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The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% - 30ml
SIZE: 30ml

4.6 of 870 reviews

4.6 of 870 reviews

$19.30

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In Stock

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Most Helpful Positive

Love it

Staple

An absolute staple in my skin routine, wouldn’t be without it now

Is this for you?

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% combines two forms of next-generation retinoid actives in a combined concentration of 2% by weight.
  • Cruelty Free
  • Artificial Fragrance Free
  • Sulphate Free
  • Vegan

What customers say

SUPERIOR - 94% recommend

4.6
Read all reviews

Age:

  • 20s
  • 30s
  • 40s
  • 50+

Eye Concern:

  • Age Prevention
  • Deep Lines

Skin Concern:

  • Acne, breakouts and blackheads
  • Dull, dry or dehydrated skin
  • First signs of ageing
  • Pigmentation, uneven skin tone
  • Wrinkles and loss of firmness

Skin Type:

  • Dry
  • Normal to dry
  • Normal to oily
  • Oily

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Questions & Answers

(43 Questions)

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% - 30ml

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% - 30ml

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The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% - 30ml Reviews

4.6 of 870 reviews

94% recommend this product

  1. 627

  2. 193

  3. 38

  4. 11

  5. 1

Most Helpful Criticism

Not sure if this is effective, mildly irritating

Dasha

I purchased this several times, and thought my skin was just sensitive, but as soon as I stopped using it, I no longer had the red sensitive skin I seemed to be...
  1. Love it

    Staple

    An absolute staple in my skin routine, wouldn’t be without it now
  2. Good quality

    Lulu

    The formulation of this retinoid is really gentle and my skin wakes up with a bit more of a glow. It's worth trying for the price! However, I think one of the ingredients causes bumpy skin for me.
  3. Budget retinoid

    Sweet Pea

    Like the consistency of this in the emulsion but the 2% isn't quite strong enough for my skin. Also use this on décolletage. It's a gentle retinoid and good value for money.Good if you are starting out with retinoids.
  4. Amazing

    Aysha

    The only affordable, good quality retinol you will find!
  5. Haven't noticed a difference

    Scarlet

    I had high hopes for this product but haven't really noticed a difference to be honest. It's quite oily which does feel hydrating but won't be repurchasing
  6. Haven’t seen results

    Leish

    Unfortunately I haven’t seen results after consistently using. It has a milky texture and a bit of a chemical smell.
  7. One of my faves

    Mya

    The milky texture feels great on my skin. I use it every other day at night. My skin glows after using this. Excellent value product !
  8. My first retinoid

    Robii

    As a first timer I’ve found this fabulous. I started low n slow only using twice weekly and initially my skin broke out, but only for a week. Since then I use religiously 3-4 times per week, my skin has zero breakouts and pores are barely noticeable.
  9. In it for the long haul

    DaniExfoliates

    I really like the texture of this serum. It is easy to apply and layer. I’ve only been able to work up to 2 times a week without experiencing irritation. It is very tempting to put on too much so I’m still learning self control! I’ve been using this for about two and a half months and think I’m on the other side of the purge. The increased breakouts (and subsequent PIH) were almost enough to make ...
    Read More
  10. Sensitive

    Josie

    My skin is a bit too sensitive for this product but it did always feel nice going on.
  11. Very ordinary

    Says

    I have been using this daily for weeks and have not noticed a difference. It’s so gentle that it’s ineffective. Normally even with a lower strength retinol my skin starts to get too dry, especially around the eyes, if I use it too many days in a row. Nothing like that with this one which is not a good thing as it tells me it’s not doing anything. I had previously used the one in oil and saw resu...
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  12. OK

    RM

    Did provide some improvement to skin texture but also irritated in patches.
  13. Impressed

    Jacqui

    Great for the price
  14. Obsessed

    Mia

    I'm not exaggerating when I say this stuff has transformed my skin. It's both gentle enough not to irritate my already compromised skin barrier when used twice a week and effective enough to give me baby butt smooth skin. Pores? Don't know her. Texture? Gone. My skin is so firm, soft and even. I have literally no complaints other than I wish my sensitive snowflake skin could use it more but twice ...
    Read More
  15. It works wonders!

    Ana

    This serum works wonders on my combo skin. It helps with my acne and acne scars. Highly recommended!
  16. Best ever

    Kour

    Oh. this product is just fabulous. I used this almost every night from last week and i got really positive results. Highly recommended
  17. Nice texture

    Anna

    I prefer the emulsion texture if this to the oily feel of the squalene version. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and pleasantly hydrated after it has absorbed. I used retrieve for quite a while which was very effective but caused reddening in my skin. While this is not as strong it does not seem to have that effect although it is still beneficial. I avoid using it on my neck every night though beca...
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  18. Helpec clear up skin

    C

    Been using this every 2-4 days. This combined with niacinamide has cut down my scarring immensely. Very gentle, have gotten no irritation. My main criticism is that a PAO of 3 months is way too short.
  19. Non irritating retinoid!

