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

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.

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.

Absolutely love this stuff it works so good. I’ve been waiting for 3 weeks to write a review so I can fully have it work on my skin and what I can say so far is that I’m in love with it. It doesn’t irritate my skin and it makes my skin nice and shiny. I use this every night in my night routine and “the ordinary” is a premium brand for a good price. You can’t beat getting good quality retinol serum for $10.

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.

Great price for a great product. Will buy again

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!

At first i wasn't so sure I liked this because it is kind of oily feeling when you apply it. However, it does absorb fairly quick. I typically apply it and then 15-30 min later I use my night cream. Sometimes I forget or skip the night cream, but never skip this product. After using it nightly for a while now I really like it. Idk if its the ingredients or the oil but it makes my skin feel nice in the morning.

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.