The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 30ml

I ordered this from Germany so it took quite some time for the products I ordered to arrive, but that's fine, I was already expecting for that to happen. I like this product, its a good Retinol product to start with. I'm only 15 years old, so I chose the 0.2%, and I put it on every night. It didn't cause any irritation, nor breakouts. I was glad to see it didn't increase oiliness on my face, it actually minimised it, since I have fairly oily skin. The smell is okay, not great, but considering you apply the product before you go to bed and cleanse your face in the morning, that isn't bothersome. I bought this product in order to improve my overall complexion and I have seen small improvements, but as I have only been using it for 1-2 months that is a reasonable result. I would recommend this product, especially for the rather cheap price, the non-irritating formula, and the adequate results.

I am here to buy another bottle of this magic and though to leave a review about this. I have dry skin which is not sensitive and it used to break out a lot! I started using this and then a moisturizer on top almost regularly (5-6 times a week) every night and it worked.

Hi I love the products I have purchased the retinol 0.2 and am loving it , but I all so brought the vitamin c cream do I use as well as the retinol or on different days ? Carol

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 .

I'm sort of on the fence about this product. On one hand, it's not causing any noticeable irritation ( I didn't have the 'purging/breakouts' that other users have reported.) It also doesn't really seem to be doing anything good for my skin either. I have been using it every other day for the last two weeks. I apply it at night after cleansing but it seems to just.... sit on my skin. It doesn't soak in well, and it doesn't appear to be producing positive effects yet. Maybe I just haven't been using it for long enough, but this is my least favorite product from the Ordinary so far.

I have dry, sensitive skin so I decided to go with the lowest retinol dosage. It took some time to see any results but I do see some sunspots fading (I apply sunscreen every 2 hours so I'm sure that helps with seeing faster results)! After finishing this bottle, my plan is to get the next higher dosage and try that out!

Didn't cause any irritation for me and overall a great product I think. Just wish they would remove bht from the ingredients. Would be perfect then

I've used this product for three months, and I'm very happy with it. It feels great, luxurious on the skin, and smells nice

I have used the Ordinary Retinoil 0.2% in squalene since december 2020. I had large spot marks from acne and it helped fade the scars and together with getting rid of hyperpigmentation. Although it took time to notice the results about 4months but it is gentle and would recommend it to anyone suffering from acne scars and hyperpigmentation. I personally don’t use it with any other product, and I use it only in the night.

I did not see much results and I still get 2-3 cysts/papules/pustules every month. At the moment I am attributing this to the fact that I may have not used it regularly enough (I skipped for a few days in between) + also perhaps because I did not refrigerate as suggested. I am about to try the 0.5% Retinol in squalane hoping this one works out better. However I have a few questions: 1. Is it safe to use the product more than 3 months after opening it? 2. The website mentions that "plant oils in retinol formulations can trigger lipid peroxidation and can impair retinol integrity. This formula does not contain water, silicones, plant oils or alcohol" . I am very confused about this point - the website also mentions Jojoba oil amongst the ingredient list for this product. Squalane is also usually plant derived.

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! ❤

This is my very first experience with any retinoids products. I do have sensitive skin so I was nervous. I applied in evening after LVCE, CAIS, MMHC. And I have had no irritation and a immediate change in my skin( I deal with dry and flakes and pores) . Now after a month My skin is smoother, not dry at all, feels younger like layers of old dead skin have been removed. I no longer wear foundation or tinted moisturizer, only hydration vaccine and photography fluid 8%( for a bit of tan) or nyamide photography foundation. I glow! Cannot wait to see my skin in months to come. I have since added the granactive 2% to my regime, and use the retinoid 02% in squalid won my neck & chest.

Very good retinol with little to no irritation at this level. The oil base is a bit thick for anyone that generally stays away from oil based products but as long as you put it on about an hour before sleeping, it should all stay on your face for the most part. All told a good entry into retinol for first timer's and those with more sensitive skin.

my daughter suggested I use this product - it works for me , easy,and well priced

This is the product of life. Improves skin texture by smoothing skin lumps. Helps decrease blackheads, decreases blemishes and acne, decreases hyperpiemtation, helps relieve wrinkle marks.. It's magical. Pure magic. I'm 20 and I started using it for two months. Believe me when I tell you that it changes your skin, and you don't have to be 40 to use it, you can start from a low percentage even when young. Clearly, I recommend inserting it gradually starting from the lowest percentage (this one) and then proceeding with a higher one. For the first uses you have to be careful and use little (2 times a week) and then over time introduce it every night. CAUTION: Retinol may dry out your skin and THEREFORE you must absolutely hydrate and ultra hydrate your skin. If you find that retinol leaves your skin dry or extremely dry, you are using it incorrectly. You should always moisturize, either before or after applying retinol. I recommend it to everybody