    Tee

    First time using a retinoid and this feels great, absorbs into the skin well with the emulsion.
  20. Great product for price

    Kate

    Great price point for this product, and a beginners retinol. I have since moved onto other products, because I needed something stronger, but this is a great place to start. Was slightly irritating, so look out for that. I have rosacea and this flares it up, but other retinols dont
  21. My first time using a retinol

    The extra-ordinary

    I love this!!! Be careful through summer as it makes your skin super sensitive to the sun. My freckles have all but disappeared after using this intermittently every few days. I see an instant difference after applying it.
  22. Beginner friendly

    Nell

    I am a retinol beginner at 32 with dry skin. I started by saying this once per week for 3 weeks and then stepped up to twice a week. I am currently using it every other day and I havent had any issues with ongoing irritation. It did cause skin to briefly purge for about 2 weeks but it has been significantly improved since. I will be buying this again.
  23. Great for fine lines

    Kat

    Abslutely love this and is not harsh on the skin at all. I use roughly 2-3 times a week and feel my skin is glowing and fine lines are less apparent
  24. Time will tell...

    Krissy

    This was my first purchase of a retinoid serum - so far so good, but I haven't noticed any major improvements yet. But I assume this takes time. Will update soon!
  25. Nice

    V

    Great product at a reasonable price
  26. Nice

    W

    super reasonable price
  27. Nice

    V

    easy to apply and doesn't sting
  28. Good

    Dash

    Helps prevent the formation of wrinkles
  29. Good

    L

    Great product at a reasonable price
  30. Good

    B

    lasts for ages and is a super reasonable price
  31. Great

    W

    easy to apply and doesn't sting
  32. Great

    B

    lasts for ages and is a super reasonable price
  33. Well

    Nick

    Helps prevent the formation of wrinkles
  34. Non-irritating

    Georgia

    I bought this product after hearing reviews that it would be ideal for first time retinol users. I found this product to work well for and to be non-irritating on my sometimes sensitive skin.
  35. Great product at a reasonable price

    Lizzielou

    This product has a thin milky texture that is easy to apply and doesn't sting or burn. It lasts for ages and is a super reasonable price. Can't speak to its effectiveness, as I use so many products, but I trust the Ordinary and am happy to continue using.
  36. Like

    N

    very creamy and milky and sinks in easily
  37. Awesome

    Belinda

    Very gentle and great value for money!
  38. WOW, so good for the price point.

    Jess

    This is my first retinol product and I am so impressed with what you get for the price. It smells nice, has a great consistency and goes well onto the skin. I'm 25 without any signs of aging yet, so retinol is more of a preventative for me. I feel my skin is ready for a stronger retinol so I'll try something else from The Ordinary's range next.
  39. Nice

    B

    lovely, very creamy and milky
  40. Good

    Gi

    very creamy and milky and sinks in easily
  41. Great product

    Mel

    This product has a milky consistency when applied on the skin and feels great. It definitely works.
  42. Staple

    NatL

    I didnt know what to expect with this serum, but for the price point I was extremely surprised and impressed. It makes my skin firm, even and reduces the look of fine lines. Ive repurchased over and over.
  43. Fast results

    Noemia

    I can already feel my skin feeling so good on the day after I use this product! I am not sure about the long term results, but I already like the smell does not put me off like other retinols I tried before and the consistency is perfect! As soon as you apply the skin takes it in! I will continue using to look for long term results.
  44. Good

    D

    sinks in easily
  45. Good

    S

    Gentle and yet effective
  46. Be careful

    Claudia

    Definitely an effective retinol, just be careful especially if you have sensitive skin or are new to using retinol as it is definitely strong. I personally can only use this once per week but i do have extremely sensitive skin.
  47. Nice

    S

    Gentle and yet effective
  48. Love the consistency

    Grace

    The consistency of this product is lovely, very creamy and milky but sinks in easily. This has never irritated my sensitive skin so is a big winner
  49. Good

    S

    Will continue to purchase!
  50. Amazing

    S

    This is such great value
  51. I like it, doesn't break me out

    MayZ

    Some Retinoids set off my acne pretty bad so I'm glad I've found one that doesn't. Gentle and yet effective
  52. Can't live without

    Kikki

    This is such great value. I have been using it every second night for awhile and my skin is looking great. It feels nice on my skin and I don't get a reaction. I have already repurchased and will continue to use this.
  53. Obsessed

    Kit

    This product is so glorious, have been using a few times a week for several months and my skin is looking so even and clear! I bought for fine wrinkles, didn't know it would do so much for my breakouts as well. Will continue to purchase!
  54. LOVE THIS

