Is the ordinary Retinol 0.5 effective?

Thanks to its powerful formulas and jaw-droppingly affordable prices, skincare professionals and beauty obsessives alike are understandably obsessed with The Ordinary’s straightforward but smart products. The only catch it that you need to be clued up on your skincare ingredients to know exactly what each one does and whether it will work for you. 

The Ordinary’s Retinol in Squalane range is one of our favourites, not only because retinol helps to speed up cell turnover, trigger collagen production, tackle pigmentation, and reduce congestion, but because squalane is a gentle and nourishing ingredient which can benefit all skin types. 

Scroll down to read more about The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane

Reduced side effects

Dryness, redness, irritation, increased sensitivity, and even breakouts are just a few of the side effects that can unfortunately come hand-in-hand with using retinol. While this transition or ‘purging’ period likely won’t last forever, it’s enough to persuade some people to give up on retinol before they’ve seen the benefits. However, thanks to its squalane-based formula, this one simultaneously helps to soothe, soften, and moisturise skin. 

It's good for beginners

Retinol is powerful, and first time users are more likely to experience the above side effects than those who have used retinol previously. Because the side effects of the retinol are reduced thanks to the nourishing squalane, this formula is perfect for those who are introducing retinol into their skincare routine for the very first time.  

It's easy to add into a routine

It can be hard to know when to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine, especially if you’re already using other active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C, which experts recommend you shouldn’t apply at the same time as each other, or as retinol. Most retinol products are serums which would be applied post-cleanse and pre-moisturiser, but because this formula sees the retinol suspended in an oil, it should be the final step in your skincare routine, after moisturising. 

Squalane doesn't cause breakouts

Squalane is derived from olives, but it mimics squalene – an oil naturally produced by our own oil glands. Squalene helps to hydrate and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier, so essentially, our bodies know what it is and what to do with it. Squalane is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and is non-irritating and odorless, so even the most sensitive skintypes are unlikely to react to it. 

It's available in different strengths

If you are new to using retinol or have had a negative experience with the ingredient in the past, the good thing about this formula is that it’s available in different strengths. You can start with the 0.2% formula (which has the lowest amount of retinol) and progress to the 0.5% and 1% strengths as your skin gets used to the ingredient. 

The water-free formula is more stable

Many retinol serums are water-based but water can affect the stability of the retinol and cause it to become ineffective or potentially irritating. Because this formula is oil-based, the oil helps to protect the retinol and prevent destabilising from happening. 

Shop The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane

Summary

Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty™

  • Vegan
  • Clean Ingredients
  • Cruelty Free
  • Sustainable Packaging Brand

Retinol 0.5% from The Ordinary is a water-free formula containing 0.5% retinol. This Oil-like serum (anhydrous) is great for experienced users of pure retinol products looking for solutions for textural irregularities/signs of aging.

Benefits

  • Target signs of aging
  • Improve skin's elasticity, texture, and radiance
  • Cruelty-free & Vegan

Formulated Without

  • Alcohol
  • Gluten
  • Nuts
  • Silicone
  • Parabens
  • Sulfates

The Ordinary recommends performing a patch test prior to incorporating a new product into your skin care routine. Click here to view The Ordinary's Patch Testing Guide.

Apply a small amount to the face in the PM, after water serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Use sun protection in the AM.

Contraindications: Do not use in the same routine as other retinoids, direct acids, pure or ethylated vitamin C, or ''Buffet'' + Copper Peptides 1%.

Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, BHT.

This item is NOT eligible for coupon discounts.

See more for details

Does ordinary retinol 0.5% work?

All in all this is a great retinol, I would however use a lower strength 0.2% if its the first time using, then after a couple of months go to 0.5% then 1.0. I recommended this to my friends as already I have noticed a reduction in my age spots, fine lines, and my skin has a more youthful dewy complexion.

Is 0.5 percent retinol effective?

A 0.5-percent concentration is a good baseline. For beginners, most dermatologists recommend a retinol with a concentration of 0.25 percent to one percent to see results. If your skin is not sensitive, you can usually tolerate something right in the middle; Dr.

Can I use The Ordinary Retinol 0.5 everyday?

Designed to minimise fine lines and reduce the signs of aging, Retinol 0.5% In Squalene is a water-free, solution that should be used daily as part of your evening skincare regime.

How many times should I use the ordinary retinol 0.5 in squalane?

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5 in Squalane is a highly-stable, water-free solution of 0.5% pure retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearances of fine lines, photo damage, and general skin aging. This moderate strength formula is recommended to be used once daily in the evening.