Which The Ordinary Retinol To Buy

If there was one skincare ingredient we couldn't live without, it would be Vitamin A.

This powerhouse active can assist in the visible signs of ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture and tone.

The Ordinary offer six different Vitamin A serums, all of which have become incredibly popular here at Adore.

These serums are not only budget-friendly, but also cruelty-free and vegan. Love!

• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2%

• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

• The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

• The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

• The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

But which one should I use? How are they different?

We hear you. Let's get into it, shall we?

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid vs The Ordinary Retinol.

The Ordinary Retinol.

The Ordinary Retinol serum is a classic anti ageing retinol treatment available in 3 different strengths.

The formula is water-free, alcohol-free and silicone-free to ensure the potency and stability of the retinol, and it has a nourishing, moisturising Squalane base to keep skin feeling comfy.

These serums are also nut-free and gluten-free, and suitable for those with normal to dry or very dry skin.

Smoother, more even, more radiant-looking skin is on its way. 

• The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane contains 0.2% pure Retinol, making this a starting-strength retinol product. If you’re new to Vitamin A/ Retinol, this is a good place to start. 

• The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane contains 0.5% Retinol, making this a mid-strength retinol product. 

• The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane has a high-strength formula is suitable for seasoned retinol users, or for those with advanced visible signs of ageing.

If you’re wondering ‘Is The Ordinary Retinol good?’, this baby has over 150 five-star reviews. 

How To Use Retinol From The Ordinary.

If you haven't used retinol previously, start with the Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, and work your way up to higher strengths of Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and then Retinol 1% in Squalane.

Apply a small amount to the face at night as part of your skincare ritual, after cleansing, and before moisturiser.

Start by using it once or twice a week while your skin builds up a tolerance, and avoid using other exfoliants on the same night. 

• If your skin is sensitive, damaged, or compromised, give Retinol a miss.

• Always wear sunscreen during the day.  

• Avoid all Vitamin A products when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Once opened, pop your retinol in the fridge to keep it stable, and use it within a three-month period.

Shop The Ordinary Retinol Products Here:

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid.

‘Retinoid’ is a broad name for any product that contains a derivative of Vitamin A.

But what is The Ordinary Granactic Retinoid?

The Ordinary Retinoid can help improve the appearance of a variety of skin concerns, including pigmentation, dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, texture, scarring, and blemishes.

That's one serious multi-tasker.

How does The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid work, you ask?

This anti-ageing serum works by accelerating the rate of skin cell turnover, making way for fresher, healthier-looking skin.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid is made with two different forms of Retinoids that are easily absorbed by the skin, the main one being Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR), an advanced form of Retinoid that's gentler and less irritating to the skin than other traditional forms of Retinol.

This is blended with a form of pure Retinol in a protective capsule system, which helps in the delivery of the HPR. 

Essentially, The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid offers less of a chance of irritation (redness, peeling, discomfort) compared to other Retinols.

Low risk, big reward. 

Wondering Which The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Should I Use?

Let's break it down:

• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2%: A cult favourite, The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% is one of the most-popular Retinoid products from The Ordinary. This is a lightweight, moderate-strength emulsion with low irritation levels, making it great for all skin types, and even suitable for those using Vitamin A for the first time. 

• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane: If you’re looking for the benefits of Granactive Retinoid and moisturisation, The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane has your back. The light oil base of squalane helps condition the skin while Granactive Retinoid does its thing for a healthy, radiant complexion, making it suitable for normal to dry skin types.

• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane: This is a high-strength serum for seasoned Retinoid users.This little powerhouse helps to brighten and lighten the look of pigmentation, diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin looking smoother by refining skin texture and tone, and offers lightweight hydration thanks to Squalane which leaves skin looking glowy. Divine.

How To Use The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid.

Start with The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid just once a week, and then slowly increase usage up to a maximum of four times a week.

Pop this one after cleansing, and before oils or heavier creams at night, and avoid using other exfoliants on the night that you use it.

Once opened, keep this in the fridge and use it within a three-month period.

Remember to always use sunscreen during the day (We don’t want sun damage to undo all that hard work you’ve put into your skin!

Retinoids should be avoided when pregnant or breastfeeding and should not be used on very sensitive, damaged, or compromised skin.

Shop The Ordinary Granactive Retinoids Here:

The Difference Between The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid and The Ordinary Retinol.

In a nutshell, the main difference between the two is the possibility of irritation.

Granactive Retinoid is less likely to show signs of irritation, while with Retinol, you may see some irritation, peeling or redness.

If you’re new to Vitamin A and looking for a beginner-friendly retinol serum...

Opt for either The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, or The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane.

If you’re looking for a moderate-strength retinol...

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is a good option.

If you’re a seasoned Vitamin A user looking for a high-strength option...

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane or The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane are both fabulous.

Whether you like the sound of The Ordinary Retinol serum or The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid.

If you’re on a budget, these The Ordinary serums are a no-brainer.