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The Ordinary

Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
Retinoids

About this product

A retinoid serum combining 2% granactive retinoid suspended in squalane oil, designed to address signs of aging and skin texture with a gentler retinoid form.

Best for

Mature skin
Retinoids

The Guru Index verdict

65%

Mixed

~Mixed · 65%
2Reviewers
1Approved
0Mixed
1Skip

What the gurus are saying

The gurus split on this one. Those drawn to squalane find granactive retinoid a stronger, more effective choice than retinol for compromised skin barriers. However, others found the formula genuinely greasy and hard to absorb, and question why anyone would choose it over the same retinoid strength in a lighter, creamier formulation that applies far more smoothly. The texture issue means people with oily or easily congested skin may want to pass.
Synthesized from 2 expert reviews

Key actives & flags

RetinoidSqualaneFragrance-freeAlcohol-free

Full ingredients

Squalane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bisabolol, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone

Where to buy

Every take, in full

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Approved only Skip only Mixed only Hide sponsored
Dr. Somji Skin
Dr. Somji Skin
356k subs
✓Approved
"If you're a fan of squalane and you've had squalane before and you know you like the benefits that squalane gives and you've got an impaired skin barrier, then I would start up with Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane. That doesn't have any retinol in it, it just has a granactive retinoid in it. Because the granactive retinoids are more close to retinoic acid, it's much more likely that you will get a better result with the granactive range than you would with the retinol range."
Mad About Skin
Mad About Skin
720k subs · 10k devotees
✕Skip
"The granactive retinoids in squalane, I am not surprised these are going. They were greasy, you didn't have a great application. I think there's just better products out there. Why would you buy The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, which is greasy and difficult to sink in, when you can get the exact same strength at the exact same price in a rich creamy emulsion that's just going to be a dream to apply? Not worth it."
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