I love this squalane! It is not thick, absorbs very quickly, you only need a small amount so it will last long. My skin looks healthier (after 7 days of using it), I have a sensitive skin and did not have any irritation. and I think that my wrinkle on the the forehead is becoming not so deep. We'll see if I manage to get rid of it :)

I absolutely love this product. I was using a $50 retinol cream before this. I can say that this product from the ordinary gave me comparable results at a much better price point. When I have used up this bottle I am going to order the .5% . I experienced absoluty no irritation or peeling. I have recomended this product to everyone I know! If you use it properly you will not be disappointed!! This is a game changer!!

The squaline makes this so so gentle and not over drying evwn at first. My one complaint ia that is causes previous water-based serums to pill off. To circumvent this, I have statted using it by itself after cleansing two nights per week as a sort of sleeping mask. I had started to form nasolabial folds and slight wrinkles under my eyes and they are almost completely gone now! I also use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide and zinc. My skin is plump, even and glowing!! Thank you!

I recently started using the squalane retinole 0.2% I'm really happy with the improvement so far. It says it's eye safe on the website. Does this mean it's ok for my undereye/bag area AND my crows feet area? Or just the outer eye? I don't want to cause more harm than good.

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.

My skin is soooo sensitive. I tried to start with a low dose prescription of Retin-A, but it was way too much way too quickly. I'm starting with this and plan to ease into stronger percentages. Hopefully one day I will be able to use the prescription strength. Until then, this is very gentle but I can tell that it is doing something. Also, a little goes a long way.

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 So, 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 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

It was fine for a while although I didn’t really see any noticeable improvement, maybe because I’m only 21 and don’t really have a huge amount of visible skin damage. But what was frustrating was that the product has a shelf life of 3 months, and even with daily use, the bottle is much too large to use up all of it. I’ve used less than half, but now every time I use it I’ve started to get a painful rash around my eyes (no, I don’t apply it directly to my eyes). I’m assuming this is because it’s past it’s shelf life, but it’s a bit disheartening to pay full price for a product that will cause serious discomfort 3 months in when the bottle is still half full.

I started with either a .5/1% and it was way too much. I started breaking out in cystic acne like I was in college again. I definitely damaged my skin barrier. This time after healing my skin barrier I started with the .2% every other day after my moisturizer and it works so well. I'm not so sure about anti-aging yet but I've used it probably for a month and I wake up with such soft skin and I haven't had active breakouts in a while. Would recommend starting at the lowest possible percentage.

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 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 bought this product three months ago and had never used any retinol on my skin before. I was hoping it would help with my hyperpigmentation and my clogged pores. for the first two months, I purged a lot, but it was absolutely worth it. My skin has never been smoother and clearer. I have now bought the 0.5% retinol in squalane and i am hoping to see equally impressive results! would definitely recommend.

I’m 41 and have combination oily skin. I have this product recommended by the built my regiment feature of the site. I never used retinoids before so apparently this is the one to start with to get your skin used to this component. After that you can move up to higher percentage in other products from this range. It is pure oil so I only apply it at night as suggested. It has to sit in the fridge once opened. And I only found this out from reading another review here. I think there should be a massive note on the packaging as most people might not be aware of it. I use it in combination with hyaluronic acid serum and peptide serum and results of this regiment are outstanding

I opened this product the first February and have been enjoying it since then. :) I 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. Anyways, on with the review. I 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. The 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 really liked this product. Used it once every two days in the evening and on the other night I used a vitamin c serum. I am really happy with the product. It is an oily product, but it didn't make me look shiny. I feel like it cleansed my skin and made it more even. I am trying the retinoid emulsion now, but do recommend this to anyone!

I was a bit worried about starting a retinol product as I heard it can be really irritating etc.. My skin is super prone to breakouts and large pores are an issue for me. I started off slow with retinol 0.2% in squalane once a week then moved to twice and three times a week.. The affect this product has on my skin is unreal. I wake up with glowing, smooth skin. My pores are super minimized and the squalane has caused zero issues with acne. It glides on soooo smooth and gets absorbed quickly. Absolutely love it and after I finish this bottle I will try graduating to the 0.5%

I've been using this for a few years now and I have to say this has had the most dramatic effect on my skin. I've always been acne and scar prone my whole life and this has been such a game changer. It's also the perfect amount of hydration for my skin over night.