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The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
SIZE: 30ml

4.4 of 293 reviews

4.4 of 293 reviews

$18.70

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In Stock

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afterpay
4 installments of $4.68
lay buy
6 weekly interest free
payments from $3.12
6 weekly interest free payments from $3.12
zippay
Own it from $10/week

Most Helpful Positive

Works well

Donna

Works great for my normal skin. Love their range

Is this for you?

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is a water-free solution that contains 1% pure Retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearances of fine lines, of photo damage and of general skin ageing. 

  • Cruelty Free
  • Artificial Fragrance Free
  • Sulphate Free
  • Vegan

What customers say

GREAT - 88% recommend

4.4
Read all reviews

Age:

  • 30s
  • 40s
  • 50+

Skin Concern:

  • First signs of ageing
  • Pigmentation, uneven skin tone
  • Wrinkles and loss of firmness

Skin Type:

  • Dry
  • Normal to dry
  • Normal to oily

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Questions & Answers

(2 Questions)

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

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The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane Reviews

4.4 of 293 reviews

88% recommend this product

  1. 173

  2. 83

  3. 28

  4. 5

  5. 4

Most Helpful Criticism

Doesn't work for me

Tamsin

I didn't like this on my skin
  1. Works well

    Donna

    Works great for my normal skin. Love their range
  2. My favourite

    Katie

    This is my go to Retinol, as someone who suffers with highly sensitive skin and I break out in dermatitis rash from most other products, this one is perfect for me. I put it on after my moisturiser at night and when I wake up my skin is so soft. People at work have asked me what I’ve done because my skin is glowing again, it’s brought the colour back and I no longer have blotchy red and dull skin....
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  3. Irritated my skin :(

    Isabella R

    Wanted to love due to recommendations but it irritated my skin :( The redness it caused made me stop using it completely.
  4. It’s alright

    Karen

    Didn’t love it for my face. I put it on my hands and then wear gloves to bed now to use it up.
  5. Too oily for me

    Lily K

    This was worse for my skin! I prefer the other retinol which is like a milky colour.
  6. Good entry-level retinol

    Han

    I really like this retinol. It’s fairly gentle, though you’d work up to regular use if it’s your first time using one. The oil base is hydrating and soothing without being greasy, and I do think with long term use it helps with fine lines.
  7. Great product

    Emalou

    I love this product, it works in so well with all my other skin care products, the squalene is so moisturising on my skin. Highly recommend
  8. Love this

    J

    So effective this product has really changed my skin for the better. It’s helped clear up my acne, I have minimal scars and it definitely helps with the fine lines. My partner can even tell when I haven’t used for a night or two.
  9. Works great

    Emily

    Helped reduce wrinkles
  10. Hydrating skin

    Steph

    I really wanted to hydrate my skin in the winter months and boy did it come to the party! I’m very happy and still using in the summer time!
  11. Gentle product

    Christina

    Not as effective as retin A but very gentle
  12. A good cheap one for beginners

    Mya

    At this price point I can’t really complain. Very oily but I only use at night. No irritations on my skin from first use.
  13. Amazing product

    Love this!

    Have really noticed a change with my pigmentation with this serum. Great product for a great price!
  14. Excellent Retinol

    Yolande

    I have been using this for years. It definitely helps with fine lines and skin consistency. It is strong, so your skin has to get used to it, but I will always have this in stock.
  15. Most important part of my skincare routine

    Daniel

    It really is that good. Had a bit of irritation after jumping up from the 0.5%, but I used it every second night until that went away, and now use it every day.
  16. Love this product

    Caity

    I was new to retinol and this product is great for first time retinol users. It feels hydrating on my skin and sits well under other layers of my skin care routine.
  17. Good!

    May

    I use this on my body not my face because I find it’s too oily for my skin on my face but works amazing for other areas.
  18. Great product

    Jm

    I absolutely love this product. I use it every night
  19. Acne dark spots!!

