Night one. Applied it. Waited for the magic. Got the purge instead.
The peeling was real. My chin looked like a snake’s discarded wardrobe.
It’s The Ordinary’s 0.5% Retinol in Squalane. Under $10. The claim? Real results without the luxury markup.
The Price
Shockingly cheap for a retinoid.
The Feel
An oily serum – not a dry, irritating formula.
The Vibe
No frills. Just a dropper and science.
Photo: freestocks / Unsplash
It’s a retinoid suspended in squalane. The retinol boosts cell turnover. The squalane is there to cushion the blow.
- Retinol 0.5%: The active that tells your skin to get it together
- Squalane: A hydrating oil that mimics your skin’s own
- No fragrance or essential oils: A blessing for sensitive types
- No fancy packaging: You’re paying for the formula, not the box
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
Texture is oily – but absorbs in 90 seconds. Leaves a slight sheen. Pill alert with thick moisturizers.
Week 3: The flaking stopped. My skin felt weirdly smooth – like a polished stone. Unexpected win: my pores looked less like craters.
Texture improved. A glow appeared. But my deep-set fine lines? They’re still holding a meeting. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
It works. It’s boring. It’s effective. A perfect first step into the retinol world.