The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, High-Strength Retinol Serum for Anti-Aging and Skin Smoothing
$9.90
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How does Retinol 1% in Squalane support skin concerns?
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is formulated to target signs of aging, such as fine lines and uneven texture.
When should I use Retinol 1% in Squalane?
We recommend using The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane in the Treat stage of your PM skincare routine, after serums but before heavier creams.
Can I use Retinol 1% in Squalane with other ingredients?
We don’t advise using The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane with other retinoids, direct acids, or vitamin C.
Is Retinol 1% in Squalane suitable for sensitive skin?
Retinol can be irritating, particularly for sensitive skin. We recommend starting slowly and performing a patch test before full application.
Does Retinol 1% in Squalane increase sun sensitivity?
Yes, retinol can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so we recommend using this formulation at night. We strongly advise applying sunscreen if using this product during the day.
How to choose the right retinoid for you:
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Customer Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars 4,682
4.6 out of 5 stars 4,371
4.5 out of 5 stars 11,052
4.5 out of 5 stars 18,028
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,458
Price
$8.10$8.10
$12.10$12.10
$9.30$9.30
$9.90$9.90
$14.90$14.90
Format
Oil-like Serum
Creamy Serum
Oil-like Serum
Oil-like Serum
Creamy Serum
Strength
Low-Strength
Moderate-Strength
Moderate-Strength
High-Strength
Our Strongest Retinoid
Best For
The First-Time Retinoid User
The Occasional User
The Frequent User
The Advanced User
The Expert User
When to Use
Night
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Night
Night
Night
SPF Recommended
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Water-Free
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Alcohol-Free
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Oil-Free
✘
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Silicone-Free
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Gluten-Free
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Vegan
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Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
Product Dimensions : 1.31 x 1.31 x 4.5 inches; 1.06 ounces
Item model number : TOR1
UPC : 769915196016 769915194043 769915190793 769915194067 720310621374
Manufacturer : DECIEM
ASIN : B0779YGB2G
Best Sellers Rank: #355 in Beauty & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Beauty & Personal Care) #16 in Facial Serums
Customer Reviews: 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (18,028) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
HIGH-STRENGTH RETINOL FORMULA: Retinol 1% in Squalane targets fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture with a potent 1% retinol concentration.
IIMPROVES TEXTURE & TONE: Works to even out skin texture and tone, addressing signs of aging such as lines and wrinkles from the loss of collagen and elastin.
CONDITIONS & NOURISHES: Supported with squalane, a conditioning agent that nourishes skin to help target dryness associated with retinol use.
IDEAL FOR EXPERT USERS: Best for users who have built tolerance to lower-strength retinol. Ideal for those ready for high-strength retinoid solutions.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply a few drops to the face in the evening. Use sun protection during the day. Do not use with other retinoid products. Refrigerate after opening.
12 reviews for The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, High-Strength Retinol Serum for Anti-Aging and Skin Smoothing
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$9.90
Mighty_Pen –
Retinol 1% in Squalane **10/10*
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!**
Stephanie –
Awesome, But Do Your Research Before Using Retinol
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.
benjamin dewayne bolden –
Good Product for the Skin
Good product. It applies easily and a little bit goes a long way. Skin feels nice.
Scully RN –
Nice retinol
I use this at nighttime due to the squalane making it feel a tad greasy. The retinol is working, but this would create shine in my day routine. Feels moisturizing and they give you a nice quantity! My skin is smoother. I will review again in a month and see if I like the texture more. Or try using less for less oily feel.
Victoria –
Powerful High-Strength Retinol – Best for Experienced Users
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 evenThe 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.
jenny Mae Murphy –
Good for my sensitive skin
I’ve been using this product for about three weeks and I can visually tell a difference in my forehead wrinkles. I wish I took a before picture because the results are very impressive. But I don’t use too many products cause I am sensitive and break out in acne. But after regular soap and water I apply this lightly. Nothing else. Oh and I rotate this with simple peptide serum. This retinol is light and not overly oily. It has not clogged my pours and has not caused a break out.
H. Brown –
Effective yet gentle
Wow! I’ve never experienced a product quite like this. It goes on like an oil but it absolutely isn’t. It’s truly effective. If you haven’t used retinol in the past, I’d start with every 3rd day abd increase as your skin gets used it. This stuff packs a punch at an amazing price point. I almost never write reviews.
Amanda –
Un poco grasoso, pero aun así un producto muy bueno. Mi piel luce increíble cuando me despierto por la mañana.
Iulia –
This serum is a game-changer! The 1% retinol is potent enough to smooth fine lines and improve skin texture, yet the squalane base keeps it gentle and hydrating. I’ve seen a noticeable difference in my skin’s clarity, tone, and firmness after just a few weeks of consistent use.It absorbs beautifully, layers well with other products, and doesn’t cause irritation when used properly. I love that it’s fragrance-free, vegan, and budget-friendly high-performance skincare without the luxury price tag.
Swapnil Dhabekar –
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.
Amazon Customer –
The oil does the job. My skin looks more radiant when I apply the oil every evening.
s –
Really cleared up my skin and my texture. You really have to start small and carefully though, because it can really burn your skin if you dont watch out. I used it nightly after washing my face and let it sit for 20 Minutes until I put on my moisturizer. Also I would recommend only using it every other day if youre just starting out, and pause the use if your skin is burning in the morning or feeling dry and flaky.