The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane: a Guru Score of 62%

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.

Excess oil and shine1 expert

“If you've got oily skin, you might use the 0.5% rather than 0.2% because it won't irritate you as much.”

Dr. Somji Skin, watch at 1:54

Irritated or reactive skin1 expert

“The addition of squalane will help hydrate and soothe, reducing the potential for irritation.”

Dr. Aleksandra Brown, watch at 6:57

Rough or uneven texture1 expert

“The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane uses a moderate concentration of retinol to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and boost collagen production.”

Dr. Aleksandra Brown, watch at 6:57

Fine lines and wrinkles1 expert

“The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane uses a moderate concentration of retinol to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and boost collagen production.”

Dr. Aleksandra Brown, watch at 6:57

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

Dr. Vanita Rattan

1.23M subs

~Nay

"What lets it down is the packaging. [...] Heat accelerates retinol degradation significantly, and being in a warm climate like India isn't really going to be suitable for this, and most of us don't have time to keep it in [...] the fridge. [...] So for India, I think this product is just a no. I love The Ordinary for so many other products, but this isn't going to be one of them. This one unfortunately gets a three out of 10."

All 3 takes from Dr. Vanita Rattan

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"The downside here is the packaging. It is nave safe. You know, even looks very similar, comes out the blends the same into the skin. However, this is 0.5%. So, this actually would now not be allowed in the UK and EU. 0.3% is going to be the max. So, they are going to have to reformulate this product. Again, not in Ella's palm. We just don't know how effective it is. So, for me, it's a no for skin of color."

Retinol Mistakes You're Making - Dr Vanita Rattan

"So for me it's a no for skin of color"

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"What lets it down is the packaging. [...] Heat accelerates retinol degradation significantly, and being in a warm climate like India isn't really going to be suitable for this, and most of us don't have time to keep it in [...] the fridge. [...] So for India, I think this product is just a no. I love The Ordinary for so many other products, but this isn't going to be one of them. This one unfortunately gets a three out of 10."

Mad About Skin

734k subs

~Nay

"I just think the whole collection of the ordinary retinols is doomed. The formulations are greasy, they're not great, and of course we've now had the European Union retinol ban. [...] That ban restricts the use of retinol in over-the-counter products to 0.3%, and 0.3% retinol is going to do next to nothing unless you're a beginner or have super sensitive skin."

All 3 takes from Mad About Skin

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"I just think the whole collection of the ordinary retinols is doomed. The formulations are greasy, they're not great, and of course we've now had the European Union retinol ban. [...] That ban restricts the use of retinol in over-the-counter products to 0.3%, and 0.3% retinol is going to do next to nothing unless you're a beginner or have super sensitive skin."

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"Retinol is getting far too confusing, it's far too hard to formulate with, and consumers increasingly are not really wanting it as part of their skincare routine. This is why The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane no longer exists. It was discontinued and was replaced by their retinol emulsion, which is now one of the brand's best sellers."

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"The Ordinary retinols in squalane there's 0.5 and the one percent will be gone again because it reaches that 0.3 concentration"

Dr. Aleksandra Brown

153k subs

~Yay

"The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane uses a moderate concentration of retinol to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and boost collagen production. The addition of squalane will help hydrate and soothe, reducing the potential for irritation. The key ingredient is of course retinol 0.5%, which helps accelerate skin cell turnover, enhancing skin texture and reducing signs of aging."

April Basi

72k subs

~Yay

"For serum at night I'd choose a retinol or retinaldehyde serum. The Ordinary's Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is another option."

All 2 takes from April Basi

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"For serum, The Ordinary 0.5% Retinol Serum, I love this one because its dosage is super low so it doesn't cause irritation, especially for a first timer."

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"For serum at night I'd choose a retinol or retinaldehyde serum. The Ordinary's Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is another option."

The Budget Dermatologist

725k subs

~Yay

"This is another 20% option so now we're in the 20% let me first say you don't have to have a 20% vitamin C serum to get benefits"

Dr. Somji Skin

361k subs

~Mixed

"This can be a little bit more irritating than the 0.2%. If you've got oily skin, you might use the 0.5% rather than 0.2% because it won't irritate you as much. But if you've got irritated skin or a compromised skin barrier, repair that first and then start on 0.2%. If you've gone up the ladder, this is a great thing, but still be careful. Don't just start using this every day. Start using it alternately or even three days a week, and then week on week increase."

Nipun Kapur

413k subs

~Mixed

"The Ordinary starts at 0.5% retinol, it's lovely but it's not absolute beginner friendly"

Translated from the guru's original language.

All 3 takes from Nipun Kapur

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"If you are using retinol from The Ordinary Minimalist, Squalane before retinol then after."

Translated from the guru's original language.

The best serums for glow & anti aging | Ordinary vs Minimalist | Nipun Kapur

"The Ordinary starts at 0.5% retinol, it's lovely but it's not absolute beginner friendly"

Translated from the guru's original language.

No retinol in your retinol cream | Best retinol serum for face in India I Strong Retinols

"The Ordinary 0.5% in this is an oil based formula gentle is strong but gentle is not the ordinary 0.5% have never recommended that should be your first retinol because it is an strong formula"

Translated from the guru's original language.

Cassandra Bankson

2.46M subs

~Yay

"If you don't want to spend a ton of money, the Ordinary also has a 0.5% retinol in squalane which is a wonderful oil. There are so many great oil products out there."

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 Retinol 0.5% in Squalane?

An oil-based retinol serum containing 0.5% retinol in squalane, designed to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and support collagen production.

Is The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane worth it?

The gurus are split. 4 of the 8 gurus give it their stamp of approval while 2 would skip it, which lands it in the middle at a Guru Score of 62%.

What is The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane's Guru Score?

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane holds a Guru Score of 62%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 8 expert reviewers we have collected.

Who is The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane best for?

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is generally suited to mature skin.

What is The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane good for, according to the experts?

In their reviews, experts say The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is good for excess oil and shine (1 expert), irritated or reactive skin (1 expert), rough or uneven texture (1 expert) and fine lines and wrinkles (1 expert).