The OrdinaryRetinol 1% in Squalane, High-Strength Retinol Serum for Anti-Aging and Skin Smoothing

It's less than $10, after 5½ weeks, I have 70% of the bottle left and it’s WORKING. Keep reading for my experience❣️ •photo is my "after" 5 full weeks• I couldn't find any "before" pics without makeup or sunglasses, and doesn't that just say it all ♡I have sensitive skin, combination skin. Like many, I've tried so many products being in my late 30s. I struggle with hormonal acne, which makes skin care hard. Plus, forehead & neck wrinkles, etc. This product has clearly listed ingredients, vegan, no animal testing. Note: This particular product is 1% retinol squalane & is not necessarily for beginners. If you burn or get dry skin easily, maybe start with a lower concentration, but me being me, I wanted results and went all in. I was not disappointed! And I didn’t notice any particular smell, which I appreciate.Pro Tip: Keep in the fridge! Feels amazing and recommended on the box to extend potency.My Trial and Error!•Week 1: I skipped the recommended test patch & I started at 4 nights a week. Maybe a little ambitious😅 My skin broke out with whitehead acne in not my typical zones, a bit oily, not looking like my typical zits. Ifykyk.Week 2: Did a little research, the retinol strength and quality literally pushed all dead skin, imperfections, embedded dirt/environmental junk to the surface as my skin regrowth sped up. This was causing those whiteheads as impurities purged. This is normal for retinol products (according to multiple sources.) So I slowed down a bit to twice weekly. I still lightly broke out with a few pimples, but it was gone in a day or 2. Meanwhile, I’m already noticing fine lines improving, a better glow and overall my skin doesn’t look so flat/dull. Hydration— I’d say A for combo skin. Maybe use a little less for oily skin or check out The Ordinary website for routine-building options.Week 3: I’m in the zone integrating into my skin care routine. Personally, I use this product at night after cleanser and alcohol-free toner (not The Ordinary brand, but products that work for me and I trust). I use less than one dropper for my whole face and neck. The serum needs to be totally dry and absorbed. then finish with moisturizer. Halfway through Week 3 I add an extra night.Week 4: I’m at 3 nights a week. Occasional whiteheads. *To be clear! my hormonal acne didn’t change at all, there’s a difference. Retinol doesn't target acne so i didn't expect any change there* Noticeably reduced fine wrinkles on my forehead, my skin tone seems more even, my face looks less flat and more healthy. Some of my self-loathed deep lines look better. Best of all, I FEEL better. Up to 4 nights a week.Week 5: Personal life was rough, routine not as consistent but skin still looks good. Not like one of those creams where you miss a day and you’re back to ground zero. I did 2 days that week.Week 6: I’m actively building a better skin care nightly routine using The Ordinary, but still keeping a few other brand products I love. My 17-year-old son actaully NOTICED, and my favorite barista told me I had a “glow.” 🫶🏽I can’t wait to try the Niacinamide serum next! **hit the thumbs up if this review helped you please!**

This has become a staple in my skincare routine! I use it every evening before bed because it does make my skin feel a bit more oily than usual, but that’s expected with the squalane base. It absorbs well overnight and has really helped improve my skin’s texture and overall clarity. A little goes a long way, and I love how effective it is without irritating my skin. Definitely a great, affordable option for adding retinol to your routine!

I use this at night. Has been great with correcting 2 tan, flat spots on my cheeks and is working well on 2 raised spots on my forehead. I'm a fair skinned brunette. I don't tan so it's easy to spot hyperpigmentation.It's not greasy and using it at night doesn't require sun screen.

This high-strength retinol from The Ordinary really delivers on smoothing texture and refining fine lines. After a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed brighter skin and a more even tone. It’s effective, no-frills, and budget-friendly compared to high-end alternatives.However, the squalane base makes it feel quite oily on the skin — even for someone used to heavier nighttime products. It’s definitely best for evening use, and I’d recommend layering it carefully or avoiding it if you're prone to breakouts from oil-based formulas.Pros:-Visible improvement in skin texture and tone-High-strength retinol at an affordable price-Simple, effective ingredients-No added fragrance or fillersCons:-Leaves a greasy, oily finish-May not suit oily or acne-prone skin types-Can cause irritation without proper hydration or skin prep

A little goes a long way. I used to get tretinoin from my dermatologist. I haven’t used any in a few years and I regret it. I decided to start with the 1% to see how well it works. Initially I used a small amount every day but after a week my skin was burning so I’m gradually using this weekly to build up my tolerance. I’ve already noticed improvements in my skin hydration. Having used a prescription before I can confidently say this is the real deal. I like how easy it is to apply and how effective this is. The bottle may seem small but a little goes a long way. My skin is softer and my fine lines are slowly fading away. This is a must have for everyone.It arrived quickly and well packaged. Highly recommend.

As a middle-aged woman, I began to notice and tire of the fine lines and skin texture that were starting to appear under my eyelids and forehead every time I looked in the mirror.The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane became a hero, helping to smooth my skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. When I woke up in the morning to wash my face, I noticed that my face looked brighter and the lines were starting to fade. It became my favorite affordable retinol.