Oh I love this product! The only thing you have to be careful is because it’s retinol, you have to be careful about not putting on too much or it can make your skin red (slight burn) just slightly by the next day, or it can burn if you go into the sun for too long without any sunscreen since your skin becomes more sun sensitive after using this product, but for me it always goes away in a day or two and can be covered with makeup as long as you hydrate and prime before hand. So the most you should use should only be hung a couple drops on your face, and not on the thin areas like below your eyes, your eyelids, or close to your lips. But after you build up a tolerance to using it, you can put a little more on and more often. With the other retinol products offered by ... MoreOh I love this product! The only thing you have to be careful is because it’s retinol, you have to be careful about not putting on too much or it can make your skin red (slight burn) just slightly by the next day, or it can burn if you go into the sun for too long without any sunscreen since your skin becomes more sun sensitive after using this product, but for me it always goes away in a day or two and can be covered with makeup as long as you hydrate and prime before hand. So the most you should use should only be hung a couple drops on your face, and not on the thin areas like below your eyes, your eyelids, or close to your lips. But after you build up a tolerance to using it, you can put a little more on and more often. With the other retinol products offered by The Ordinary, I feel this product is right there in the middle of perfection! The granactive retinol serums do not have the same level of retinol as the regular retinol in squalene products. But if you are overly sensitive then those ones are for you. This percentage is just right at the sweet spot because any more retinol, and I feel I would have more red spots on my face the next day and it would be too much. But I really only get them now if I put TOOO much of the serum underneath my eyes or on thinned skin areas, or if i go out into the sun the next day or two with absolutely no sunscreen. But if you use it just right and build up a tolerance and use it just every couple days and at night, you end up getting used to it and don’t get any red marks. I feel any more retinol in the higher percentage retinol products would be way too much. So this level and amount of retinol I feel is at the PERFECT spot for seeing improvements, but not burning your face! Your first time using you only need a drop MAAAAAYYBEE two since you haven’t built up a tolerance. But once you do, a few drops will not hurt you.

I am a HUGE fan of The Ordinary, wonderful no frill products for a great price point that really work! I have tried a slew of their serums have loved mostly all of them. This was my starter retinol and how I introduced my skin to it I would say I made a great first choice. The retinol isn’t strong (0.5%) and it makes a great non irritating introduction to it for beginners. The squalane is soothing and moisturizing so no need to worry about your skin cracking or drying out. I used it once every few days and then over time I increased frequency so my skin slowly got used to it. I have sensitive skin with slight rosacea this was perfectly safe to add into my nightly routine. I’ve now graduated from this formula use their 1% Retinol in Squalane. Don’t forget to wear ... MoreI am a HUGE fan of The Ordinary, wonderful no frill products for a great price point that really work! I have tried a slew of their serums have loved mostly all of them. This was my starter retinol and how I introduced my skin to it I would say I made a great first choice. The retinol isn’t strong (0.5%) and it makes a great non irritating introduction to it for beginners. The squalane is soothing and moisturizing so no need to worry about your skin cracking or drying out. I used it once every few days and then over time I increased frequency so my skin slowly got used to it. I have sensitive skin with slight rosacea this was perfectly safe to add into my nightly routine. I’ve now graduated from this formula use their 1% Retinol in Squalane. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen during the day while you use it as it can make your skin sensitive to the sun like with any retinol product. I would recommend to anyone just starting out with retinols or anyone with sensitive skin looking to add a safe anti-aging serum into their routine.

Diminished some lines but a little too greasy

I got this in mid-January. I applied a very thin layer, which is like 4-5 drops for my face. Because of my age and how I'm mainly trying to maintain what I have rather than fix something, aside from the handful of barely noticeable lines on my face, I'm mainly looking out for whether my skin gets worse or not. So far I can say that it definitely works to help further erase the lines on my face and keeps maintaining the progress I had build from a 0.3% retinol from a different brand. Unfortunately, I do have some complaints about this product. For one thing, this is my first time using a serum that's essentially oil and I'm not really digging how greasy it feels on my face. Even on my cheeks and jawline where it's the driest, it's not absorbed even after like 4 ... MoreI got this in mid-January. I applied a very thin layer, which is like 4-5 drops for my face. Because of my age and how I'm mainly trying to maintain what I have rather than fix something, aside from the handful of barely noticeable lines on my face, I'm mainly looking out for whether my skin gets worse or not. So far I can say that it definitely works to help further erase the lines on my face and keeps maintaining the progress I had build from a 0.3% retinol from a different brand. Unfortunately, I do have some complaints about this product. For one thing, this is my first time using a serum that's essentially oil and I'm not really digging how greasy it feels on my face. Even on my cheeks and jawline where it's the driest, it's not absorbed even after like 4 hours. Another thing is that this is recommended to be used within three months but I'm two months in and the bottle is still 2/3rds full. Not really too pleased with how I'm throwing a lot of product away. Perhaps a 20ml bottle could suffice? Overall, I do like this product. The point of retinol is to address texture issues and signs of aging and I will say that the product helped with the fine lines. With texture, I wouldn't say it helped with the comedons on my cheeks and nose, but I will say that it didn't make it worse, which is always welcome. The oily nature of it may be fine for a lot of people, but it just wasn't cutting out for me.

Gave me the clearest skin I've ever had

Let me just say that this product will not work for everyone- but it worked for me, and I'll tell you why. My skin is a combination of normal (T-zone) and dry (cheeks). I have Keratosis Pilaris, a skin condition that causes an over-production of keratin in the skin that then blocks pores and hair follicles. In order to combat this, you have to keep your skin moisturized, so your skin doesn't feel the need to overcompensate with keratin. Because of this, I have bumps all over my cheeks, and on top of that, acne prone skin. Because the Retinol is suspended in Squalene, I get the acne/anti-aging properties of retinol mixed with the skin-mimicking oil of squalene in one product. If you sound like you have the same issues as me, but have never used retinol before, I ... MoreLet me just say that this product will not work for everyone- but it worked for me, and I'll tell you why. My skin is a combination of normal (T-zone) and dry (cheeks). I have Keratosis Pilaris, a skin condition that causes an over-production of keratin in the skin that then blocks pores and hair follicles. In order to combat this, you have to keep your skin moisturized, so your skin doesn't feel the need to overcompensate with keratin. Because of this, I have bumps all over my cheeks, and on top of that, acne prone skin. Because the Retinol is suspended in Squalene, I get the acne/anti-aging properties of retinol mixed with the skin-mimicking oil of squalene in one product. If you sound like you have the same issues as me, but have never used retinol before, I suggest using the .2 percent mixture of this formula instead of the .5 percent a couple of times a week, before gradually moving up. I jumped right into the .5 percent since I've used much stronger retinols, retinoids, and trentinoins in the past for my acne. This has completely smoothed out my skin, zapped it of all hyperpigmentation, and gotten rid of most, if not all, of my acne. My skin shines like I was born yesterday, and if Hollywood needed me to play a baby I probably could. Onto a few other things I feel people might be wondering about, like the smell. I've seen people say it doesn't smell like anything, or it even smells bad. I can say that it does have a smell, but I don't personally think it smells bad at all. It smells like a mixture of Chrysanthemum and Chamomile- which would make sense since the squalene that The Ordinary uses is sourced from plants. This smell does not bother me whatsoever, but if you're sensitive to things like that, you might want to consider it. Another thing, you do have to refrigerate this product, I personally have a mini fridge in my room that contains my skincare products. If you have the resources I would recommend getting one, but you could easily store it in your regular fridge. It is actually very important for the stabilization of the formula that you store it properly. Also, only use this product at night! While squalene had no negative effects to sunlight, retinol tends to breakdown and could possibly cause a chemical burn on your face. If you're using retinols, regardless of the strength, you need to use an SPF during the day. TLDR; Great product if you have normal/dry skin, great anti-aging, pigmentation, and moisturizing benefits. Test it out to see if you like it if you have oily skin, since squalene is, in fact, AN OIL. Has a smell, and has to be refrigerated. Use and night only, and wear sunscreen. I hope this helped!!!

Holy Grail

God. Just fantastic. I orginally started my retinol journey with the ordinarys retinol .2%. I went through purging during quarantine and after the purging (which lasted about a month -- combining the time I had the pimples and the time it took for the scars to fade) I can confidently say that this cured my acne. I've been using this specific percentage for over a year now and I've never dealt with acne like I have in the past since. I'm going to move up to 1% because I'm definitely long overdue and I want this annoying acne scar that I have to fade away quickly. But this product is great. It's greasy which is a downside but that's because since retinol can be very harsh and cause drying to the skin the squalane will help combat this by providing moisture. ... MoreGod. Just fantastic. I orginally started my retinol journey with the ordinarys retinol .2%. I went through purging during quarantine and after the purging (which lasted about a month -- combining the time I had the pimples and the time it took for the scars to fade) I can confidently say that this cured my acne. I've been using this specific percentage for over a year now and I've never dealt with acne like I have in the past since. I'm going to move up to 1% because I'm definitely long overdue and I want this annoying acne scar that I have to fade away quickly. But this product is great. It's greasy which is a downside but that's because since retinol can be very harsh and cause drying to the skin the squalane will help combat this by providing moisture. Nevertheless at night I slather moisturizer over it and it's not too much for me. For reference I have an oily T zone and dryer cheeks if I don't use any skincare. I'm a teenager and this retinol has helped clear my acne and boost my confidence. I encourage everyone to try it out. With any retinol it's going to be a journey, but it's one where the reward is long lasting. :) P.S I use this every night with no issues. Also don't use this with Vitamin C or other actives. Do research on retinol so you can alter your skincare routine to make room for it. You can still use Vitamin C and actives like SA's and BHA's just on alternating nights when you don't use the retinol or during the day if the product isn't sensitve to sun. ALSO ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN.

I'm still on the fence....

So far there are good things and bad things about this product. First, I skin cycle, so I only use this product twice a week. I'm sure it is irritating for some peoples skin, but since I don't use it nightly I haven't had any issues. I was broken out before I started using this and it didn't make it worse. My skin has actually started clearing up. It is oily, but since I only use it at night I don't mind. If you are having problems with the oily feeling I recommend using a little less product and topping it with a moisturizer. I love using The Ordinary brand moisturizer with this retinol. After 30ish minutes I don't feel oily at all. The only hands down bad part of this product is the smell. It smells a lot like baby spit up. The smell does fade after a hour or two, ... MoreSo far there are good things and bad things about this product. First, I skin cycle, so I only use this product twice a week. I'm sure it is irritating for some peoples skin, but since I don't use it nightly I haven't had any issues. I was broken out before I started using this and it didn't make it worse. My skin has actually started clearing up. It is oily, but since I only use it at night I don't mind. If you are having problems with the oily feeling I recommend using a little less product and topping it with a moisturizer. I love using The Ordinary brand moisturizer with this retinol. After 30ish minutes I don't feel oily at all. The only hands down bad part of this product is the smell. It smells a lot like baby spit up. The smell does fade after a hour or two, but it's still gross. I did read the package and I do keep I refrigerated, so that isn't the issue. I may try the 2% by this brand once this one is empty, but overall this is a good product that works well.

It works--and great with fixing sun damage!

I purchased as an anti-wrinkle/skin re-texturing treatment, and it has definitely helped improve the texture of my skin. What was an unexpected advantage was the huge improvement to the sun damage/sun spots on my skin. I'm 41 and was a sun-worshipper in my youth (the tanner, the better!). Over the past few years I've developed pronounced sunspots on both sides of my forehead and a large spot on my right cheek. After using this for about about 6 weeks, I've noticed the sun spots on my forehead are basically gone and the sun spot on my cheek is visibly lighter. I would've taken before and after pictures to show this, but it's not something I was even looking for! Very nice surprise! :) As a reference point, I did start using every night from the get-go -- I've ... MoreI purchased as an anti-wrinkle/skin re-texturing treatment, and it has definitely helped improve the texture of my skin. What was an unexpected advantage was the huge improvement to the sun damage/sun spots on my skin. I'm 41 and was a sun-worshipper in my youth (the tanner, the better!). Over the past few years I've developed pronounced sunspots on both sides of my forehead and a large spot on my right cheek. After using this for about about 6 weeks, I've noticed the sun spots on my forehead are basically gone and the sun spot on my cheek is visibly lighter. I would've taken before and after pictures to show this, but it's not something I was even looking for! Very nice surprise! :) As a reference point, I did start using every night from the get-go -- I've previously been on Retin-A so I thought I could "handle" this stuff -- but you really do need a break in period of every other night or every second night. After using this nightly for about a week, I was feeling the irritation and went to alternating nights for a couple weeks. I'm now using nightly with no issues. FYI, it does make your skin sun-sensitive, so sunscreen and a hat or visor will be your friends! Also (and not sure if I'm the only person who experiences this one), but I've noticed my skin is a bit sensitive if I sweat a lot (i.e., cardio workout) the day after applying, but it's nothing horrible -- more slightly unpleasant than "pain" or "irritation." I haven't refrigerated (I, too, missed that instruction!) but it still seems to be effective. Will definitely follow the refrigeration instructions when I buy my next bottle...at the next strength up, of course! If 0.5% is this effective, I can't wait to see what 1% will do! Bottom line: This is something I gladly recommend!

Still not the one, but...

After a disastrous experience with another brands' Retinol treatment some time back which was highly raved about online, I decided to give The Ordinary's a shot. Although touted as being more irritating than the Granactive Retinoid versions, I actually found it to be the complete opposite. Granactive makes my face break out in hives, and that's despite only using once a week for the first 2 weeks and gradually increasing to every 3rd night. I did this for 5 weeks. I never got beyond that as the itchy redness appearing in the middle of an important work meeting was my last straw with it. For some reason my skin just wouldn't adjust. I then got hold of the Retinol 0.5% and although the hives didn't appear, the acne did! I thought it was just my skin purging but no ... MoreAfter a disastrous experience with another brands' Retinol treatment some time back which was highly raved about online, I decided to give The Ordinary's a shot. Although touted as being more irritating than the Granactive Retinoid versions, I actually found it to be the complete opposite. Granactive makes my face break out in hives, and that's despite only using once a week for the first 2 weeks and gradually increasing to every 3rd night. I did this for 5 weeks. I never got beyond that as the itchy redness appearing in the middle of an important work meeting was my last straw with it. For some reason my skin just wouldn't adjust. I then got hold of the Retinol 0.5% and although the hives didn't appear, the acne did! I thought it was just my skin purging but no matter how much I spaced usage out I would still get them, especially on my forehead and cheeks. As both versions are 'squalane'-based I'm starting to wonder whether it's squalane and not Retinol itself that my face is reacting to? Luckily I found good use for it on my KP - which I started with the full 1% and now that that's finished I'm using the 0.5% to maintain results. It hasn't gone, KP isn't a condition you can permanently get rid of unfortunately, but it helps keep it less noticeable and my arms and thighs where I have it the worst, much smoother. Now all I need to find is a Retinol that works with, and not against; my face! ~ My Space NK Top 7 must-have list ~ (My top 7 must-have beauty products of all time, focusing mainly on my purchases at Space NK) 1. Hair Loss Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Hair Oil 2. Bronzer: ‘Chantecaille’ - HD Perfecting Bronze 3. Pigmentation + Anti-Aging Serum: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Facial Treatment Serum 4. Eye Primer: ‘Ilia Beauty’ – Natural Brightening Eye Primer 5. Mask: ‘Eve Lom’ – Radiance Transforming Mask 6. Foundation Brush: ‘Space NK’ – Brush 102 7. Shampoo: ‘Briogeo’ - Scalp Revival Shampoo

Unbelievably effective; 2nd bottle purchased

Okay. Warning. Not really graphic but- This is serious. I'm not here for anti-aging- I'm here for skin issues- the worst kind. If you've had severe cystic acne, clinically treated and healed- with irritated, puffy scars that never seem to fully heal, they could be ingrown hairs! (I was SHOCKED that I had HAIR trapped in small, healed, scars- one the face- near my hairline, chin, and large areas on my nose) (one at a time, growing for years) This stuff is amazing. It's shockingly effective. It works fast. It can clear ingrown (face/chin) ingrown hair cysts; something even my dermatologist can't really do- (without laser hair removal) even she is shocked at how well this little serum works. It's my understanding that retinol should not be put on open wounds, but the ... MoreOkay. Warning. Not really graphic but- This is serious. I'm not here for anti-aging- I'm here for skin issues- the worst kind. If you've had severe cystic acne, clinically treated and healed- with irritated, puffy scars that never seem to fully heal, they could be ingrown hairs! (I was SHOCKED that I had HAIR trapped in small, healed, scars- one the face- near my hairline, chin, and large areas on my nose) (one at a time, growing for years) This stuff is amazing. It's shockingly effective. It works fast. It can clear ingrown (face/chin) ingrown hair cysts; something even my dermatologist can't really do- (without laser hair removal) even she is shocked at how well this little serum works. It's my understanding that retinol should not be put on open wounds, but the ingrown hair scar is the exception to this rule, IMO. It BECOMES an open wound, as it sloughs off the face, one layer at a time. no picking! I give you these sordid details in hopes it can help even one other person!! ❤️ Miraculous. Seriously. Minimal irritation, if any. Daily use. I'm walking into ULTA right now to buy the next bottle! I also use their moisturizer and hylauranic acid serum. I'm 38, new to skincare, and I'm super impressed with their stripped down, effective clinical formulations. I'm basically a brand ambassador for THE ORDINARY! I tell everyone! The value in priceLESS- unbelievable pricing on all products. Ten thousand stars, I'd give this magical bottle of potion ! ✨

not for me

i am disappointed in this product. my friend came to me and told me it completely cleared her skin up. i was excited to try it since nothing else has ever worked for me and completely cleared my skin. i tried it in October and the first month went well. the following month, november is when things started getting worse. i thought i was purging but it made no sense for me to be purging a month later. i waited one more month because i was really hoping it was just purging and it’ll eventually go away. well i broke out worse than i ever have in my whole life. i still have scars from it, 3 months later after ceasing use. 3 months doesn't sound like a long time but my scars usually fade within a few weeks. this product left clusters of pimples all over my problem area. ... Morei am disappointed in this product. my friend came to me and told me it completely cleared her skin up. i was excited to try it since nothing else has ever worked for me and completely cleared my skin. i tried it in October and the first month went well. the following month, november is when things started getting worse. i thought i was purging but it made no sense for me to be purging a month later. i waited one more month because i was really hoping it was just purging and it’ll eventually go away. well i broke out worse than i ever have in my whole life. i still have scars from it, 3 months later after ceasing use. 3 months doesn't sound like a long time but my scars usually fade within a few weeks. this product left clusters of pimples all over my problem area. my chin. i also started breaking out near my nose/cheek area. i noticed closed comedones formed around there too. i did have closed comedones already on my forehead but ever since i used the retinol they have become much more apparent. this product may work for some people but not everyone. be careful.