    Amber

    This product has been my saving grace for fading out my dark reddish/purple acne scars. Note that I did see some breakouts as my skin got used to using it (first 1-3 weeks) but now I use it every second day and I am seeing amazing results. Will buy this product over and over again.
  20. A fave to have on hand

    Rhi

    I love having this product on hand to slather over my face and décolletage a few times a week! I use just before moisturizing and really enjoy it
  21. Oily texture

    Liv

    I didn’t notice and improvement in my skin after using this for a few months. I also struggled with the oily consistency of it, it didn’t feel pleasant on the skin. Perhaps with longer use it may work for others.
  22. Great for the price

    Jess

    Reliable retinol, amazing for the price!
  23. My best friend!!

    PY

    If a product could be my bestfriend, it would be the ordinary retinol. I use this religiously every second night and the difference!! I’ve been using this product for almost two years now and my skin is so glowy, smooth and as someone who used to deal with acne not only hydrates but helps hyper pigmentation and scarring!!!!! I do wish it came in a supersize bottle though:(
  24. a slight improvement but is strong

    danni

    see a slight improvement when i use this however it is strong. get a rash on my neck / other sensitive areas if i use this too often. prob worth comparing this to other retinols
  25. Not for Me

    Tiahna

    I didn’t really find this product very effective. I experienced purging for about 2 months and found no improvement for the following months. I also didn’t enjoy the oily consistency. It may be effective for some people, just not me.
  26. A great choice for a retinol

    Rylee

    Stepped up to this one from a 0.25% retinol and I did have to start applying every second day before working up to daily PM because it dried out my skin a fair bit in the beginning. The oily consistency was also something to get used to but I am very happy with how even my skin tone is and how much redness has gone down.
  27. Good basic

    Lscott

    Really helps when I have intense breakouts. The next morning they’re noticeably smaller.
  28. Dry, rosacea prone skin.

    ElayneSedai

    I have dry, sensitive, rosacea prone skin and this is my first time using retinol. I have used it daily for two weeks and have had no irritation, not even the irritation that is expected alongside using retinol for the first time. It's easy to apply. Highly recommend
  29. Great value for money!

    Kat

    Such a great Retinol for the price ! Oily consistency, so use is sparingly, a little goes a long way
  30. Amazing results!

    Ana

    This was one of the first retinol products I've ever tried and I must say I wasn't disappointed. It helped me improve my texture and get rid of some of my acne scars. Highly recommended!
  31. Works wonders

    ChalerDee

    I started using this product when I turned 30 and my skin has never looked younger. I started using it every 3 days until my skin was used to it and now it is apart of my PM skincare ritual. The price and results will keep me coming back.
  32. Major Pass

    Anon

    This will do absolutely nothing for you. If you want a retinal that will make a substantial difference to fine lines and ageing, try the Medik8 Crystal Retinal series. I use it and I love it because it works!
  33. Absorbs quickly

    Liz

    I was surprised that how quickly it absorbs into the skin. I have oily skin and I stay away from any product that has oil in it but didn't cause my skin to break out. I use it as part of my night time routine and it left my skin smooth. I will be purchasing the 5% version of this product.
  34. I noticed the difference when I stopped using it

    Andi

    I tried to ease back on how often I was using retinol to see if I could cut costs. After a month or so I really noticed the difference in the small details of how clear my skin was. Very happy to be using it every second night and for this price it is so good. It does pill when layered over the ordinary hyaluronic acid serum.
  35. Ok

    Tiff

    Not bad for the price. Haven't used long but skin feels good using it.
  36. favourite

    ashley

    ive been using the retinol for over a year now.im still young but i can definitely tell the difference with my scars as i have none now and my skin looks and feels better
  37. Not for sensitve types

    RenaeL

    I, unfortunately, couldn't use this for long, I would get an angry red rash on my neck even when I didn't apply it there.
  38. Did help reduce my fine lines

    Umi

    Consistently applying it for 30 days and my fine lines were now almost gone
  39. Great affordable retinol

    Emmylou

    I stopped using expensive retinols and I find this works just as well but without the price tag. Will be purchasing again
  40. Clear and smooth complexion!