    Catherine

    This is an amazing product if you 1. Are looking for your first retinol/retinoid and want something effective but gentle. 2. Prefer a creamy formula over an oil base. I have been using for a few months now and have noticed a difference in my fine lines and general skin texture and tone. It has a scent but fades quickly and is not unpleasant. My usual routine is to use this 2-3 times per week in ...
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  55. Not sure

    A

    I did not see a noticeable reduction in wrinkles, but these things are really difficult to gauge.
  56. Great

    W

    Highly recommended! It decreases my adult acne and works wonders. I would definitely repurchase it for my evening skincare routine. The hype is real!
  57. Did not notice too much change

    Carly

    I am not sure this did alot for me. I would be interested in repurchasing just bc of the price but it didn't have major changes on my skin
  58. Good

    Y

    This product spreads really well. It feels so smooth, smells great and is so soothing on the skin.
  59. Love it

    Courtney

    Big fan of this product and have been using it for about a year now, definitely helps with pigmentation and reducing blemishes from acne scarring
  60. Perfect for acne and anti-aging

    Marta

    I bought this emulsion for my acne but it works wonders for skin complexion too. I highly recommend it.
  61. Excellent for acne and the first wrinkles

    Marta

    Highly recommended! It decreases my adult acne and works wonders. I would definitely repurchase it for my evening skincare routine. The hype is real!
  62. OK no redness no results?

    Mezz

    I have been using Granactive 2% for 2 months and have found it easy to apply and have had no reaction or redness at all,I am using it every evening now. In fact I am wondering if it is doing anything at all? No signifcant changes I can see, unlike The Buffet which I love and feel and see the results. I may purchase and start using the 5% shortly to see if there is any difference. I won't say i...
    Read More
  63. One of my favs

    Lara

    I use this alternative nights and think it is wonderful. Would recommend! However if you re just starting out using a Vitamin A i would recommend working your way up to the stronger ones so your skin gets used to it. Wonderful texture and have noticed my mum lines fading slightly.
  64. Not for sensitive skin

    Kat

    My skin reacted to this product. Felt like it was on fire and resulted in breakouts! Customer care team was amazing and allowed me to return the product.
  65. So soothing and great smell

    Sofia

    This product spreads really well. It feels so smooth, smells great and is so soothing on the skin. I absolutely love this product as a night serum and wear it a few times a week.
  66. Excellent for acne.

    Ana

    This emulsion is ideal for adult acne. I apply it daily after using other serums from the same brand. I couldn't be happier with the results from the very first use. It feels soft and doesn't cause any reaction to my combustion acne skin. Highly recommended.
  67. Be careful of purging

    B

    This can cause your skin to purge at first, but not bad.
  68. Amazing

    Izzy

    Ive only been using for about a month, but I have already noticed it had helped to fade my acne scars and has helped prevent breakouts. I love it so much
  69. Great intro to retinols

    K

    Great for sensitive skin looking to start retinols. Smooths texture and blemishes
  70. Love love love

    Ramin

    This product has changed my skin texture completely. My skin went from textured with acne scarring and regualar breakouts to clear and plump. It is my holy grail product and now both my sisters are using and loving it.
  71. Great

    Shan

    I really like this product. I didn't have any reaction and I noticed gradual improvements in fine lines
  72. Amazing

    Tia

    I really enjoy using this product. It has improved my skin a lot
  73. Great alternative to Retinol

    Lissa Hisshion

    I have used over-the-counter Retinol before and my skin got so irritated so I've stopped using it. I have since been using a doctor-prescribed Retinoid cream and have used that for years. But the cream I get from my dermatologist is not cheap. Then I discovered The Ordinary last month while researching online for my teenage daughter's skincare for acne-prone skin. I started using The Ordinary Gran...
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  74. Favourite Ordinary Product

    BB

    I absolutely love this one, it's lovely to put on in the PM and feels great as a lightweight cream. I've seen definite improvement in my skin since using and it doesn't cause any irritation, would love if they brought out a 5%
  75. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% - 30ml

    lezel

    great product! not overly drying. I feel like its helped with acne without causing irritation
  76. Silky Smooth

    Abinaya

    its a great product and good for skin
  77. Mild and effective

    Joanna

    I use a few times a week at night. Just a few drops spreads well and I've had no problems at all. The fine print says to store it in the fridge, so that's what I do. It's just what I wanted to add to my skin care regimen - retinol that's kind on skin and affordable. Really happy with this product.
  78. Good product

    Melissa

    This retinoid is great, not irritating on the skin at all, and adds well into my skincare routine. I've started to use this 4-5 times a week
  79. Good starter retinol

    milkandhoney

    This is great starter retinol, it is gentle and not very irritating however I moved onto heavier concentration once my skin got used to it.
  80. Great results so far!

