“Gio, how can The Ordinary products work if they’re so cheap? Where’s the catch?”
Headaches. The catch is in the headaches The Ordinary gives you when you’re trying to decide what to buy.
Want a simple retinol serum, for example? Here are 6. 6 ladies! How the heck do you decide which one is right for you?!
Do you go with the one with the highest concentration? Play eeny meeny miny moe? Flip a coin?
I’m a nerd, so I like to decode the labels and figure out which retinol serum has the best ingredients for my skin type. Sounds too boring?
Worry not. I’ve done the work so you won’t have to. š Here’s the ultimate guide to The Ordinary Retinoid products:
Granactive Retinoid 2% In Squalane (Ā£7.80)
What form of retinoid does it use?: 0.2% Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR). HPR is a retinoid acid ester, a fancy way of saying it doesn’t need to be converted into retinoic acid (the active form of Vitamin A) once absorbed by the skin. Yet, it’s gentler than pure retinol. Initial research shows it helps treat acne, melasma and wrinkles.
What’s the texture like?: Lightweight oily texture that sinks quickly into the skin.
Are there any side effects?: This is the gentlest retinoid formula by The Ordinary, so it won’t cause irritations. But it can still make skin more prone to UV damage so use it at night only.
Who is it best for?: Sensitive, acne-prone skin that can’t tolerate other forms of Vitamin A (like retinol).
Where to buy it: Available at Asos and Cult Beauty.
Related: What Form Of Retinoid Is Right For You?
Confused about The Ordinary? Click on the image below to subscribe to my newsletter and get āThe Ordinary Products Guideā Cheatsheet. It’ll help you choose the right Vitamin C serum, the right peptide serum, and more from The Ordinary.
Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane (Ā£11.90)
What form of retinoid does it use?: 0.5% Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. The formula is the same as Granactive Retinoid 2% In Squalane but with a higher concentration of HPR.
What’s the texture like?: A little oilier than Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane. It takes a little longer to sink in.
Are there any side effects?: It shouldn’t cause irritations, but may increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Use it at night only.
Who is it best for?: If you’ve been on Granactive Retinoid 2% In Squalane and are ready to upgrade, this is the perfect next step.
Where to buy it: Asos and Cult Beauty.
Related: My Full Review Of The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane
To make this serum part of your The Ordinary routine I recommend following my scientist friendās course called Extraordinary Skin With The Ordinary ā in it sheās teaching you how to design a The Ordinary skincare routine to get makeupless skin you love. Click here to check it out now. (affiliate link)
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (Previously Advanced Retinoid 2%) (Ā£8.00)
What form of retinoid does it use?: 0.2% Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate + an encapsulated retinol. Retinol is the gold standard of the old generation of retinoids. It’s proven to reduce wrinkles and dark spots, boost collagen and treat acne.
What’s the texture like?: A creamy serum, it absorbs quickly into the skin.
Are there any side effects?: It’s stronger than the Granactive Retinoids in Squalane, so it may irritate sensitive skin. It makes skin more prone to sun damage, too, so use it at night.
Who is it best for?: Those who want a medium-strength retinol. Those looking for the best of the new and old generation of retinoids.
Where to buy it: Asos, Cult Beauty and Sephora.
Related: My Full Review Of The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion
Retinol 0.2% In Squalane (Ā£4.20)
What form of retinoid does it use?: 0.2% retinol. While research on HPR is still at the beginning, retinol has decades of data to support its efficacy. But it needs to be converted into retinoic acid into the skin and is more irritating.
What’s the texture like?: A lightweight oil.
Are there any side effects?: 0.2% is a mild concentration, but if you have very sensitive skin, you may experience some stinging and flaking. It makes skin more prone to sun damage, too, so use it at night.
Who is it best for?: Retinoid newbies who prefer the tried-and-tested retinol to the promising but less studied HPR.
Where to buy it: Asos and Cult Beauty
Related: The Complete Guide To Retinol: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
Retinol 0.5% In Squalane (Ā£4.90)
What form of retinoid does it use?: 0.5% retinol, which translates into 0.025% retinoid acid. That’s enough to treat photoaging. The formula is the same as Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, but with a higher concentration of retinol.
