The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane Serum

It's less than $10, after 5½ weeks, I have 70% of the bottle left and it’s WORKING. Keep reading for my experience❣️ •photo is my "after" 5 full weeks• I couldn't find any "before" pics without makeup or sunglasses, and doesn't that just say it all ♡ I have sensitive skin, combination skin. Like many, I've tried so many products being in my late 30s. I struggle with hormonal acne, which makes skin care hard. Plus, forehead & neck wrinkles, etc. This product has clearly listed ingredients, vegan, no animal testing. Note: This particular product is 1% retinol squalane & is not necessarily for beginners. If you burn or get dry skin easily, maybe start with a lower concentration, but me being me, I wanted results and went all in. I was not disappointed! And I didn’t notice any particular smell, which I appreciate. Pro Tip: Keep in the fridge! Feels amazing and recommended on the box to extend potency. My Trial and Error! •Week 1: I skipped the recommended test patch & I started at 4 nights a week. Maybe a little ambitious😅 My skin broke out with whitehead acne in not my typical zones, a bit oily, not looking like my typical zits. Ifykyk. Week 2: Did a little research, the retinol strength and quality literally pushed all dead skin, imperfections, embedded dirt/environmental junk to the surface as my skin regrowth sped up. This was causing those whiteheads as impurities purged. This is normal for retinol products (according to multiple sources.) So I slowed down a bit to twice weekly. I still lightly broke out with a few pimples, but it was gone in a day or 2. Meanwhile, I’m already noticing fine lines improving, a better glow and overall my skin doesn’t look so flat/dull. Hydration— I’d say A for combo skin. Maybe use a little less for oily skin or check out The Ordinary website for routine-building options. Week 3: I’m in the zone integrating into my skin care routine. Personally, I use this product at night after cleanser and alcohol-free toner (not The Ordinary brand, but products that work for me and I trust). I use less than one dropper for my whole face and neck. The serum needs to be totally dry and absorbed. then finish with moisturizer. Halfway through Week 3 I add an extra night. Week 4: I’m at 3 nights a week. Occasional whiteheads. *To be clear! my hormonal acne didn’t change at all, there’s a difference. Retinol doesn't target acne so i didn't expect any change there* Noticeably reduced fine wrinkles on my forehead, my skin tone seems more even, my face looks less flat and more healthy. Some of my self-loathed deep lines look better. Best of all, I FEEL better. Up to 4 nights a week. Week 5: Personal life was rough, routine not as consistent but skin still looks good. Not like one of those creams where you miss a day and you’re back to ground zero. I did 2 days that week. Week 6: I’m actively building a better skin care nightly routine using The Ordinary, but still keeping a few other brand products I love. My 17-year-old son actaully NOTICED, and my favorite barista told me I had a “glow.” 🫶🏽 I can’t wait to try the Niacinamide serum next! **hit the thumbs up if this review helped you please!**

I've always heard of "anti-aging" skincare. After buying some budget friendly products with this claim, I believed only the crazy expensive stuff would actually work as advertised. Then I bought this. The Ordinary retinol 1% in squalane has been an absolute game changer for my oily, acne prone skin. It's always rough and dull, and the pores around my T-zone are always huge. This product has made my skin very smooth and I notice my pores are a little smaller. WARNING: Do NOT use on skin around the eyes. No matter how I tried to ease my way to applying in that area, the skin always ended up very dry and even burned. It took a whole week for the burn to go away, and applying anything on that area stung like crazy. You would be better off buying a retinol product specifically for the eye area. Also, remember to store in the fridge. As long as I waited for the product to absorb before applying moisturizer, my skin did not get greasy. I also do not notice any fragrance. I 100% recommend this product, but PLEASE do your research on retinol before using it, or you will do more harm than good to your skin. I definitely learned the hard way.

I've used retinoids before, and this 1% Retinol in Squalane is definitely one of the strongest options from The Ordinary. The squalane base helps reduce dryness and leaves my skin feeling nourished while still delivering the benefits of retinol. With consistent use, my skin looks smoother, more even, and refreshed. If you're new to retinol, start with a lower strength first, but for experienced users looking for a stronger formula, this is an excellent option at a great price. ✨ A little goes a long way, and don't forget sunscreen during the day! 🌞💕

I recently purchased this basically as a step above the good molecules beginner retinol and a step below prescription retinoids. The squaline give my skin a gorgeous glow and hydrates so well. It’s a thin oil feel so it was hard to apply at first since a little goes a long way but once you know what your skin needs it’s easy to apply. It’s effective. The first week I could tell it was casing purging. I’m excited to see what’s to come. I already see a huge difference in pores. The bottle is full so it’s certainly going to last a long time. Especially since I only use it every other day.

Comes in a small no-frills bottle. Goes on easily and has an oily feel while applying, so not much is needed each time. Product lasts a long time. Works better than some of the more expensive brands I've tried. My skin looks great and feels soft in the morning. Note: In very small letters it says that the product should be refrigerated.