Week one and my face is a sandpaper desert. This is the famous “retinol uglies” – and it’s not pretty.
The real test? Getting through the flaky, tight skin phase without quitting. My foundation looked like a cracked sidewalk.
It’s The Ordinary’s Retinol 0.5% in Squalane. $7.80. The claim? Real results without the luxury markup.
The Strength
0.5% retinol is a solid middle-ground – not for beginners, not for pros.
The Base
Suspended in squalane, an oil your skin already makes.
The Vibe
No fragrance, no fuss, just a clinical dropper bottle.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
Retinol is the star – it speeds up cell turnover. The squalane is the supporting actor, trying to soothe the chaos retinol causes.
- Retinol 0.5%: The active that tells your skin to hurry up
- Squalane: A moisturizing oil that mimics your skin’s own
- Bisabolol: A gentle anti-irritant from chamomile
- No Silicones/Parabens: Just a straight-up formula
Photo: pmv chamara / Unsplash
Texture is a light amber oil. Absorbs in 60 seconds, leaves a subtle sheen – not greasy, but you feel it.
Week 3, the flaking stopped. Unexpected win? My pillowcase stayed clean – this stuff doesn’t transfer or pill up.
Photo: Rosa Rafael / Unsplash
After 30 days, my skin texture is smoother. Pores look less clogged. Zero change on deep wrinkles – that’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Photo: Daniel Barnes / Unsplash
It delivers exactly what it promises: a no-bullshit, effective retinol. You just have to survive the awkward phase.