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This highly stable, water-free, high strength age-defying solution features 0.5% pure retinol. This special form of vitamin A has been proven to minimise fine lines, improve pigment problems, revitalise skin and make its overall appearance fresher and more youthful. As retinol can cause irritation, The Ordinary recommends beginning your regimen with lower concentrations (such as {Retinol 0.2% in Squalane}) to allow skin to build up tolerance.
Water- and silicone-free, The Ordinary’s Retinol 0.5% in Squalane features highly stable retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearance of ageing with impressive results. A powerhouse form of vitamin A, retinol encourages cell turnover, revealing healthier, softer skin while also tackling blemishes, dark spots and defying signs of ageing – including softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and uneven tone. Retinol can cause significant irritation, including redness and peeling – but many feel that its significant effects counterbalance this; The Ordinary recommends building your skin’s tolerance to retinol with lower concentrations such as {Retinol 0.2% in Squalane} to minimise discomfort.
Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Avoid unprotected solar exposure. Store in a cool, dry place.
Note: When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.
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.
Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, BHT
Transparency lies at the heart of our philosophy which is why we have partnered with tech-platform – Provenance – to cut through the industry ‘noise’ and equip you with key facts that matter. A 'proof point' with a green tick means a third party has verified the accuracy of the statement whereas no green tick means that there isn't independent confirmation (yet!), but that the brand has still supplied substantiating evidence (which you can view yourself). Discover the proof points for this product below.
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Total Price: 15.10€
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The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.5% in Squalane 30ml
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This highly stable, water-free, high strength age-defying solution features 0.5% pure retinol. This special form of vitamin A has been proven to minimise fine lines, improve pigment problems, revitalise skin and make its overall appearance fresher and more youthful. As retinol can cause irritation, The Ordinary recommends beginning your regimen with lower concentrations (such as {Retinol 0.2% in Squalane}) to allow skin to build up tolerance.
Water- and silicone-free, The Ordinary’s Retinol 0.5% in Squalane features highly stable retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearance of ageing with impressive results. A powerhouse form of vitamin A, retinol encourages cell turnover, revealing healthier, softer skin while also tackling blemishes, dark spots and defying signs of ageing – including softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and uneven tone. Retinol can cause significant irritation, including redness and peeling – but many feel that its significant effects counterbalance this; The Ordinary recommends building your skin’s tolerance to retinol with lower concentrations such as {Retinol 0.2% in Squalane} to minimise discomfort.
Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Avoid unprotected solar exposure. Store in a cool, dry place.
Note: When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.
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.
Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, BHT
Transparency lies at the heart of our philosophy which is why we have partnered with tech-platform – Provenance – to cut through the industry ‘noise’ and equip you with key facts that matter. A 'proof point' with a green tick means a third party has verified the accuracy of the statement whereas no green tick means that there isn't independent confirmation (yet!), but that the brand has still supplied substantiating evidence (which you can view yourself). Discover the proof points for this product below.
Frequently Bought Together



Total Price: 15.10€
Add both to basket
Customer Reviews
Top Customer Reviews
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Great first retinol product
This product is great. It's my first time using retinol products so I wanted to try a small retinol percentage. I went for this 0.5% instead of a 0.1%. I started by using it every other night for a week and then every night from the second week onwards. It prickles a little sometimes so I put it on a few hours before going to sleep as it was a bit itchy. I took this as a sign of it working...It's been four weeks now and while retinol products are the most beneficial over a long period of consistent use, I already feel a difference in my skin. I am 29 and my skin needed a bit of extra help. It feels smoother and looks brighter, and even a couple creases on my neck are looking less defined and more faint. I will continue using these and eventually go for the 1%. The Squalane oil the retinol is in also seems to be great for the skin, I didn't get any dry skin problems while using this, which is a common complaint with retinol products. Overall, I recommend this product.
Report this reviewRetinol
Definitely love it. Pores become less after applying it for a few days. Cause of the light percentage no problems on the skin.
Report this reviewI’m hooked!
After wanting to try retinol for a long time and reading about The Ordinary’s great reviews I decided to give it a go! I started with their 0.1% and have now moved onto this one and I can definitely see a difference! My skin is much smoother and brighter. The bottle also lasts a long time - only a few drops every other night has transformed my skin and also great on price and quality! Highly recommend.
Report this reviewTHE ORDINARY Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Love this product. Working wonders. My skin feels softer than ever and starting to reduce small wrinkles. Used for 3 weeks so far. Once I've finished this bottle I'll move to the next strength.
Report this reviewnice retinol starter
I'm just starting with retinol and on the advice of Astoria at Cult Beauty I bought this to start with and I'm happy with it. It reacts well with my skin and it feels really soft and looks good the next day. Am building my skin up with this one and then will increase the percentage with the next bottle.
Report this reviewDidn't see any effects
This is my first bottle of retinol, to be honest. I thought I would first try the 0,5, to be more gentle on my skin. But it just doesn't do anything for my skin. This is the third item i'm trying from the ordinary, but it's just disappointing.
Report this reviewKnow your skin...
I agree with Rachel, you need to know your skin if you want to use retinol products. I have used retinol products before and they have made my skin irritated and sore because the retinol content was too high and I applied too much. Start slowly, with a lower retinol content and use every other night to slowly increase tolerance (at least 2 weeks). I always apply a light moisturizer after I have applied the retinol (a little goes a very long way, a few drops is sufficient) and in the morning I wash the retinol off and continue my cleaning routine (keep it simple, a soap free cleanser is recommended by most dermatologists). Plus, when using retinol you should use a really good moisturizer, 50+ factor, every day as the skin becomes light sensitive. I find it best not best to use these products in the summer time as skin can become sensitive, so this is my winter regime. I love this product, my skin has become softer and my scars are fading. In terms of price, this is the cheapest I have comes across and does the job if used wisely and with care.
Report this reviewGreat product but follow the rules
Heed my warning: before using retinol, read, research, know your skin and start slow. I have been building up from the 0.2% and the suspense in squalane really suits my skin. I told a dr and an aesthetician that I was using retinol as part of my regime (I'm 29), they both suggested using salicylic acid on congested areas and closed comedones. I should have ignored this as I had no issues at that point and the retinol had been working. this actually created more congestion and cystic acne. Back to the retinol and my skin is clearing. Because it's so cheap, I even use it on my back. The active ingredient in a dropper bottle is compromised when it is exposed to light and oxygen so you should change it after a month of use to get the same effect and always keep it closed and tucked away. Again, it's so reasonably priced that this is fine. I can't wait to try the 1% which is sitting in my drawer ready.
Report this reviewThis ruined my skin!!!
This product ruined my skin after only 4 days! My cheeks and under eye area are now all crepey and ruined!! I am 25 and I look like I have the skin of an 80 year old!!! I am so upset and I cant even get my skin back to normal, please research before you buy, it doesn't react the same with everyone.
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