Retinol 1% in Squalane, High-Strength Retinol Serum for Anti-Aging and Skin Smoothing, 30ml

This is a powerful serum. I always make sure to use a gentle cleanser first to prep my face, then apply this in the evening before bed. Because the consistency is like a bit like oil, it takes a little while to fully absorb into the skin. ​I wake up with noticeably more hydrated and plumper skin in the morning! There is no strong fragrance to worry about either. Just use with caution and remember to work your way up to this percentage if you're new to retinol, as it is a strong formula. Overall, a fantastic product if used correctly.

This is a GOOD product , no doubt about it , it works on my skin / face , best I have used .

I have extremely sensitive skin and I found it hard to get a good product so give the Ordinary a shot and it’s great I have nearly the entire skin range now would recommend it highly 😊👏🏻

Love this serum! Best retinol I’ve found for the price. Been using for nearly a year and it’s made my face much more firm with line reduction. Absorbs well overnight and doesn’t have too much of a greasy feel.

This serum is absolutely brilliant for anti-aging. The 1% retinol is quite potent and has noticeably smoothed out my fine lines and improved my skin texture. Because it's formulated in squalane, it feels incredibly nourishing and doesn't dry out my face like other retinols do. But the drawback is, if you apply a lot or regular - depends on your skin - it can have adverse reaction.

Second time purchasing, makes my skin look fantastic 10/10.. would highly recommend and well worth the value

Beautiful gives me a good glow, but beware this is very strong, the first time I used this i got burned around my mouth. My skin was flaking off and I got a deep wrinkle on my smile line I never had before because of the rough flaky skin causing a crease. Squalane is a oil so it feels greasy on the skin, but I like it like that. No fragrance AMAZING. Fast absorption if you put in thr night time.

I daresay it does what it says on the tin, but what I didn't know - until I read the small print on the label - was that it has to be kept in the fridge. I find that wholly inconvenient as I'm not getting any younger and have to remember to take it upstairs to the bathroom when I'm doing my makeup routine. Of course I could ignore the instructions, but with this heatwave (or even during the winter when the house is warm) I am sceptical about the product going "off" and not being good or effective for putting on my skin. I won't be buying it again.

Good quality

Ich benutze das The Ordinary Retinol 1% in jetzt schon eine Weile und bin insgesamt sehr zufrieden damit. Das Serum wirkt sehr hochwertig und hat bei mir sichtbar die Hautstruktur verbessert. Meine Haut fühlt sich glatter an und kleine Unreinheiten sowie feine Linien sind weniger geworden. Man sollte aber beachten, dass es relativ stark ist. Am Anfang kann es zu leichter Reizung oder Trockenheit kommen, deshalb sollte man es langsam in die Routine einbauen. Gerade in den Sonnenmonaten muss man besonders aufpassen, da Retinol die Haut empfindlicher gegenüber UV-Strahlen macht.

Thanks to the presence of squalane, one can start using 1% retinol directly on the face at night without experiencing dryness, as the moisturizing properties of squalane help prevent it. However, in my opinion, retinaldehyde—being closer to prescription-strength retinoids—can be more effective. It may cause dryness initially, but over time, the skin builds tolerance, and the results are often better. That said, retinol is still a great option when used consistently over a longer period.

The oil does the job. My skin looks more radiant when I apply the oil every evening.

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!**