The Ordinary Retinol 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!**

I've always heard of "anti-aging" skincare. After buying some budget friendly products with this claim, I believed only the crazy expensive stuff would actually work as advertised. Then I bought this. The Ordinary retinol 1% in squalane has been an absolute game changer for my oily, acne prone skin. It's always rough and dull, and the pores around my T-zone are always huge. This product has made my skin very smooth and I notice my pores are a little smaller. WARNING: Do NOT use on skin around the eyes. No matter how I tried to ease my way to applying in that area, the skin always ended up very dry and even burned. It took a whole week for the burn to go away, and applying anything on that area stung like crazy. You would be better off buying a retinol product specifically for the eye area. Also, remember to store in the fridge. As long as I waited for the product to absorb before applying moisturizer, my skin did not get greasy. I also do not notice any fragrance. I 100% recommend this product, but PLEASE do your research on retinol before using it, or you will do more harm than good to your skin. I definitely learned the hard way.

Good product. It applies easily and a little bit goes a long way. Skin feels nice.

I’ve been using The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane for a while now, and it truly lives up to its “high-strength” label. This is an oil-like serum, not a creamy emulsion, so it has a lightweight but slightly rich texture that spreads easily and absorbs well without feeling heavy. According to the brand’s guide, this 1% version is best for advanced users, and I completely agree. It’s definitely not for beginners. If you’re new to retinoids, you may want to start with 0.2% or 0.5%. But if your skin is already accustomed to retinol, this is a powerful step up. What I’ve noticed: • Smoother skin texture • Improved overall skin softness • More refined appearance over time • Skin looks clearer and more even The squalane base helps reduce dryness compared to some other retinol formulas I’ve tried. It feels nourishing rather than stripping. There’s no strong smell, which I appreciate. Important: since this is a high-strength retinol, introduce it slowly (2–3 times per week at first) and always use sunscreen during the day. Overall, this is an effective, affordable, high-potency retinol serum that delivers visible results if used correctly. A great option for experienced retinoid users looking for stronger performance without paying luxury skincare prices.

I use this at nighttime due to the squalane making it feel a tad greasy. The retinol is working, but this would create shine in my day routine. Feels moisturizing and they give you a nice quantity! My skin is smoother. I will review again in a month and see if I like the texture more. Or try using less for less oily feel.

I’ve been using this product for about three weeks and I can visually tell a difference in my forehead wrinkles. I wish I took a before picture because the results are very impressive. But I don’t use too many products cause I am sensitive and break out in acne. But after regular soap and water I apply this lightly. Nothing else. Oh and I rotate this with simple peptide serum. This retinol is light and not overly oily. It has not clogged my pours and has not caused a break out.

Really like this one. The Ordinary keeps doing what they do best which is putting a quality active ingredient in a formula that actually makes sense. 1% retinol is on the stronger end so results are noticeable and the squalane base is a big part of why it works so well. Squalane is structurally similar to the oil our skin naturally produces so it absorbs really easily without clogging pores or feeling greasy. It cushions the retinol so your skin gets the anti-aging benefits without as much of the dryness and irritation you usually get from higher strength formulas. Great pick if you want a serious retinol that won't wreck your skin barrier in the process. The price makes it easy to use consistently which is the whole point with retinol.

This retinol serum feels really effective and leaves my skin looking smoother and more refined over time. The squalane base helps keep it from feeling overly drying, and it applies nicely without feeling heavy or sticky. I also appreciate that a little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts quite a while. It’s definitely a strong retinol, so introducing it slowly is important, but overall it’s a great option for improving texture and giving skin a smoother appearance!

Un poco grasoso, pero aun así un producto muy bueno. Mi piel luce increíble cuando me despierto por la mañana.

Ich benutze das The Ordinary Retinol 1% in jetzt schon eine Weile und bin insgesamt sehr zufrieden damit. Das Serum wirkt sehr hochwertig und hat bei mir sichtbar die Hautstruktur verbessert. Meine Haut fühlt sich glatter an und kleine Unreinheiten sowie feine Linien sind weniger geworden. Man sollte aber beachten, dass es relativ stark ist. Am Anfang kann es zu leichter Reizung oder Trockenheit kommen, deshalb sollte man es langsam in die Routine einbauen. Gerade in den Sonnenmonaten muss man besonders aufpassen, da Retinol die Haut empfindlicher gegenüber UV-Strahlen macht.

Thanks to the presence of squalane, one can start using 1% retinol directly on the face at night without experiencing dryness, as the moisturizing properties of squalane help prevent it. However, in my opinion, retinaldehyde—being closer to prescription-strength retinoids—can be more effective. It may cause dryness initially, but over time, the skin builds tolerance, and the results are often better. That said, retinol is still a great option when used consistently over a longer period.

The oil does the job. My skin looks more radiant when I apply the oil every evening.

I’ve been using The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane for a few weeks, and I’ve noticed a visible improvement in my skin's texture and overall clarity. The squalane base is hydrating, so my skin feels moisturized even while using a strong active ingredient like retinol. However, for those new to retinol, the 1% concentration can be quite strong and might cause some irritation if not introduced gradually. It’s best to start slow, maybe twice a week, and build up from there. Overall, it’s an affordable and effective product for anyone looking to incorporate retinol into their routine for anti-aging and skin-smoothing benefits.