Sunlight literally deactivates it. Using this in the AM is like paying for a gym membership and then napping on the bench.
The real crime? It makes your skin more vulnerable to UV damage — you’re undoing the repair work and inviting new damage. A total backfire.
It’s The Ordinary‘s Retinol 0.5% in Squalane. Under $10. I tried it because the internet swore it was potent without the prestige price tag.
Mid-Strength
0.5% is the sweet spot — strong enough to work, gentle enough to not ruin your week.
Oil-Based
Comes suspended in squalane, which means it’s not for everyone (more on that later).
No Nonsense
The packaging is so clinical it looks like something from a lab supply closet.
Photo: Lora Seis / Unsplash
It’s a short list. Retinol is the star — it tells your skin cells to turn over faster. Squalane is the vehicle — a moisturizing oil that mimics your skin’s own.
- Retinol: Speeds up cell renewal, tackles texture and fine lines
- Squalane: Hydrating carrier oil, won’t clog pores
- Coconut Alkanes: A lightweight solvent
- Hydrogenated Polyisobutene: Helps with slip and spreadability
Photo: Ilia / Unsplash
It’s a clear, light oil. Absorbs in about 90 seconds — leaves a faintly slick, not greasy, finish. Smells like… nothing. Just faintly chemical.
Week 2, my chin purged. Tiny, under-the-skin bumps said hello and then left. Annoying but a sign it was actually working.
After a month, my skin texture felt like satin. Real talk: no miracle on deep lines. But my foundation went on smoother — that’s a win.
This is a nightshift worker. Respect its process, and it delivers serious refinement for pennies. A brilliant, boringly effective starter retinol.