Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
- Evens skin tone
- Anti-blemish
- Moisturizing
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: medium
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Key actives
Product Summary
"The Ordinary - Retinol 0.5% in Squalane" is effective for: Anti-aging, Exfoliation, Evens skin tone and Anti-blemish
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
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 from 6.40£ up to 8.90£ in the United Kingdom, for 2299.99KSH in Kenya, for 14.80A$ in Australia, from 5.80$ up to 9.30$ in the United States and for 80.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Helps treat Signs of ageing and uneven skin texture Feels like An oil-like serum Recommended for This moderate strength retinol will help reduce signs of ageing and improve skin's radiance Fight visible signs of ageing with The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, a water, and silicone-free skincare treatment enriched with vitamin A to help revitalise the complexion.
Source: SpaceNK
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.
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
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
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.As retinol can cause irritation to the skin, newer technologies now exist to mimic the visible effects of retinol without causing as much discomfort for the skin.
Source: SpaceNK
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.
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
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
Anti-oxidation
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).
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
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.
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
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.As retinol can cause irritation to the skin, newer technologies now exist to mimic the visible effects of retinol without causing as much discomfort for the skin.
Source: SpaceNK
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.
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
Exfoliation
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.
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
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Use previous and next buttons to navigate the slides of the We think you'll like Product Carousel BOBBI BROWN Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer & Primer with Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid 3 sizes BOBBI BROWN Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer & Primer with Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.7 (3220)$25.00 , $113.00Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation 50 colors Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.4 (4094)$39.00Free Gift with purchase TATCHA The Dewy Skin Cream Line-Plumping Moisturizer 3 sizes TATCHA The Dewy Skin Cream Line-Plumping Moisturizer%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.6 (1188)$25.00 , $93.00Free Gift with purchase IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 4030 colors IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.4 (4748)$47.00medicube Zero Pore Pad Only at Ultamedicube Zero Pore Pad%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.2 (96)$21.00The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides 2 sizes The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.3 (1268)$9.90 , $15.75IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm 15 colors New IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.5 (2787)$34.00bare Minerals COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Mineral SPF 3020 colorsbare Minerals COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Mineral SPF 30%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.4 (8543)$39.50Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid 5 sizes Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.6 (4173)$17.00 , $89.00Free Gift with purchasecocokind Ceramide Lip Blur Balm Hydrating & Smoothing Lip Treatment 9 colors Newcocokind Ceramide Lip Blur Balm Hydrating & Smoothing Lip Treatment%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.6 (806)$11.99OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment 10 colors New OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.5 (947)Sale price %1 $16.10 , $23.00List price %1 $23.00La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide 2 sizes La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4 (1960)$12.99 , $25.99
Source: Ulta
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, simmondsia chinensis seed oil.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
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.
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
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.
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.
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Anti-blemish | |
| Moisturizing |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 93/100.
We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost for you. Thank you for your support! Learn more
Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
No comedogenic ingredients detected
User reviews (0)
Averages from community submissions.
No reviews yet for this product.
Be the first to share your experience!
Tried this product?
Help capture what the ingredient list can't—texture, finish, pilling, scent, and more. Answer what you can, skip the rest.
Takes ~30 seconds.
Reviews are shown in aggregate. No personal details.
| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | Current | $5.80 | |
 Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum | 91% | $69.00 | |
![Ampoule Lift [A]](/_ipx/q_80&f_webp&fit_inside&s_160x160/https://image-delivery.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/full/6ae5df33b8704082cd56c1c1b8df2d24.jpeg) SVR Ampoule Lift [A] | 88% | $35.00 | |
 Sothys Cosmeceutique RX Retinol Dermobooster | 88% | $85.80 | |
 Augustinus Bader Mini The Retinol Serum | 87% | $180.00 | |
 Nakery SkinRepair Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum | 87% | $44.00 |
Key Actives
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
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
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.
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
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.
Potential irritants
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
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
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
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.
Comedogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comedogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
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.
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
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.
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
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
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.
Ingredient list view
Squalane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Retinol, Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, Bht
- Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety
- Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)
- A comparative study of the effects of retinol and retinoic acid on histological, molecular, and clinical properties of human skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis induced by rosemary leaf extract in a cleansing gel
- Safety Assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Rosmarinus officinalis Extract Suppresses Propionibacterium acnes–Induced Inflammatory Responses
- COMPOSITION COMPRISING A CROSSLINKED HYALURONIC ACID (HA) IN COMBINATION WITH A LOW-MOLECULAR HA AND/OR AN AGENT STIMULATING ENDOGENOUS HA SYNTHESIS
- Designing topical hyaluronic acid technology—Size does matter