    Haz

    Before using this product my skin was textured and had acne scares. After using this product, I noticed the retinol has made my skin definitely extremely clear and smooth! My acne scares have all faded away. I also noticed this product I use this apart of my night routine.
  41. Nice

    N

    makes the skin feel fresher
  42. Good

    V

    Great product for fair price!
  43. Love

    I

    reduce the appearances of fine lines
  44. Nice

    B

    Great brand and the product itself does a fantastic job !
  45. Love

    V

    Great product for fair price!
  46. ya

    torz

    it makes the skin feel fresher bc it takes all that gross skin away, weird to get used to tho
  47. Nice

    W

    Great product for fair price!
  48. Nice

    W

    Great product for fair price!
  49. Great

    S

    the product itself does a fantastic job
  50. Nice

    S

    comforting medium for the high-potency treatment.
  51. Bit strong

    S

    it is too strong for my skin
  52. Good

    Ni

    Great product for fair price
  53. Amazing retional

    Stephanie

    Great brand and the product itself does a fantastic job !
  54. Too strong

    Marta

    I have tried this serum but it is too strong for my skin. I'd rather keep using other serums from this brand.
  55. Like

    V

    Great product for fair price!
  56. G

    Bella

    I'm using it nearly finished didn't see much difference but also no sign of allergy
  57. Useful

    Bea

    assist in the visible signs of ageing
  58. Nice

    B

    I did not find this irritating and have had very similar results to other retinols
  59. Nice

    V

    Can assist in the visible signs of ageing
  60. Good

    L

    Make my skin better
  61. Ok

    W

    So far minimal irritation
  62. Recommend

    L

    is strong and it definitely Work
  63. Good

    Tim

    long-lasting oily
  64. Ok

    T

    Good for beginners to retinol
  65. Great

    Lm

    This is my fav retinol, it is strong and it definitely makes my wrinkles appear less obvious.
  66. Good

    K

    Make my skin better
  67. Value

    C

    Great product for fair price! Love it and use it
  68. Ok

    W

    Good for beginners to retinoL
  69. Recommend

    Ma

    The only thing I don't like is the long-lasting oily feeling
  70. Great

    O

    see the difference in my skin tone
  71. Fresh

    K

    I love this product, my skin has improved so much
  72. Work

    O

    Make my skin better then better
  73. Good product!

    Ruby

    I have oily skin that can be problematic around my cycle. I am very experienced with skin care so have used retinol for many years and find a higher strength more effective. I did not find this irritating and have had very similar results to other retinols used in the past with 1/2 the price tag. Very happy!
  74. Made a real difference

    LH

    I found this didn't irritate my skin the first time I used it, although I worked my way up. I have very tolerant skin and no sensitivity. I jumped back on to this strength after pregnancy/breastfeeding and it was too much at first. I had to go slow and mix it with moisturiser. Once I did that, it was great. Niacinamide first also helped.
  75. Acne fighter

    HD

    I started using this for first signs of ageing, but now can not go without it for quicker recovery of acne flare ups and spot treatment. I experience quicker healing times (especially if I have had a squeeze) using this product. I started on the 0.5% but quickly progressed for stronger!
  76. Great and Starting Young

    Ellie

    I'm starting to use retinoid products quite early on. I find this product to be quite harsh at the start until the skin adjusts, as it peels and stings around the eyes in the first few uses. I can definitely say my skin has become more tolerant to it and I can see my skin does look smoother. The only thing I don't like is the long-lasting oily feeling, but great other than that.
  77. Good for beginners

    Kaur

    Good for beginners to retinol as it is not that intense but ultimately it didn't show any results. I ended up using a different retinol.
  78. Good

    Kb1126

    Definitely worth the price, makes my skin very fresh and smooth and is gentle enough to use on a nightly basis. However have use better retinol products (at double or more the price)
  79. Cant get enough of this

    Melly

    I love this product, my skin has improved so much
  80. My skin loves this product!

    Sinead

    My skin has aged backward since using this Little goes a long way My skin has changed so much for the better since!
  81. THIS IS A STAPLE. LOVE!

