The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 30ml

Incredible retinol starter. It was so effective for me. I started back in February and used it for a few weeks before going up to the 0.5%. (I'm on 1% now.) Big fan. Great texture, non-drying. Definitely recommend low and slow if you're new to retinoids. Don't rush it. And you really don't need a lot for this to work. More is not better; just more irritating. Plays well with other serums.

Hi! So, I've been using this product since november 2020 and wanted to share my experience. I have oily skin and quite a lot of acne. Well, in the first month and a half, I used this product once a week and noticed that, in the days after using it, I had more pimples in my face, but after a while everything started to go smoothly and now (May, 2021), since puberty, its the first time that I'm being able to go outside without using makeup because my face cleared up so much <3\r\nSo, even if you notice a bit more acne in the begining, don't freak out, your skin also needs time to adapt to these new procucts

I’ve been using the retinol 0.2% for almost 2 months and I can definitely see a difference on the fine lines on my forehead. Maybe eventually I will use the stronger percentage if needed but so far so good. I only have to use a very little bit and make sure I moisturize after about 15 minutes of it absorbing into my skin.

I purchased this two weeks and am really happy that I did! I have sensitive skin so was a bit nervous, but I haven't had any irritation and am starting to see the improvements.

Tried this product in August 2025, following all directions carefully. It made me break out in tiny closed comedones all over my face. It's now October 2025 and they're still there; I've been off the product for ~2 months and am still struggling. My skin is the worst it's ever been. I'm also not alone in this, Google this product + closed comedones+ reddit and you'll see

I was in love with the old formula of the Retinol 0.2% in Squalene. It was always the first thing I recommended to friends and the staple in my skin care routine! The new formula is just alright. It definitely doesn't leave my skin feeling and looking the way the old one did. Its darker in colour and smells stronger and I find my skin almost feels matt and dull after using. VERY sad to see the old formula go, it was perfect! But I can appreciate The Ordinary's commitment in trying to consistently improve their products. DECIEM Response: Thank you very much for your honest feedback on Retinol 0.2% in Squalane. ❤

I've only been using the retinol 0.5 in squalane for about 2 weeks. I normally have dryish skin and some fine lines as I'm now 40. Already the lines by my eyes are gone. My dry skin is better too possibly from the oil formula?? Most retinols dry the skin but this one has not. I know you probably should not apply this in the eye area but sinse it's in an oil it spreads there just from me touching my face. Not a bad thing though. My skin looks amazing. Once I'm done this bottle I'll try the 1%. During the day I've been using the glycolic acid toner before my regular moisturizer/sunscreen. Together this duo is amazing. Some skin types might not tolerate it, but mine is glowing.

I bought this 20 days ago and I'm impressed with the results, I'm using this every 4 days because this is the first time I use retinol and my skin looks so smooth and feel s soft that I never in my life imagine this was possible, in very happy with the texture of my skin right now and I want to try more products, this was also my first aproche with the brand and I love it

Using this product for 4 weeks. I had a big purge but I was ready for it. Now my skin is much more healthy looking and the dark acne marks on my chin are disappearing. My skin is smoother and looks great. Totally recommended. I can't wait to finish this bottle to upgrade to the next %.

I opened this product the first February and have been enjoying it since then. :)\r\nI want to note that it literally is Retinol in oil, it is oily. I enjoy face oils, so it isn't an issue for me. However if you're someone that don't, then you may not enjoy this product.\r\nAnyways, on with the review.\r\nI purged for around two weeks. I have used this product for a little over 2 months now and can say I have seen some lovely results. My skin seem to be a little less oily, my skin texture have improved, I seem to get less pimples and the few ones i get seem to be smaller. \r\nThe only negative I can think of is the short shelf life after opening, it is only 3 months. To manage to use the entire bottle in time I also use it on hyperpigmentation on my body or scars, works like a charm and with the low price I can't complain. :)

I’ve been using this product for some time now and firstly i was satisfied with it. I saw decrease in intensity of my forehead wrinkles. However, this morning i woke up with hyperpigmentation on the cheak. It already happened to me once before but I didn’t pay attention to it I thought it might have been cause by sun but when it repeated I started to wonder what cause it since I use sunscreen and have not been the sun. So I did research and apparently retinol can cause hyperpigmentation in some cases. Please @deciem what should I do now? I would like to get rid of it. Also, I believe it would be useful to have a list of potential side effects. I did patch testing and didn’t help me to uncover that i could have this issue. Thank you.

The retinol serums have been the most effective product I've tried from The Ordinary. I now understand why it's a superstar ingredient. After starting this serum every other day at night, I had multiple people tell me I was looking younger (without knowing my skincare routine). It has made my skin smoother and plumper, and been more effective (so far) at fading hyperpigmentation than the alpha arbutin, vitamin C, niacinamide, and acids I've also been using. This one didn't cause any irritation or dryness, whereas the 0.5% has a bit. The only downside is the fact that it has to be refrigerated, so you can't use it when travelling. I didn't stop using it after three months but used the whole bottle up; I'd be interested in knowing the rate of decay of the retinol and how effective it might still be after 3 months.

