The Ordinary

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane.

Retinoids

About this product

A 5% retinoid serum that pairs a granactive form of retinoid with squalane, a moisturizing oil, designed as a retinoid treatment for the skin.

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

81%

Yay

6 experts · Strong agreement

What the gurus are saying

Sitting closer to retinoic acid than standard retinol, this granactive retinoid earns praise as a step up for advanced users and for clogged pores, though acne results take time. The squalane base adds moisture and a buffer. The one thing to keep in mind: the feel can run on the oilier side, so anyone who dislikes greasy textures may want to mix two to three drops into their moisturizer.

Synthesized from 6 expert reviews · most recent take February 2026

What they liked

Adds extra hydration
Helps unclog pores
Likely better results than retinol

What they flagged

Slightly oily feel
Acne results take time

Type

RetinoidsDrops & dropper

Key actives

Retinoid Squalane

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Where to buy

Sephora → Ulta → Amazon → Google →

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What the experts use it for.

The concerns the experts tie this product to, in their own words. Paid and founder takes don't count.

Breakouts and acne1 expert

“Retinoids are such an important component of an anti-acne routine.”

Dr. Mamina, watch at 1:03

Clogged or visible pores1 expert

“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.”

Dr. Mamina, watch at 1:03

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

283k 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."

No BS Beauty

89k subs

✓Mixed

"The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane is one of my runners up. It's a wonderful serum, but it's a little bit on the oilier side, so keep that in mind."

Sincerely Miss Ash

196k subs

✓Yay

"What I like to do, and how I find I can make it last longer, is apply two to three drops of it into my moisturizer, mix it together, and then apply it to my face and my neck. Just by doing that every day, this is going to last longer, and it's a great way for you to be more consistent so you can see that brightness and keep that moisture going. It's wonderful. It has an orange hue to it, so when you mix it in with your moisturizer you don't see it."

Dr. Somji Skin

361k 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

413k 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 5% retinoid serum that pairs a granactive form of retinoid with squalane, a moisturizing oil, designed as a retinoid treatment for the skin.

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

Mostly yes. 5 of the 6 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 81%.

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

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane holds a Guru Score of 81%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 6 expert reviewers we have collected.

What is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane good for, according to the experts?

In their reviews, experts say The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane is good for breakouts and acne (1 expert) and clogged or visible pores (1 expert).