The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
Works for
Anti-agingRetinolWorks well
“Helps reduce the appearances of fine lines”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains 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.
Evens skin toneRetinolWorks well
“It also encourages natural cell turnover, helping to promote softer and healthier-looking skin while working to minimise the appearance of blemishes and dark spots.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.
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.
Anti-blemishRetinol, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractWorks well
“It also encourages natural cell turnover, helping to promote softer and healthier-looking skin while working to minimise the appearance of blemishes and dark spots.”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: retinol. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · RetinolWorks 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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone + 1 moreWorks 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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Retinol, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
2 of 2 community members would buy it again.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Squalane~25–38%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneCaprylic/capric triglyceride~8.7–13.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglycerideSimmondsia chinensis seed oil~5–7.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.
More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oilRetinol~3–4.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 RetinolSolanum lycopersicum fruit extract~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractHydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 decanoneBht~0.15–0.6%
Ingredient list view
Squalane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Retinol, Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, Bht
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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.
| The OrdinaryRetinol 0.2% in SqualaneYOUR PRODUCT | COSRXThe Retinol 0.5 Oil | Be MinimalistRetinol 0.3% | Summer FridaysMidnight Ritual Retinol Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 88% | 86% |
| Price | $7.00 | $18.90+$11.90 | $25.40+$18.40 | $66.12+$59.12 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Glycine Soja Oil | Bakuchiol | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Medik8 Retinol 10TR IntenseSothys Cosmeceutique RX Retinol Dermobooster
Product summary
"The Ordinary - Retinol 0.2% in Squalane" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Exfoliation, Anti-aging and Evens skin tone
Ingredient callouts
- this product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 3.00% - 4.60%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of Retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a Retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the Retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "The Ordinary" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails for 2200.00KSH in Kenya, from 11.40A$ up to 12.79A$ in Australia, from 5.30$ up to 7.00$ in the United States, from 7.00CA$ up to 18.80CA$ in Canada, from 6.00£ up to 7.99£ in the United Kingdom and for 59.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4Allergic contact dermatitis induced by rosemary leaf extract in a cleansing gelpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5
- 6
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