The serum’s smell is probably my one and only con. For me, it does smell quite bad. It smells like oil or medicine. It doesn’t bother me too much though as I would rather have a clean product that smells like what it’s supposed to smell like than one with too much fragrance in them.
Effects
If you’ve done your research, you already probably know about the side effects of using retinol for the first time — peeling, mild irritation, redness and some say, purging. The first time I used The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalene, I immediately experienced some itching on the area around my mouth. Granted, some dermatologists recommend against applying retinol on this area but I was just being stubborn about my laugh lines.
Nevertheless, I did not observe any redness or peeling on the area. It looked okay despite the itching sensation.
The 2 words I would use to describe how my skin felt and looked the very next day would be smooth and taut. I was pleasantly surprised with how my skin looked and felt better overnight.
After more than 2 months of using this product, I noticed some bumps on my forehead get flattened out. My skin also continued to appear smoother and tighter. I also did not experience any skin irritation or purging.
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More powerful than the 0.2% concentration [the lowest offered by The Ordinary] suggests. I've been using Superdrug Retinol Serum, a 0.4% retinyl palmitate, 3-4 times a week for around 2 years. I...
About reviewer [173 reviews]
Age56 & Over
SkinDry, Olive, Warm
HairBlack, Wavy, Medium
EyesBrown
Excellent option for a retinol product on a budget and a good “beginners strength” but oh my goodness these dropper bottles are not good for me - being clumsy & forgetful I’ve accidentally left the...
About reviewer [4 reviews]
Age30-35
SkinDry, Fair-Medium, Not Sure
HairBrunette, Other, Other
EyesGreen
I have added this to my nightly regimen and since then, it has not aggravated my skin in any way whatsoever. I do recommend this for someone who is new to retinol products and want to build their...
About reviewer [13 reviews]
Age25-29
SkinDry, Fair
HairBlack
EyesBlack
I'm in my mid 20's with some fine lines on my forehead and undereye area. This is my first retinol product. Initially, I started using it once a week, then twice and the last few months 3 times...
In today’s post I will be sharing my thoughts on The Ordinary 0.2% Retinol in Squalane, and why I ended up returning the product to Deciem together with an unopened 1% Retinol in Squalane that I prematurely purchased.
About The Product
Deciem/ The Ordinary state that:
This water-free solution contains 0.2% pure Retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearances of fine lines, of photo damage and of general skin aging. While Retinol has been studied extensively, it is irritating to the skin and newer technologies exist that mimic the visible effects of Retinol without causing skin irritation. For this reason, we generally recommend using Granactive Retinoid 2% or Granactive Retinoid 5% instead of this formula.The Ordinary’s portfolio of retinoids includes the following formulations:
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion [Moderate Strength, No Irritation]
Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane [Moderate Strength, No Irritation]
Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane [High Strength, No to Low Irritation]
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane [Low Strength, Moderate Irritation]
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane [Moderate Strength, High Irritation]
Retinol 1% in Squalane [High Strength, Very High Irritation]
Caution: Retinol can cause significant irritation, redness and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early stages of treatment while skin builds tolerance. If you have not used high-strength retinol formulas in the past, we strongly recommend that you start your retinol regimen with our Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and adjust to higher strengths of Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and Retinol 1% in Squalane as your skin builds tolerance. You will achieve the same end results without the unpleasant redness and peeling along the way.
Note: Water can affect the stability of retinol. Additionally, plant oils in retinol formulations can trigger lipid peroxidation and can impair retinol integrity. This formula does not contain water, silicones, plant oils or alcohol.
Caution: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. This product is not a treatment for acne. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation.
Note: When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.
Directions Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water-based serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Avoid unprotected solar exposure. Caution: Retinol can cause irritation, redness and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early stages of treatment while skin builds tolerance. If persistent irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. Keep out of reach of children. Refrigerate after opening.
Ingredients
Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis [Jojoba] Seed Oil, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum [Tomato] Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis [Rosemary] Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, BHT.
Quantity & Packaging: 30ml in semi-transparent dark brown UV protected glass bottle with screw on pipette lid.
Appearance & Texture: A dark yellow oil of medium thickness that glides smoothly over the skin.
Scent: Fragrance free but does have the natural smell of oil.
My Experience
As you can see by Deciem’s product description, there were 6 different types of retinols/ retinoids to choose from, with varying strengths and irritation levels. As I’m more familiar with Retinols, I skipped their recommended Granactive Retinoids, and went straight for the lowest strength Retinol they offer, the 0.2% Retinol in Squalane.
