The Ordinary Retinol

The Ordinary Retinol Products

Applying pure Retinol directly can be too overwhelming for the skin so a cream infused with retinol is the best and safest option. The Ordinary offers retinol serums and creams in different strengths and compounds. It is important that you start with a low strength product first to see if your skin can build tolerance against it. Once that happens, switch to a higher strength until the desired results are achieved. Following are the products by The Ordinary that contain retinol.

1. Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

2. Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

3. Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

4. Retinol 1% in Squalane

5. Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

6. Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

The Ordinary Retinol Benefits

Retinol products by The Ordinary can clear acne, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and increase skin cell turnover. It is antiageing and reduces signs of ageing with continued usage.

It is known to encourage collagen production, making the skin look firmer and smoother. If you have dark circles around the eyes, Retinol can tackle them but make sure not to get the product in the eyes or too close to the lips.

Using The Ordinary Retinoids can help get rid of melasma and hyperpigmentation on the skin. This can lighten and brighten the skin over time as it is considered a powerful antioxidant.

Pro Tips

The best age to start retinol cream is in your mid-20s or early 30s when most people start showing slight signs of ageing. The right time to apply The Ordinary Retinol is at night. While using this, never overlap with products containing Vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide or AHA/BHA acids as it can damage the skin. 

Retinol containing products can cause the skin to turn red or peel, causing a lot of irritation. If you haven't used high strength retinoids in the past, it is best to use the 0.5% retinoid in Squalane first and then gradually increase strength once the skin has adjusted. Otherwise, the skin can get damaged and the irritation may be too painful.

Warning

Since retinol can cause irritation and redness, it makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. It is important to limit sun exposure and to wear a good broad-spectrum sunscreen every day even if you are not going out during the day.

Also, while using it under the eyes to remove dark circles, one must be very careful as it can make the delicate under-eye skin thinner and sensitive with prolonged use. Retinol can also cause some skin types to become overly dry so make sure to consult a skin care expert before use. It is very important that you don't exceed the dose your doctor or aesthetician has recommended for you.