Index / The Ordinary / Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
The Ordinary

Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane.

The Ordinary
Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
Retinoids

About this product

A retinoid treatment serum containing 2% granactive retinoid suspended in squalane oil, designed to deliver retinoid benefits to skin.

Best for

Mature skin
Retinoids

The Guru Index verdict

65%

Mixed

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

What the gurus are saying

Gurus split on this formula's merit. Supporters recommend it for those with compromised barriers who already tolerate squalane well, noting granactive retinoids are closer to prescription-strength retinoic acid than retinol. Detractors cite greasiness and poor absorption as significant drawbacks, arguing The Ordinary's own emulsion-based retinoid options at the same strength offer better application without the oil-slick feel.
Synthesized from 2 expert reviews
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
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."
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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