There are so many Retinols on the market but I wanted to try this one as it’s the most affordable at £4.20 for 30ml and I knew a little would go a long way. I also hadn’t used a retinol product in quite a long time, so I thought starting off at the lower end would be good for me.
All that being said, I wish I had read the ingredients list properly before purchasing this product, and later prematurely purchasing a higher strength, because it turned out not to be as simple as just retinol in a squalane base as you can see above. Now that’s not a problem for most people who like oils [jojoba oil in this case] and added extracts, however I don’t see the purpose of potential allergens/ irritants such as Tomato Fruit Extract and Rosemary Leaf Extract paired with Retinol which is already known to cause irritation.
I’m not sensitive to Rosemary Leaf Extract fortunately, so I’ve been able to use other products in the past containing that and it’s quite common to come across, however I am allergic to tomatoes so if I had been more mindful and read that all the squalane based retinols and granactive retinoids that The Ordinary offer contain Tomato Fruit Extract, I wouldn’t have purchased it and might have given their Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion a try instead as it doesn’t have that ingredient [maybe one day].
Anyway, I found out the hard way that I can’t use the 0.2% Retinol in Squalane. Here’s what happened:
I purchased the 0.2% Retinol in Squalane last year in July but started testing it out once a week in August, then gave it a break and used it again twice a week from November to December which is when I decided to stop.
The first time I used it, I pressed a few drops into my skin and noticed the product was slightly thicker than the stand alone Squalane product that they sell, but for some reason I didn’t check the ingredients at this point.
It was nice and smooth to apply to the skin but I could feel it sitting on my skin for a while until it fully absorbed. It made my skin soft with a healthy glow but I could see a slight pinkish red undertone to my cheeks and felt a little heat radiating from my skin. I just thought it’s probably the retinol doing it’s thing and paid no attention to it.
I tried it 3 more times that month, and it seemed fine, sometimes certain areas felt slightly itchy and warm and sometimes not but I still didn’t think it was cause for concern; I even replied to a comment in my SPACE NK N.Dulge Deluxe Birthday Gift 2020 post saying that I’ve been testing this out and it seems fine.
I then gave the product a break because I wanted a very basic skincare routine before my wedding ceremony in October and then started using it again in November once a week feeling the same on and off warmth and slight itchiness as before.
In December I decided to use it twice a week and buffer the retinol by mixing it with my moisturising cream. It felt nicer than just applying oil alone, however there still was some itching and after a while my cheek would start twitching. I wondered if it’s because I had been mixing it with a cream, so tried it again on its own few days later, but again, hot, pink flush, slight itchiness and twitching. I hadn’t experienced this in the past with any other retinol product I had used from other brands, and considering 0.2% is such a low strength it seemed a bit odd to me.
This finally prompted me to check the ingredients. Firstly, I was surprised to see more ingredients than expected and secondly, when I saw Tomato Fruit Extract on the list, I realised that what I had been feeling was likely a reaction to that and not the retinol. Also the use by date after opening is 3 months and since at this point it was just over 3 months, there is a possibility that ingredients could have started to go bad, but I still suspect the Tomato Fruit Extract more because I know I’m allergic to it.
I originally thought, after the 0.2%, ill move up to the 0.5% and then the 1%, but during last years Deciem KNOWvember 23% off Sale, I decided to purchase the 1% thinking I can just mix it with a buffer to avoid irritation or purging, but after finding out about the Tomato Fruit Extract I kept it aside to return unopened along with the 0.2% version that I used. Luckily Deciem have a 365 days return policy for products that are more than half full, so I was able to return the products for a full refund.
Will I repurchase? No! but I might try the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion one day as it doesn’t contain tomato fruit extract, any thoughts on that one?
Is 0.2 percent retinol effective?
If you experience skin concerns like uneven skin tone or texture and a visible loss of firmness, try adding a stronger product to your routine: around 0.2% retinol is ideal. Start by using it for two or three nights every week, then build usage to see how your skin responds.
Can I use ordinary 0.2 retinol everyday?
An anti-aging serum with plant derived squalene. Designed to minimise fine lines and reduce the signs of aging, Retinol 0.2% In Squalene is a water-free, solution that should be used daily as part of your evening skincare regime.
What does the ordinary retinol 0.2 do?
This water-free solution contains 0.2% Retinol, a well-studied ingredient that aims to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and textural irregularities. While Retinol has been studied extensively, it can be irritating to the skin for first-time users and requires a build-up of skin tolerance.
What are the side effects of the ordinary retinol 0.2 in squalane?
Caution: Retinol can cause irritation, redness and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early stages of treatment while skin builds tolerance. If persistent irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin.