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Hello and welcome to Beautyistic! Today, we’re talking about a product that’s often hailed as a skincare game-changer: The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane. It’s a gentle retinol serum designed to target fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. But how does it really perform? Let’s dive into the details and see if this serum deserves a place in your routine.
To start, The Ordinary is known for offering potent formulations without the high price tag, so this retinol serum has some big expectations to meet. This one combines 0.2% retinol with squalane, aiming to give you the anti-aging benefits of retinol while keeping things hydrating and soothing with squalane.
Now, retinol itself is a powerhouse ingredient—famous for its ability to promote skin cell turnover, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and even out skin tone. But it can be a bit harsh on sensitive skin, which is where the inclusion of squalane comes in. Squalane is a hydrating agent that mimics your skin’s natural oils, helping to prevent that dryness and irritation that many people associate with retinol.
I’ve been using this serum for a few weeks now, and I’ve got to say—it’s been a surprisingly gentle experience. Retinol can sometimes leave your skin feeling tight or flaky, but with the squalane here, I found that it helped to keep my skin feeling nourished and moisturized. The texture is lightweight but not greasy, absorbing into the skin fairly quickly, making it easy to incorporate into your nighttime routine. I use it after cleansing and toning, right before my moisturizer, and I’ve noticed it doesn’t leave any greasy residue.
In terms of performance, after consistent use, I’ve noticed subtle improvements in my skin’s texture. My fine lines around the eyes seem to have softened just a bit, and my skin tone looks more even. However, don’t expect overnight miracles—retinol is an ingredient that works best over time, and it can take a few weeks or even months to see dramatic results. I also noticed a bit of sensitivity at first, which is totally normal when starting a retinol product. My skin adjusted after about a week, and the irritation didn’t last long.
Let’s get into the pros and cons.
On the plus side, the formula is fragrance-free, which is fantastic for those with sensitive skin or who prefer fragrance-free products. The 0.2% retinol concentration is also a great starting point for anyone new to retinol or those with sensitive skin. Plus, the inclusion of squalane helps balance out the usual dryness that retinol can cause. The packaging is simple, yet effective, with a dropper for easy application, so it’s easy to control how much product you’re using.
On the flip side, the 0.2% retinol strength may not be potent enough for more advanced retinol users. If you’re someone who’s already familiar with retinol and has built up a tolerance, you might not see significant results with this lower concentration. Also, while squalane helps with hydration, some might still find this formula not moisturizing enough, especially if you have drier skin types. In that case, you’d probably need a richer moisturizer to pair with it.
So, what about the value for money? The price point for The Ordinary products is a major selling point—they’re incredibly affordable for the results they promise. Given the quality of the ingredients and how well the product performs, I would say this serum is a great investment if you’re just starting with retinol or want a gentle, yet effective option.
Comparing it to other retinol products on the market, you’ll find that The Ordinary’s formula stands out for its price-to-performance ratio. Many high-end retinol serums will run you $50 or more, but this one is much more affordable while still providing the core benefits of retinol.
As for build quality, the product is well-packaged, and the dropper ensures you don’t waste any product. Given that it’s in a glass bottle, it feels sturdy but not bulky—definitely travel-friendly, though you may want to be cautious of the bottle breaking if dropped.
If you’re looking for an alternative that’s slightly stronger, The Ordinary also offers a 0.5% retinol serum, which could be a good next step once your skin builds a tolerance to the 0.2%. Other brands like Neutrogena or RoC also offer retinol-based products at similar price points, though I find The Ordinary’s formula to be cleaner and more straightforward without unnecessary additives.
So, does it live up to its claims? Yes, it does a good job of improving fine lines, skin texture, and evening out tone—especially for those new to retinol. But, if you’re looking for dramatic, quick fixes, you might need something with a higher concentration of retinol.
Is it worth the price? Absolutely, especially for beginners or those looking for a gentler introduction to retinol. It’s effective, affordable, and simple, making it a great option for any skincare enthusiast.
If you’ve tried this product, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let me know how it worked for you. And if this review has helped you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell icon so other beauty lovers can find this review too! Your support helps us keep creating honest, helpful content.
Thank you so much for watching, and as always—stay beautiful inside and out!
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