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Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane review

Can I tell you a secret? I wouldn’t use The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane in my skincare routine. There, I said it. I know Granactive Retinoid is supposed to be the new retinol – minus the irritation. If it works the same and has no side effects, shouldn’t I be all over it? Shouldn’t I be recommending it to all my dear readers and clients?

And yet… Before I jump on any bandwagon, no matter how promising it seems, I like to take a closer look at what the science says – and then try the product for good measure. And after all my research, I see this retinoid product as a step back for everyone who’s been on the retinol train for a long while. In this The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane review, I’m looking at whether it really works as well as retinol, who it’s best for, and whether the gentler formula is actually worth switching from traditional retinol.

The Verdict

My rating: 3.5/5

Best for: Retinoid beginners and anyone with sensitive skin who wants the anti-aging benefits of a retinoid but can’t tolerate retinol. Technically, every skin type can use it, but dry skin and oily skin will get better results from The Ordinary retinol formula instead.

Skip it if: Your skin already tolerates retinol well. Granactive Retinoid is gentler, but there’s nowhere near as much research showing it works as well for visible signs of aging, like wrinkles.

What I like: It’s gentle, moisturising, and makes my skin softer and smoother without irritating it. If retinol usually dries out your skin, the squalane base is a nice bonus.

What I don’t: It didn’t work on my fine lines as quickly as 1% retinol, and I’m still waiting for independent studies proving Granactive Retinoid works as well as retinol for wrinkles.

Bottom line: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane is a good option if you’re new to retinoids or your skin can’t tolerate retinol. But if you’re already using retinol without problems, I wouldn’t switch. It’s gentler, yes. But when it comes to wrinkles, retinol has decades of research behind it. Granactive Retinoid doesn’t.

Ingredients In The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane: What Does The Science Say?

HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE TO FIGHT WRINKLES AND ACNE

Ever wondered where the name for The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane comes from? Granactive Retinoid is the nickname for Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (can you imagine if we had to call it that?!), an ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that’s part of a new generation of retinoids.

Let me say that again in plain English. It’s not Granactive Retinoid or retinol that gets rid of wrinkles, acne and dark spots. It’s retinoic acid (the active form). All forms of vitamin A must be converted to it in the skin or they won’t work. For retinol, the conversion takes two steps: retinol â‡’ retinaldehyde â‡’ retinoic acid. But because it’s an ester, Granactive Retinoid needs NO conversion. Cool, right?

The manufacturer will tell you that Granactive Retinoid gets rid of wrinkles and dark spots better than retinol – and without the irritation. Problem is, I couldn’t find any independent studies confirming this. Let’s be clear: this doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. It’s a retinoid, so it’ll likely do something to get rid of wrinkles and dark spots. But, until those studies come out, I’m sticking with retinol. It has decades of studies proving it’s the best OTC thing for wrinkles.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make the switch. I would recommend Granactive Retinoid only in three cases:

  • Sensitive skin: Granactive Retinoid is a gentle alternative for those with skin sensitivity who can’t tolerate any retinol at all.
  • Retinoid beginners: If you want to jump on the retinoids bandwagon but are scared retinol will be too harsh for you, Granactive Retinoid is a great first stepping stone.
  • Active acne: Independent studies DO show that Granactive Retinoid can treat acne. If retinol is too irritating for your sensitive, acne-ravaged skin, switching to Granactive Retinoid makes sense.

Related: What Form Of Retinoid Is Right For You?

the ordinary granactive retinoid 5% in squalane 01

SQUALANE TO MOISTURISE SKIN

Like all The Ordinary retinoids, The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane has an oily base. Does that automatically puts it off the radar for oily skin? Nope. I get that some of you dislike the feel of anything oily on your face, so this is out of the question for you. Fair enough.

But if you’re willing to give it a go, I promise it won’t clog your pores. The Ordinary is using squalane, one of three oils (together with MCT oil and mineral oil) that doesn’t aggravate any type of acne, including fungal.  Squalane works because it’s very similar to human sebum, your skin’s natural moisturiser. In other words, your skin recognises it straight away, allowing it to sink quickly and deeply moisturise your skin.

The extra moisture makes your skin soft and supple, prevents water loss and makes Granactive Retinoid even less irritating for your skin.

