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

This is a miracle product that does exactly what it says with premium ingredients at an amazing price! I use daily and has visibly faded spots on face and back of hands. Gentle. I put on, let dry, then put moisturizer!

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is an excellent intermediate-level retinol—it strikes the perfect balance between effectiveness and skin tolerability. I’ve been using it consistently 2–3 times per week at night, and I’ve seen noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone, and fine lines within just a few weeks. The squalane base makes this formula incredibly moisturizing, which helps minimize the dryness or irritation that can come with retinol use. I have sensitive, combination skin, and this has worked really well for me with no major flaking or redness. The product is easy to apply, spreads smoothly, and absorbs well without a greasy finish. I also appreciate the dark glass bottle with a dropper, which keeps the formula stable and makes dosing simple. This is not an overnight miracle, and I always recommend starting slow with retinol, but if you’re looking for a gentle, effective anti-aging serum that fits well into any nighttime skincare routine, this is a fantastic option.

Finally a product that really works, is cruelty free, and not expensive! I saw improvements within a week! The skin on my forehead is smoother and my whole face looks more radiant and moisturized. Wrinkles have diminished slightly. I’m glad I started out with less amount of retinol and will work my way up if needed. Time and the right products (yes, be patient and give the products time to work) and you should see results!

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 bought this as part of an effort to actually start taking care of my skin in my 20s—mainly because I’m active, sweat a lot, and figured I should be doing more than just washing my face. Why I Chose This One: I did some research and saw that The Ordinary is good for beginners and not overpriced. This 0.5% version is a solid middle ground—not too weak, not too strong. I’ve been using it nightly for a months then will upgrade to the next strength. Texture & Feel: It’s an oil-based serum (squalane), so it feels a little greasy going on, but absorbs in a few minutes. I usually follow it up with a moisturizer cream. It doesn’t sting or feel harsh, which I was worried about. What It’s Doing: Definitely noticed my skin looks smoother, especially on my forehead and around my mouth. A few small acne scars have started fading, and overall I just look more “awake.” I still get the occasional breakout from trigger foods like dairy, but they go away quickly. Cautions: Don’t use it every night right away. Start slow. Use sunscreen during the day (seriously).

I've never used any other retinol serums. this was recommended to me by my AI and I am obsessed. I combine it with a couple other ordinary serum brands and they're all high quality and cheap. This will last you a really long time. The oiliness of it really works to not try out your skin. apparently I've heard that other retinol will dry. what I would do is apply it after cleansing and wait about 15 to 20 minutes before applying any lotion to your face. I started at the 0.2% retinol and then I upgraded to this 0.5% I have not experienced any issues with skin dryness or skin peeling or anything like that and I use this twice a day. I also Hyaluronic Acid 2% B5, then Agrieline 10%, then Matrixyl 10% HA, followed by Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1%, let that sit for a minute then apply the retinol 0.5%. All are ordinary brands and under 10. I'm 34 and because of autism I never use my eyebrows to emotion or even have crows feet..I started this as a preventive measure because I vape. But I love how soft my skin is after applying .

Really love this product. Decided to add retinol into my routine to combat forehead creasing [early 30s, dry-combo skin, dry climate]. After three weeks using every other night under moisturizer, my complexion is already much more vibrant, especially around lips and eyes. Not sure if the lines themselves have changed so much as my facial skin as a whole has shed a layer of gray and plumped up, which makes the lines seem much less prominent. Maybe that’s the science-magic of it. Excited to see results with upped frequency but relieved to know that I don’t have a wasted product if my skin can’t handle higher percentage/usage.

I didn't really get any results or any in the way of any retinization. But I guess you can't knock it because it's so inexpensive and they democratized retinoids. Still, the short shelf-lifs is ridiculous and it should be made more clear it must be refrigerated. It doesn't arrive in a fridge or isn't stored in a fridge at Ulta? What gives? Idk. Not a fan. Much better introductory products even at the grocery store that also aren't an oily mess.