Is The Ordinary’s Retinol in Squalane the Perfect Retinol for Beginners?
Main Image – Courtesy of writer
Who doesn’t love retinol? I know I do. An ingredient that helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, can unblock pores, increases cell turnover for brighter skin, and can help fight breakouts – what’s not to love?
But, it can be quite hard to start incorporating into your routine, and there are often side effects you may have to work through (thinking dryness or flaking).
The potency and frequency of use are very important when it comes to starting retinol and with so many formulations, brands, and percentages on the shelves, it can be difficult to decide which one to start with.
When I started incorporating retinol into my routine, I went with one of my favourite brands – The Ordinary. So how did my combination skin get on with the 0.5% Retinol in Squalane Serum (£7.80/$8.60) from this affordable and accessible skincare brand?
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
While the advice on retinol is generally to start on a low concentration, since my skin isn’t particularly sensitive, I went for the 0.5%.
I also tried this higher strength because squalane is included (an ingredient I already love), and I hoped it would help to keep my skin hydrated and avoid too much flaking.
Image – The Ordinary
The brand itself says that the “formula is supported with squalane, a moisturising agent naturally found in your skin that enhances surface-level hydration and helps combat the dryness that can be associated with retinol use.”
The serum comes in the typical The Ordinary packaging – a brown, 30ml glass bottle with a pipette for easy use. Nothing out of the ordinary here (sorry for the terrible pun).
This makes it great for ease of use and travel, and a little goes a very long way when it comes to using retinol – forget using a whole pipette’s worth of product, this one is used sparingly and carefully.
My results
I started using this one evening a week after cleansing and moisturising. Because squalane is an oil, I used this as the last step in my routine.
Within weeks, I noticed some very obvious changes in my skin; mainly it felt quickly smoother and less congested.
But how long did it take to get results and when could I start upping the ante?
Once I’d used the serum one night a week for around I month, I started using it twice a week leaving a few days in between for my skin to recover.
At this point, pleasingly I actually had compliments from friends who said my skin looked brighter, fresher, and smoother.
Once I upped my schedule to three times a week though, I did notice some irritation, flaking, dryness, and an obviously irritated skin barrier.
A this point, I took the retinol out of my routine for a couple of weeks and stuck to a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, and a simple moisturiser until my skin felt repaired.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Now I’ve managed to build up my use to three times a week again, and this now seems to be the perfect amount for my skin. I can genuinely notice the day after I’ve used it and I now regularly have friends asking me what I use on my skin.
In theory, it’s most likely time for me to increase the percentage of the retinol I’m using, but why mess with a good thing?
This is usually my motto when it comes to trying skincare. I like to stick to what works and not use too many ingredients at once. After all, how can you know what works if you don’t give it a fighting chance and if you’re using load of new products at the same time?
It’s also worth mentioning that I’ve tried this serum on my thighs, shoulders, and even my bum. And I can honestly say they’re the smoothest they’ve every felt, with no signs of blocked hair follicles or “strawberry skin”.
It’s also helped the bumpy skin on my shoulders (I also use CeraVe’s SA Bumpy Skin Cleanser on my back and shoulders and that is great for bacne).
What other people have to say
I’m not alone in loving this retinol.
One customer on The Ordinary’s website, who says she also has combination skin, writes “I was struggling with deep cystic pimples on my cheeks and decided to give this a go, and i have been surprised by the results. I havent developed a new cyst since i have started when i would get a new one every week before ! I have also noticed a huge different in my skin texture and i have only been using this for 2 weeks! Try it!”
Another customer, this time with an oily skin type, writes “I started using this product one month ago. I’m 44, have oily skin with large pores and it can look quite uneven. After just one month I can see my skin is more radiant and smoother.”
Image – The Ordinary
The takeaway
Overall, I feel like I’ve hit gold and found the perfect retinol for my own non-sensitive, combination skin.
For those who have drier or more sensitive skin though, I would generally recommend trying a lower percentage retinol to start with.
But if you’ve used retinol before and you’re skin is already used to it, this is a great intermediate serum to build up more tolerance. Either way though, for the price here The Ordinary have definitely pulled off something impressive; a retinol that delivers but doesn’t break the bank.
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