Night one. My skin felt like it was wrapped in plastic wrap. Tight. Weird.
The hype is about potency — 1% is no joke for an over-the-counter retinoid. This is where the purge begins.
It’s a $13.20 serum from The Ordinary. The claim? Real results without the luxury markup. I had to test it.
Potency
1% retinol is their strongest concentration.
Vehicle
Suspended in squalane oil, which is supposed to buffer irritation.
Price
Under $15. The real draw.
Retinol 1% — the star. It converts to retinoic acid in your skin to boost cell turnover. The squalane is there to soothe.
- Retinol: The active that triggers renewal
- Squalane: A moisturizing oil that mimics skin’s own lipids
- Bisabolol: A chamomile extract to calm
- Hydrogenated Polyisobutene: A lightweight slip agent
Texture is pure oil — golden, slick. Absorbs in 90 seconds, leaves a subtle sheen. Not greasy, but you feel it.
Week two: The purge was real. Three new friends appeared on my chin. But by week three? They vanished. Skin started to feel smoother — like someone lightly sanded it.
Texture improved noticeably. Old acne marks faded faster. Zero effect on deep wrinkles — that’s a marathon. The oiliness? Never fully disappeared for me.
It works. It’s irritating. It’s wildly effective for the price. A brutal but honest starter pack for retinol.