The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum for the Face That Is Anti-Aging and Skin Smoothing, 1 Fl Oz

I’ve been using The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane (30ml) for a few weeks, and it’s been a fantastic addition to my nighttime routine. The oil-like serum feels lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin soft without any greasy residue. The 0.5% retinol is perfect for me as someone with some retinol experience—it’s strong enough to smooth out fine lines and even my skin tone but not so intense that it causes major irritation. The squalane is a game-changer, keeping my skin hydrated and preventing the dryness I’ve had with other retinols.I apply a few drops after my Paula’s Choice cleanser and a water-based serum, as recommended, and follow with a moisturizer like the Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream. I started slow, using it twice a week to avoid redness, and my skin’s adjusted well with no peeling. It’s definitely helped with texture—my forehead lines are less noticeable, and my skin looks brighter overall. The dropper makes it easy to control how much I use, and refrigerating it (as advised) keeps it fresh.My only small issue is the slight initial tingling, which fades fast, but if you’re new to retinol, start with their 0.2% version. Also, don’t skip sunscreen during the day—this stuff makes your skin sun-sensitive. For the price (around $9-$10), it’s an incredible value for such an effective anti-aging serum. Highly recommend for anyone looking to dip their toes into retinol with a gentle, hydrating formula

I love the smell of this!! It’s not fragranced but there is something so calming and earthy about it. I’m a licensed esthetician & absolutely love The Ordinary products. This is super slick because of the squalane so it is moisturizing while it treats. Glazed-donut vibes all the way.

The best face retinol serum I ever used🤭

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is an effective, budget-friendly retinol product that has delivered noticeable results for my skin, but there’s one big drawback that keeps it from being perfect.Pros:Affordable: High-quality retinol at a fraction of the cost of similar products.Effective: Helped smooth my skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time.Gentle formula: The squalane base is hydrating and minimizes irritation compared to other retinol products.Cons:Ingredient concern: The inclusion of BHT (a preservative) is disappointing. I prefer products without this additive, as there’s some debate about its safety in skincare and ability to disrupt the endocrine system.Overall, while the performance and price are excellent, I’m hesitant to repurchase due to the BHT. If this doesn’t concern you, it’s a fantastic choice for incorporating retinol into your routine.

I ordered this last week and have used it a few times so far. The texture is really nice—light and a little oily from the squalane, but it soaks in quickly. No irritation so far, which I was worried about since my skin can be sensitive.I’m starting slow (every few nights) but already noticing my skin feels smoother the next morning. Definitely planning to stick with it and see how it works long term. I also started using this in lotion on hands and feet. Great value for the price!

I’ve been using this retinal oil for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed. I was a little worried that incorporating a retinal product might dry out my skin, but this one is surprisingly moisturizing. It feels lightweight going on, but my skin stays soft and hydrated all day.I actually used to rely on a different face oil just to keep my skin from drying out, but this has completely replaced it in my routine. I love that I’m getting the benefits of retinal without sacrificing moisture or dealing with irritation. My skin looks smoother, and it feels more balanced overall.Highly recommend if you’re looking for a gentle, hydrating retinal that won’t leave your face feeling tight or flaky!

Great price for a great product. Will buy again

Not sure how I feel about this product yet. It’s my first “real” retinol (I’ve previously used serums from Cerave) yet I haven’t experienced any irritation which makes me wonder if it’s actually doing anything. I haven’t noticed a difference in wrinkles or overall texture yet. It is also extremely oily. Price is good, I think I should have just gotten the stronger formula.