What’s the texture like?: A little oilier than Retinol 0.2% In Squalane. It takes a little longer to sink in.
Are there any side effects?: It can be irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin. To reduce irritation, start with Retinol 0.2% In Squalane first and work your way up. Like all retinoids, it should be used at night to avoid the risk of sun sensitivity.
Who is it best for?: Anyone who wants to treat their first fine lines and/or is ready to upgrade from Retinol 0.2% In Squalane.
Where to buy it: Asos and Cult Beauty
Related: What Strength Of Retinol Do You Need?
Retinol 1% In Squalane (Ā£5.80)
What form of retinoid does it use?: 1% retinol, which converts into 0.5% retinoid acid. That’s enough to reduce sun damage and boost collagen.
What’s the texture like?: Oily.
Are there any side effects?: Out of all The Ordinary retinoid formulas, it’s the most irritating (and the most effective). It also increases skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Who is it best for?: Retinoid pros who’ve worked their way up to this strength. It’s perfect for people who want to use the most effective OTC % of retinol, but aren’t ready to upgrade to prescription Tretinoin, yet.
Where to buy it: Asos and Cult Beauty
Related: Retinol Side Effects: What They Are And How To Deal With Them
The Bottom Line
If you’re:
- Looking for a gentle form of retinoid: Stick to the Granactive Retinoids In Squalane.
- Prefer the tried-and-tested retinol and your skin isn’t sensitive: Go with the Retinol In Squalane.
- Can’t choose and want the best of both worlds: Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion.
Whatever you opt for, always start with the smallest concentration first and work your way up.
Related: The Complete Guide To The Ordinary Vitamin C products.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% In Squalane Ingredients
Squalane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bisabolol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane Ingredients
Squalane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bisabolol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carrageenan, Xanthan gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Isoceteth-20, Behentrimonium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% In Squalane Ingredients
Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, BHT
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% Retinol In Squalane
Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, BHT
The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalane Ingredients
Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, BHT
How would you use those products in a PM routine?
I currently have the Advanced retinoid emulsion. Should I apply it first or after other water-based serums? (I have SubQ, MMHC, Matrixyl, Survival 0).
Thanks!
Alex, I usually apply retinol straight after cleansing. But if your other serums have a thinner consistency, use those first.
hai gio..i’m so happy found this article …can you recommend which one retinol that safe for malassezia (fungal acne)?i need your help…thx you
Hi Lenni, Paula’s Choice makes some great retinol products that are suitable for you. Just stay away from the 1% booster.
Are you on Instagram?
Alexandria, yes. My handle is @beautifulwithbrainsofficial
Hi Gio,
Thank you so much for this post, I really find it helpful. š
I am concidering trying the Granactice Retinoid 2 % in Squalane, but since I have oily skin, I’m worried if I should be using a product with squalane oil? What do you think, is squalane suitable for oily skin?
Sascha, yes, squalene oil is one of the few oils that’s suitable for oily skin too.
Hi Gio,
Can I use retinol 0.5% after using retinoid 2% in squalane, without having to worry about irritation? Has 2% retinoid helped build up my skin resistance to retinol?
Thank you!
Hi Elena, do you mean using them on the same day, one after the day? Retinoid 2% helps build tolerance indeed but I’d stick to just one retinoid product in your skincare routine at a time.
No, no, not at the same time, of course ?. I’ve been using 2% retinoid thus far and I was wondering if I could replace it with 0.5% retinol (I’d like to try something stronger).
But your answer helps, thanks!
Elena, I see. Yes, you can totally upgrade. If your skin hasn’t built up enough tolerance, just cut back on usage a little.
Hi there, this is a nice article and helped me a lot to find my way with the only affordable retinoid products on the market.
However there’s is a lapsus between melasma and melanoma in the top of the article! (In the research references). Not quite the same š
Licornice, oops, my bad! Thanks for spotting the lapses, I’ve just fixed it.
So glad the post has helped you. š
Hi. I have been using Granactive retinoids 2% emulsion for the last few months. Wondering what strength would be best to use next as an upgrade?!