I use the ordinary products for my whole skincare routine am and pm, I stared using this product along side with my other ordinary products and I have to say I'm not disappointed! I had very textured skin with large visible pores and Scaring from acne from my youth also fine lines and I can see a big difference!, I stated slowly using once aweek then twice and now using every other night I haven't had any issues with breaking out or causing dryness, once I've finished this bottle I will getting the next dose up 0.5 , only thing I wished the ordinary did is a retinol eye cream at the moment I'm using the inkeylist but would much rather the ordinary did one so I can order all my products from one company .

First time retinol user so got the mildest form this time.\nI’m seeing results in my face…smoother, ‘Marionette’ lines are less pronounced.

My first retinol ever in my mid-40's. Overall redness was reduced on the first month of use (2-3 times a week) and no more hormonal acnes before mense on the second month. Stubborn wrinkles on the forehead and sunspot on my cheek have faded just a tiny bit. But I'm satisfied overall because I know it is low strength. I have used half the bottle and will build up to 5-6 times a week for the rest. Retinol purge has been minimal, tolerable and acceptable, probably because I built up tolerance slowly and wasn't in a rush to change overnight. For those who are starting out, please do your own research on how to build up tolerance gradually. \r\nThe only thing I don’t like is its texture. It’s too watery and can be difficult to estimate the amount to be used, because the serum just spread all over my fingers before I can apply it properly on my face.

I cannot write a review because I have not been able to use this product for more than five minutes. It is very oily and does not absorb into my skin. I do not know if I am misusing the product, if I am not applying it well or if it is simply the formula, but I am very disappointed with my purchase. DECIEM Response: We're so sorry to hear that it did not work out with The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane. As everyone's skin is unique, everyone will have a unique experience with our products. If you'd like to discontinue use, please visit DECIEM.com/terms to explore our 365-day return policy. For an alternative, you may wish to explore The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. Thank you for this insightful review. ❤

My first foray into the world of retinols and I couldn't be more pleased.Been using the 0.2% strength for about a month: every second night (some weeks using a few nights in a row). My skin has been receiving it well - no irritations or reactions to report.As soon as I'm half done or near the end of this bottle I'll move into the 0.5% strength.I can say my forehead lines seem less deep, less inflamed (as most wrinkles are accompanied by redness/ irritation in the center), my smile lines near the lower cheeks are also looking less prominent, and overall my skin is starting to look more refined/polished.Can't wait to see what happens as move along further in my retinol journey. Thanks Deciem for making an affordable and approachable retinol product!! DECIEM Response: We are so happy you are enjoying The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane. Thank you for the lovely review! ❤

Being super new to skin care products I must say I was apprehensive about using strong chemicals, but seeing signs of aging pushed me to try a retinol. I bought the Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and felt its effects after day 1.. I have used it every 2nd night for 3 months and I'm really happy with the results. Although the laugh lines and fine lines on my forehead are still there they definitely don't bother me as much and my skin feels great the morning after! Although there was a little heat/ redness in the beginning, overall it feels very nourishing on my skin.My only concern is with the expiry date, which I noticed is 3 months and there's still 3/4 left! I'm tempted to continue using it for a little longer or until it no longer feels like it's working... Even though it's really affordable, I still hate the waste. I really think it could be packaged in a smaller container (15ml maybe?).

I have been using retinoids for years and this is by far my favorite. This formula isn't irritating at all and did not cause my skin to purge (have painful acne in the first few weeks/months of starting retinoids).\n The first week that I started the regimen, I did have a tiny bit of redness but it's nothing compared to how unhappy my skin gets with some other products. Inclusion of squalane definitely helped moisturize and soften. \n\n All in all, this product is perfect for my combination (now normal) skin. It has done everything traditional retinol is supposed to do (prevent acne, ameliorate wrinkles) but more gently. DECIEM Response: We are so happy to hear how well this is working for you Ekaterina!

First night i used on my face,neck,ovoid eyes area and after wait 4 day and I watched what would happen but thanks God NOTHING wrong,no redness,no pain,no peeling!:))))\n Second time i used on my all face and around my eyes and I waited for 3 days but nothing problem!\n After the third time, I only waited 2 days,my skin is getting firmer,plumper,cleaner,the pores are smaller!The retinol was well tolerated in this 2% formula,now I already use every day,no peeling no redness.After retinol, I always use a lot of moisturizing creams and Marula oil,,every morning I wake up with fresh skin! I hope soon my wrinkles will disappear! hahahaha\n Thanks Ordinary and Deciem,this is a good and safe product!I give 10 stars!!!!:))))\n Have a nice day!Stefano DECIEM Response: We're so happy to hear! Thank you for sharing