Related: How To Treat Fungal Acne (And Keep It From Coming Back)

BISABOBOL TO SOOTHE IRRITATIONS

Granactive Retinoid is the gentlest form of retinoid OTC. In theory, The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane should NOT irritate your skin. And, in practice, almost everyone will be able to use it without problems.

BUT, if your skin’s very sensitive and reacts to everything new, there’s a small chance even this may bother it. To make sure it won’t, The Ordinary added bisabobol to the mix. Bisabobol is the reason chamomile is so soothing. It’s what gives it its famous anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces redness and irritation and helps your skin heal faster.

Related: 9 Soothing Ingredients For Sensitive Skin

Texture

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane has a slightly oily, lightweight texture that sinks in immediately without leaving any greasy residue behind (once it has absorbed). The immediate feeling is oily – I mean, it has an oil base.

Fragrance

Like all The Ordinary products, it’s fragrance-free. Fragrance is the most irritating ingredient in skincare products and retinol already has the potential to irritate skin, so kudos to The Ordinary for leaving this irritant out.

How To Use It

Like all retinoids, use it only every other night, after cleansing. The closer to clean skin, the better. If you use a hyaluronic acid serum, you can apply it on top of this. If you’re using other anti-aging serums or exfoliants, apply them on nights you don’t use this. Don’t use it in the same routine as another retinol treatment. And once opened, The Ordinary recommends refrigerating it and using it within three months. One more thing: like retinoids, it’s not recommended during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Packaging

It comes in a sleek, dark bottle with a practical dropper applicator for ease of use. It’s not the prettiest on your vanity, but it’s functional and keeps the retinoid inside safe from light, air, and anything that could degrade it faster.

Performance & Personal Opinion

The first thing I’ve noticed is how hydrating it is. Usually, retinoid products tend to be drying so you need to double up on your moisturiser. Not this. It makes my skin so soft and smooth. But I’m not convinced it works as well as retinol. Not 1% retinol, anyway. That’s, BY FAR, the number 1 thing that made a difference to my skin. Nothing I’ve tried compares to it.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane is less strong – in every sense of the word. Unlike 1% retinol, it didn’t irritate my skin at all. But it also didn’t work on my fine lines as quickly. It does even out and brighten the skintone a little but if your goal is to get rid of wrinkles, it’ll take you a long time to see results. That’s why (if your skin can take it) I recommend it as your first stepping stone on your retinoids journey.

Wet your feet in the water with it. See how your skin responds to a gentle retinoid and, when you’re ready, upgrade to a higher strength. Slow and steady always wins the skincare race.

the ordinary granactive retinoid 5% in squalane 02%

What I Like About The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane

  • Once absorbed (doesn’t take long), it doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind.
  • Moisturising, makes skin softer and smoother
  • Helps treat acne
  • Helps prevent wrinkles
  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin
  • Practical packaging
  • Fragrance-free

What I DON’T Like About The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane

  • Texture feels oily at first
  • Not enough evidence it works as well as retinol or other topical retinoids for wrinkles

Who Should Use This ?

  • Retinoid beginners who want to start with something gentler than retinol.
  • Sensitive skin that struggles with retinol.
  • Dry skin that likes the extra moisture from the squalane base.
  • Acne-prone skin who wants a gentle retinoid that works as an anti-acne treatment
  • If your skin already tolerates retinol well and wrinkles or uneven skin tone are your main concern, skip it.

Does The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane Live Up To Its Claims?

CLAIM TRUE?
This water-free solution contains a 5% concentration of an advanced retinoid active complex called Granactive Retinoid that has been shown to offer better results against multiple signs of aging than retinol without any of the irritation and drawbacks common with retinol.  This is what the manufacturer’s studies say. I’m still waiting for independent studies confirming this.
 This product is not a treatment for acne. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation. True. This is called purging and is totally normal. It lasts around 6 weeks.

Price & Availability

$16.70 at Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Sephora, SpaceNK, and The Ordinary

Do You Need It?

If you’re looking for a gentle form of retinoid to treat acne, and you have sensitive skin or are a total retinoid newbie, this is a good option to consider.

Ingredients

Squalane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bisabolol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone.