Day 4. A new, angry pimple greets me in the mirror. This is not the glow I ordered.
The real test of a retinol isn’t the finish line — it’s surviving the awkward middle.
The Ordinary‘s Retinol 0.5% in Squalane. $7.90 for 30ml. The claim? Serious results without the luxury price tag.
Concentration
0.5% retinol — a solid mid-strength starter.
Format
Oil-based serum in a dropper bottle.
Shelf Life
Lasts 3 months after opening — the clock starts ticking fast.
It’s a short, focused list. Retinol to speed up cell turnover. Squalane to cushion the blow.
- Retinol 0.5%: The main event, encourages skin renewal
- Squalane: A lightweight moisturizer derived from olives
- Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate: A gentler retinoid ester
- Bisabolol: Soothing extract from chamomile
Texture is a light amber oil. Absorbs in 60 seconds — leaves a faint, slick film. Smells vaguely like a science lab.
Week 3: The flaking began. Not dramatic peeling — more like fine, dry dandruff on my cheeks. A gritty konjac sponge was my savior.
Results: Skin texture is smoother. Old acne marks faded faster. Zero effect on deep wrinkles. The glow is subtle — it’s more about refinement than radiance.
It delivers exactly what it promises: a straightforward, effective retinol for beginners. No frills, just function.