10091% match

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User reviews

Would you recommend?

100%·yes

6 of 6 community members would buy it again.

100% would0% wouldn't

Joannab· Jun 2023Recommends
I’ve seen a texture difference over the last few months
Clogging pores
Doesn't clog pores
Smell
No smell

What reviewers noticed

Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~3.8–5.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.7–5.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Ethyl linoleate~2.7–4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-blemishMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-inflammatory

Helps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking

More about Ethyl linoleate

Propanediol~2–3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Dimethyl isosorbide~1.6–2.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin

More about Dimethyl isosorbide

Cetearyl isononanoate~1.4–2.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

An emollient that softens the skin and helps prevent moisture loss.

More about Cetearyl isononanoate

Bisabolol~1.2–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol

Hydroxypinacolone retinoate~0.1–0.35%

Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishExfoliation

A derivative of the most potent form of vitamin A, retinoic acid. The ingredient can be sold under name Granactive Retinoid. Note that if a skincare brand discloses the concentration of Granactive Retinoid in a product, the concentration refers to a diluted form of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate: 1% of Granactive Retinoid corresponds to 0.1% of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a unique derivative of retinoic acid because it can directly work in the skin and does not require additional conversion steps. According to studies done by the manufacturer on models of human skin (not real people), this derivative is more effective than other cosmetic versions of retinoids (such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinyl palmitate), and, at the same time, causes less irritation. It has been also demonstrated to be more stable than retinol which makes formulating with easier and increases the chances that a product with it will maintain its effectiveness after opening. The packaging should still ideally be air-tight. HPR is available over the counter in the EU, UK, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, but is only with a prescription in Canada.

More about Hydroxypinacolone retinoate

Retinol~0.6–1.4%

Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationAnti-agingAnti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMattifying

Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating

More about Retinol

Tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract~0.5–1.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract

Inulin lauryl carbamate~0.4–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Inulin lauryl carbamate

Glyceryl stearate~0.4–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Ceteareth-12~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Ceteareth-12

Ceteareth-20~0.35–0.85%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties

More about Ceteareth-20

Cetearyl alcohol~0.35–0.8%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Carrageenan~0.3–0.7%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation

More about Carrageenan

Xanthan gum~0.2–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Acacia senegal gum~0.15–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture

More about Acacia senegal gum

Cetyl palmitate~0.2–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability

More about Cetyl palmitate

Sucrose laurate~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Sucrose laurate

Polysorbate 20~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20

Isoceteth-20~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Isoceteth-20

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.1–0.4%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

An anti-oxidant. Is also called 6-paradol. It might be able to neutralize free radicals in skin. The manufacturer claims that it is able to stimulate synthesis of hyaluronic acid in skin, but there is no evidence of effectiveness of this ingredient so far. The only evidence of efficacy for this ingredient so far come from small lab tests. This ingredient comes together with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride as part of the complex called SymDecanox HA produced by a cosmetic ingredient supplier Symrise.

More about Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone

Behentrimonium chloride~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Behentrimonium chloride

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate

Disodium edta~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Dehydroacetic acid~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid

Benzoic acid~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Chlorphenesin~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Ethyl linoleate, Propanediol, Dimethyl isosorbide, Cetearyl isononanoate, Bisabolol, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Retinol, Tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract, Inulin lauryl carbamate, Glyceryl stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl alcohol, Carrageenan, Xanthan gum, Acacia senegal gum, Cetyl palmitate, Sucrose laurate, Polysorbate 20, Isoceteth-20, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, Behentrimonium chloride, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Disodium edta, Dehydroacetic acid, Benzoic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Beautylish30 ml

$9.80

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Sephora

$10.50

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SpaceNK US

$10.50

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Deciem

$12.10

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/4 18:21 GMT

$12.10

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	The OrdinaryAdvanced Granactive Retinoid 2% EmulsionYOUR PRODUCT	Boost LabRetinol Night Renewal Serum	IOPEExpert Retinol RX™ 2% Reti-Jection Serum for Wrinkles	Beauty PieSuper Retinol High Dose Booster Treatment
Match	—	92%	91%	91%
Price	$10.50	$16.46+$5.96	$55.26+$44.76	—
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 6	4 of 6	3 of 6
Key difference	—	—	Niacinamide	Lactic Acid
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop