The Ordinary

Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane.

Retinoids

About this product

A retinoid treatment combining 5% granactive retinoid with squalane oil, designed to support skin clarity and reduce acne-prone pores.

Full ingredients

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

Guru Score

85%

Yay

4 experts · Moderate agreement

4Gurus

4Yay

0Mixed

0Nay

What they liked

Granactive form is closer to retinoic acid than retinol
Moisturizing squalane base provides hydration

What they flagged

Results take time, not a quick fix for acne
For advanced users only

What the gurus are saying

Granactive retinoids work closer to prescription-strength retinoic acid than standard retinols, making this formula more effective at unclogging pores and preventing acne formation. Experts emphasize retinoids work gradually (results take time and won't happen from one product alone) but they're essential for acne-prone skin. The squalane base adds moisture, and this formula suits advanced users already familiar with retinoid use.

Synthesized from 4 expert reviews · most recent take February 2026

Best for

Acne-prone skin

Type

RetinoidsOil

Key actives

Retinoid Squalane

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Where to buy

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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 Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored

Darnell Cox | 50+ Healthy Aging Expert

55k subs

✓Yay

"If you use something like an over the counter retinoid, like The Ordinary retinoid in squalane, it gives you a little bit of moisture. The squalane, which is for the moisture, the oil is giving it a little bit of a buffer."

Dr. Mamina

281k subs

✓Yay

"Retinoids are such an important component of an anti-acne routine. [...] They're not going to work quickly at getting rid of acne, but it's something that's going to really do an amazing job at getting to the pore, clearing out and unclogging all those pores so that your pores don't have the ability to make an acne bump. I would prefer prescription retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene over The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane, but I think it's great that she got amazing results from it. That said, don't think that you're going to get results like that with just that one treatment. [...] Retinoids are super important if you have acne."

Dr. Somji Skin

359k subs

✓Yay

"Because the granactive retinoids are more close to retinoic acid it's much more likely that you will get a better result with the grand active range than you would with the retinol range"

Nipun Kapur

408k subs

✓Yay

"The granactive retinoid by Ordinary which is also in squalene is great for advanced users. If you are an advanced user, this is one of the formulas that you should be using."

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Retinoids

Retinoids are among the best studied ingredients in dermatology, with solid evidence for acne and for the fine lines and rough texture that come from sun exposure. Dryness and flaking in the first few weeks are common and usually settle.

Source: DermNet

Humectants and emollients

Ingredients like these draw water into the surface layers and slow how fast it leaves. The evidence is for comfort, softness and hydration rather than for changing the structure of the skin.

Source: DermNet

Frequently asked.

What is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane?

A retinoid treatment combining 5% granactive retinoid with squalane oil, designed to support skin clarity and reduce acne-prone pores.

Is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane worth it?

Yes. All 4 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 85%.

What is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane's Guru Score?

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane holds a Guru Score of 85%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 4 expert reviewers we have collected.