Casey, from TO, 1% retinol in squalene.
Thanks Gio, this was super helpful.
Gemma, glad it helped! š
I have recently started derma rolling (0.5mm) at home once a week. Tonight will be my 3rd treatment. I want to add a Retinoid or retinol to my regimen. I have dry skin & is āslightlyā drier since I started derma rolling. I am also acne prone, not severe, 1-3 at a time. I use The Ordinary products because they are so budget friendly. Can you help me figure out which one I should start with. I really donāt want to start with the lowest if I donāt have too. Thank you
April, yes you have to start with the lowest (granactive retinoid 2%). everyone has to. In your case it’s especially important because you’re already drying out your skin with dermarolling.
Hi! I just discovered The Ordinary and I am looking forward to trying their products. I was just wonder if the OG retinol products are encapsulated? Thanks!
Janel, the Granactive emulsion is, but I don’t think the others are.
Thanks for your helpful insight. For a night regimine Iām using SubQ Anti-age followed byRetinol:1% and then a night moisturizer. Iām 60, live in dry Colorado and trying to keep my skin as wrinkle free as possible. Please let me know if this is the right layering . So far no irritation at all. Jo
Jo, yes, the layering is correct. š
Hi Gio!
Iāve been using serum with 0,1% adapalen for a past 2 months, and before that Iāve been taking Accutane for the whole winter. Which of these serums would you recommend to me as a prevention for acne relapse?
Julia, the emulsion. Just because I don’t like using anything oil-based for acne prone skin.
Hi
Is the granactive 2% emulsion stronger than the 5% granactive in squalane? You seem to be the second blogger to say this.
TO started with the emulsion and that’s what i started my retinol journey with too in June 2017.
I then moved to granactive 2%, then granactive 5% and then 0.5% retinol. Have I moved in the wrong direction?
Am now looking to move to the 1% retinol in squalane.
Its all very confusing, especially since Deciem insists that the granactive 5% is the strongest retinol in their arsenal.
Please help
Nausheen, you did move in the right direction, so go ahead with 1% retinol now.
Granactive retinoid is very powerful on paper, but we lack independent studies on how it compares to retinol, which has decades of evidence behind it. So whenever possible, I still prefer retinol.
Thanks! i have, however developed fine pimples on the sides of my face since TO has introduced squalane in the retinol, could this be the reason?
Nausheen, oh no! Unfortunately, you’re not the first person to report this. I think TO retinol products are great, but I don’t really recommend them to oily skin for this reason.
Do you know which would be the best option if previously I was using adapalene .3%? Seeking something that’s more or less the same strength.
Eleni, adapalene and retinol are two different forms, so you can’t really compare them.
You can start with 0.5% retinol and build up to 1%, but you’ll be taking a step back for a while. The other option is to go down the prescription route to get a retinoid that works as well or even better than adapalene.
Hi Gio,
its a beautiful article and really helpful.
I am using Tretinoin 0.025% past 1 year…i have a very dry skin.
Can i start with granactive retinoid 2% in squalane or
Granactive retinoid 2% emulsion ..Please reply..
Thanku,
Swetha.
Swetha, no you can’t. If you use Tretinoin, you DON’T need any other type of retinoid.
Hello! I just recently came across your page and I am looking to get into retinoids through the ordinary brands. Do I first start off with retinal and work my way up to retinoids or is it the other way around? Thank you so much!
Nicole, retinal is a retinoid. I recommend you start with 0.2% retinol and build up from there.
Hi, as a woman in her 60s, after listening to my daughter, I went out got Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, I also bought the Buffet, the Marine Hyaluronic. I’ve been using the Retinol for a month now. I like the texture and look of my skin, but just like the other poster, I also have developed fine spots on either side of my face (close to the temples). I’m wondering now if that to do with the Retinol? I use every night and occasionally mix it with the Buffet or the Marine. Many thanks.
Maggie, it could be the oil base of the retinol serum. Try switching to an oil-free retinol serum and see if that helps.
Hi! Iām new to all this retinoid & retinol regimen. What TO retinol/retinoid product do you suggest I start first?