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

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 been using The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane for a while now, and it truly lives up to its “high-strength” label. This is an oil-like serum, not a creamy emulsion, so it has a lightweight but slightly rich texture that spreads easily and absorbs well without feeling heavy. According to the brand’s guide, this 1% version is best for advanced users, and I completely agree. It’s definitely not for beginners. If you’re new to retinoids, you may want to start with 0.2% or 0.5%. But if your skin is already accustomed to retinol, this is a powerful step up. What I’ve noticed: • Smoother skin texture • Improved overall skin softness • More refined appearance over time • Skin looks clearer and more even The squalane base helps reduce dryness compared to some other retinol formulas I’ve tried. It feels nourishing rather than stripping. There’s no strong smell, which I appreciate. Important: since this is a high-strength retinol, introduce it slowly (2–3 times per week at first) and always use sunscreen during the day. Overall, this is an effective, affordable, high-potency retinol serum that delivers visible results if used correctly. A great option for experienced retinoid users looking for stronger performance without paying luxury skincare prices.

This is really helped with my dark spots and acne. I started with the .5% first before moving to the 1% and I really recommend that for someone who hasn’t used retinol before it is a little oily, but that is part of the make up to help with hydration since the retinol can be really drying

Amazing results on fine lines but I used it every night & by the third day, I had a retinol burn near my eyes. Use it a few times a week & watch the eye area. It is an oil in form & less is more.

One of us loves this and it truly makes her face glow! Like it actually does what it says and feels so nice applying it! The other of us has more sensitive skin and this was a little irritating (as it says it could be). Not enough to need a patch test, but enough to try it a few times and then stop.

I wasn't sure how much this would work (like others I have been convinced by advertising expensive equates to quality and results) but with the affordable price I thought it was worth the risk testing it out. Hands down the best night time retinol I have used yet. I am a lazy skin care person - keep is simple and straight forward with minimal effort and I am down for it. I also don't think I should have to take out second mortgage on my home to afford a regular skin regimen. This is where The Ordinary Retinol shines. Affordable and after two weeks I am seeing wonderful results.

This is an excellent retinol product. Rub it in a little so it will penetrate your skin. It is a bit oily that's why you need to rub it in somewhat and then put your other cosmetics over it. It was a great value for the money. The ordinary is a terrific brand

The serum is extremely runny straight out of the dropper and it flows fast and is difficult to control, making application messy and wasteful. Once on the skin, it leaves a noticeably slick, greasy finish that doesn't fully absorb. This is due to the squalane oil base, which works well for dry skin types but feels suffocating and heavy if your skin leans normal to oily.

Lo estoy usando oara el cabello junto con minoxidil y wow ✨ excelente producto, lo uso también en granitos y me los cura en pocos días, si lo recomiendo, pero tengan cuidado, tengo 33 años, poco a poco fui subiendo de % de retinol y nosé si sea la edad, pero ya no sentía que me estaba haciendo mucho la tretinoina de 0.05. Me gusta usar éste sérum 1 vez a la semana en el cuero cabelludo, quiero usarlo todos los días, pero poco a poco iré subiendo la cantidad de aplicaciones 👍🏻

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.

Real, stable retinol (especially at 1%) is hard to find. But this appears to be real. I’m on my fourth bottle, results are subtle but perceptible. You’ll notice redness at first, and skin will thicken a bit. Amazing to find authentic retinol at this price (not “serum“ nonsense)…so far I believe it…

What does retinol do for your skin? Retinol increases skin cell production (proliferation). It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance. Benefits: Wrinkles Acne Decrease hyperpigmentation Retinol Skin Collagen Fighting signs of aging Regulate oily skin and minimize breakouts Clear pores Evens skin tone Refine skin texture and tone Thinning skin