    Bec

    I don't have anything to compare it to as it is the first time using retinol. This is great value-for-money and lasts so long! My skin definitely peeled and dried out for the first few weeks as I went too heavy too quickly, however after my dry skin peeled, my baby skin appeared. THIS IS A STAPLE. LOVE!
  82. Great deal

    Natalia

    Great product for fair price! Love it and use it!
  83. NOT for sensitive skin.

    G

    This product is NOT suitable for people with sensitive skin. It causes high irritation and burns. My skin is peeling, and very sensitive to touch. My skin has never been this sensitive. However, I love the squalene oil in the formula. It's a dry, lightweight oil that makes my skin feel smooth when I wake up. A little goes a long way as it just sits on your face, if you apply too much of it.
  84. Fav retinol

    Chris

    This is my fav retinol, it is strong and it definitely makes my wrinkles appear less obvious.
  85. Pleasantly surprised

    Hayley

    I was a bit skeptical of this because it is so much cheaper than any other retinol serum. I was pleasantly surprised with the beautiful feel of this oil, and that it does not cause a negative reaction at all! I have only been using for 2 weeks, so will wait to see the effects.
  86. Pleasantly surprised!

    Hayley

    Was skeptical of this because of price but it actually feels beautiful on my skin and gives me no irritation or dry skin! Will see if I can see positive effects in the next few weeks.
  87. Cheap & Effective

    Elly

    I started my retinol journey with The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% and have now moved on to this product. I use it every 2-3 days and each morning I wake up so glowy. My skin is really enjoying this product and the fact that it is suspended in squalane means it does not dry my skin out or cause dry patches. I love this product.
  88. My go to

    Abby Lundberg

    For the price point this doesn't disappoint. It doesn't irritate my skin like some retinols do. It's my reliable, trusty, affordable retinol.
  89. love it!

    Kezia

    i saw an immediate improvement to the clarity and radience of my skin. For the price point and product's equality, this product can't be beat.
  90. Well-priced retinol

    Nat

    I've purchased this 2 times now, never had any reactions with it. It's the best priced retinol as well!
  91. great product!

    leel

    Retinol serum that helps with FINE lines and anti aging. Very cost effective. Does not have significant effect on acne and has a greasy texture.
  92. ok considering the price

    Char

    It's an okay product if you take the price into consideration. It feels like a thick oil and won't sink into the skin properly. But I'm sure it does it's job.
  93. Perfect for uneven skin tone

    Elana Withnall

    I love this product and the difference it has made to the overall texture of my skin Definitely use SPF when using this treatment at night as it makes skin more sensitive but improves hormonal breakouts massively
  94. my intro retinol

    Laura

    I'm 24 and started using retinol for the first time & this was a beautiful intro! No irritations whatsoever- the consistancy takes a bit of getting used to but otherwise I'm loving it! Not sure what the impacts are so far but patience is key
  95. i like it!

    anna

    Has a very oily consistency which I didn't expect, but I really like it! Hasn't irritated my skin thus far and will purchase again when I run out
  96. Wonderfull

    Mans

    I started with low dose retinol for first time but I smothered it in every night no reaction no nothing but beautiful skin next morning the best budget you can get just ordered the %5 one excited to try it
  97. Good starter product

    Bella

    Great starter Retinol. Obviously can be strong and drying when used wrong - I like to mix it with my hyaluronic acid for smoother and diluted application.
  98. Lovely

    Monie

    This is an exceptional starter product for Vitamin A skincare. It's gentle and non-irritating, plus I experience visible (overight) effects. I've moved on from this one now to somethign a bit stronger, but I go back to it if I feel my skin needs a break but I still want to keep going with vitamin A in a mild, gentle way. I don't think my skin would have tolerated stronger treatments if I hadn't be...
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  99. Excellent

    V

    Excellent and affordable anti ageing retinol serum! Squalane works well with my dry skin as well. Will repurchase for sure
  100. Quality!

    Rebecca

    Love The Ordinary range and wanted to incorporate retinol into my skincare routine so thought I should give this a go. So far so good, it has only been a couple of weeks but it appears to be working. I did go a little heavy handed initially so watch out, it’s strong, and definitely wear SPF during the day.
  101. Review & Earn
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