    Abbi

    I moved onto this from the .5% squalane, and wow. This is so much nicer to use as it isn't so oily. The emulsion is lovely to put on, it doesn't go as far as the squalane but I prefer it for the comfort of it since i put it on before bed. The results have been so good too, really enjoying firmer and younger feeling skin.
  81. Surpassed my expectations

    Christina

    Based on what I had read about retinoids, I expected this product to take a couple of months to work but I was very surprised to see that my skin improved within a week and has been continuing to improve over time with use (about 6 weeks now). I did not experience any irritation, either. I have less pigmentation on my cheeks, improved skin texture (I look less bumpy), my pores appear smaller and I...
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  82. Only had for a week

    Tee

    I have only had this product for a week but my skin feels amazing to touch already as well as glowing
  83. Skincare must have.

    Kirsten Bennett

    This is my first experience using a retinoid product. My skin is often very reactive and was expecting some redness and irritation but did not happen a bit! I have seen a difference in my skin from one use and looking forward to seeing some long term results! For the price you cannot afford to not try it!
  84. Great introductory vitamin A

    Daria

    This was the first retinoid or retinol product I used and its really good, I didn't have any negative reactions to it, but skin felt nice after using it (the texture is quite nice) and my skin developed a nice glow shortly after using it) and for the price you cannot beat this product. I've not switched over to a prescription tret but I still use this on my decolletage and love it.
  85. No irritation

    Deepu21

    This was the first retinoid product I used and to my surprise I experienced no irritation or sensitivity at all. This product has a smooth application and absorbs well into my skin.
  86. Great for first time users

    Sarah

    I have used this product for about a month now Easy to apply and use. Also makes your skin feel smoother after use. Great price compared to other brands. Excited to keep using to continue seeing results.
  87. Must Have

    NSmith

    I have used other Retinoid products before and this is by far my favourite. I have no irritation or sensitivity when using it. Goes on smoothly and absorbs into my skin perfectly. I do wake up with oily skin the next morning but nothing that a good wash won't fix.
  88. Love the consistency

    Grace

    I have quite sensitive skin but this product is a winner! The creamy consistency of the product is my favourite thing about it, it feels lovely when applied and hydrating enough to use alone at night-time. A great gentle retinol product for my sensitive and younger skin (I'll probably need to change to something stronger when my skin ages more).
  89. Great Affordable Product!

    Annette

    I am obsessed with this Retinoid by The Ordinary. I have sensitive skin but I have using this a few times a week and I haven't noticed any sensitivity. I wake up and my skin is so soft and smooth. It's a must have!
  90. Great Value Retinoid

    Annette

    I've only been using this for a few weeks and I can already see the difference. I started by using it twice a week and now I use it every second day. It doesn't irritate my sensitive skin and I wake up and my skin glows. It absorbs into the skin really easily too.
  91. Good product

    Georgie

    I have been using this nightly for a few months and like it so far. It is quite gentle for a retinol, I have sensitive skin and haven't had any issues. Its a nice consistency and applies smoothly.
  92. Super gentle

    Emily

    This retinol is a winner. I have dry, sensitive, blemish-prone skin and this formula is effective but mild enough to not cause any irritation. The quality is incredible for the price, my previous retinol was an equivalent strength and just as effective, yet double the price. Definitely recommend!
  93. Glow glow glow

    Jess

    Beautiful product Feels great on the skin and can notice a difference the morning after
  94. Fantastic!!

    Abinaya

    Make your skin glow
  95. Great product

    Vanessa

    Retinol based product is usually not sensitive skin- friendly. However I find this product to be great for my sensitive skin. This is a great product for beginners who want to start using retinol for anti ageing! It is non drying too
  96. Amazingly good!!

    Lil

    This was my first experience using retinol-based products and I was blown away!! My outbreaks have settled and my skin feels so much better. Can’t recommend this enough!
  97. Best Retinoid so far

    rl

    This is by far the best affordable retinoid that I can find from the Aussie drugstore. It comes with a milky liquid lotion and easily absorbs into the skin. I did noticed a bit of stinging and peeling when I first starting it. I went with 2 times/week to now everyday or every second day depends on my skin condition. Have repurchased so many bottles already!
  98. Good

    Tara Colledge

    I do like this and it’s a good price. It takes a while to sink into the skin though
  99. Good

    Christina

    I can see and feel the improvement in terms of my skin texture and pore size.Highly recommend this product
  100. Excellent Dupe

    Fireworks

    This is the first time that I've tried this product and I'm thoroughly impressed. It's got a very liquidity texture and not an overwhelming smell. I recommend starting slow. My skin looks glowy the next day!
  101. Review & Earn
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