The Ordinary Retinol Guide: Which Retinol Is Right for You? (2026)
Which of The Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids should I choose?
- Which The Ordinary retinol should I buy?
- The Ordinary retinol for beginners
- How to use The Ordinary retinol
- Can I use niacinamide with retinol?
- What strength retinol should I start with?
The Ordinary Retinol PDF
What our community think about these Retinols
Polls featured on Instagram for 24hours
Retinal 0.2% 90% Love it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Granactive Retinoid 2% 82% Love it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 74% love it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 61% Love it ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Retinol 1% in Squalane 64% Love it ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 58% Love it ⭐⭐⭐
Retinol Polls / Reviews by our Community
Your Quick 15-Second Summary
- There are currently 3 retinol products, 2 retinoid products and 1 Retinal 0.2% Emulsion.
- They range from low to very high strength.
- If you are new to this, start with the lowest strength and go for either Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion or Retinol 0.2% in Squalane.
- If you are experienced you could start with Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, Retinol 1% in Squalane
- Do not use with other Retinoid Products, Direct Acids, Direct Vitamin Cs, & Copper Peptides.
- Value for money? The bottles are 30ml – compared to other retinol and retinoid products, they are good value.
- They need to be kept in the fridge except for Retinal 0.2% emulsion in a pump
The Ordinary Retinol, Retinoid & Retinal Guide
Below, you can see videos, polls, and reviews, and you can read lots of questions and answers regarding Ordinary Retinol and Retinoid Products.
These are the 6 retinol/retinoid products available from The Ordinary.
You can add these directly to your basket.
- 0.2% Retinol in Squalane (Low Strength, Moderate Irritation)
- 0.5% Retinol in Squalane (Moderate Strength, High Irritation)
- 1% Retinol in Squalane (High Strength, Very High Irritation)
- 2% Emulsion Granactive Retinoid (Moderate Strength, No Irritation)
- 5% in Squalane Granactive Retinoid (High Strength, No to Low Irritation)
- 0.2% Retinal Emulsion – (High Strength For Expert Users)
When do I use Retinol?
You can use these products in the evening and always use SPF during the day
How do I apply Retinol?
Apply to cleansed skin after your water-based products like Hyaluronic Acid and finish with Moisturiser. You could also apply directly after cleansing. You just need 2/3 drops and pat or massage into your skin.
What´s the PAO? How long can retinol last?
Once you have opened your bottles of Retinol, they should be used within 3 months. This is the PAO – period after opening. The Retinal 0.2% Emulsion in a pump is 15ml and has a period after opening of 6 months.
Should The Ordinary Retinol & Retinoids be kept in the fridge?
Yes! The Ordinary Retinol & Retinoids should be kept in the fridge, which is something to think about before buying. If your fridge is really far away from where you normally do your skincare, will you remember to use it? Will you bother to go to the fridge, apply it to your skin and then put it back in the fridge? The new Retinal 0.2% does not need to be kept in the fridge.
What are some cons about these products?
- Having to keep them in the fridge
- Lots of conflicts – products you cannot use with retinol
- Time for your skin to adjust
- Retinal 0.2% doesn´t have to be kept in fridge but I have found my pillow cases are yellow if I don´t leave enough time before bed.
Which products should not be used with The Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids
There are quite a few ingredients you should not use when using Retinols and these are called “conflicts”. Conflicts could be due to one product cancelling the other out or the possibility of irritation. Therefore, you can use one product in the morning and the retinol at night, or use them on alternate days.
Avoid using these products with retinols
- Other retinol & retinoid products
- Direct Vitamin C
- Copper Peptides (Buffet + Copper, NIOD CAIS, NIOD CAIL)
- Direct Acids
I want a routine using Retinol – what should I use?
As long as you avoid the products that shouldn´t be used in the same routine – other retinoid products, direct vitamin c, copper peptides and direct acids, you should be fine. Keep it simple and be consistent.
Easy Routine for Beginners to target signs of ageing
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser > Multi-Peptide + HA Serum > Multi-Peptide Eye Serum / Caffeine Eye Serum > Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion > Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
More Advanced Routine for signs of ageing
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser > Multi-Peptide + HA Serum > Multi-Peptide Eye Serum > Retinal 0.2% Emulsion > Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
What´s the difference between The Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids?
Deciem say “Granactive Retinoid & Retinol are a lot like siblings. They’re part of the same Vitamin A family, and just like siblings, they appear to be similar but are actually quite different.”
“Retinol (the “older” sibling) has been around longer than most of us (since the 1930s), and as such, has been studied very extensively. It is often considered one of the most effective skincare ingredients due to its ability to improve the appearance of multiple skincare concerns, including visible signs of ageing and textural irregularities.”
When Should I Start Using Retinoids?
One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “When should I start using retinol?”
Some people start using retinoids in their mid-20s as part of a preventative skincare routine, while others don’t begin until their 30s, 40s even 50s when fine lines, uneven skin tone or loss of firmness become more noticeable.
If you’re new to The Ordinary retinol or retinoids, my advice is to keep things simple. Start with a lower-strength product, use it just 1–2 evenings a week, and give your skin time to adjust before increasing the frequency or strength. There’s no prize for rushing! Before adding any new product to your routine, always perform a patch test to check your skin is happy with it.
It’s also completely normal to experience a little dryness or flaking when you first start using retinoids. Introducing them slowly, using a good moisturiser and wearing SPF every morning will help keep your skin comfortable while you enjoy the long-term benefits.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different. Some people are happy using retinoids every evening, while others prefer alternate nights. Listen to your skin and increase usage gradually rather than trying to do too much too soon.
Retinol & Retinoid Q&As
Can I use this with retinol?
❌ means use in different routines or on different days.
| Alpha Arbutin + Granactive Retinoid? ✅ Hyaluronic Acid 2%+ Retinol ✅ Niacinamide + Retinoid ✅ Multi Peptide HA + Retinoid ✅ Ascorbyl Glucoside 12% +Granactive Retinoid 2% ✅ Marine Hyaluronics + Retinoid ✅ Ferulic Acid + Granactive Retinoid ✅ Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptide + Retinol ❌ Ascorbic Acid+Alpha Arbutin + Granactive Retinoid 5% ❌ NIOD NAAP + Granactive Retinoid 2% ❌ Glycolic Acid 7% + Retinol ❌ Salicylic Acid or Lactic Acid + Granactive Retinoid 2% ❌ |
The Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids Faqs
- THE Ordinary Retinol or Niacinamide? Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% first followed by Retinol.
- Should I use moisturizer straight after using the Retinol or let the Retinol soak into the skin for a little bit before using moisturizer? You can use moisturize as your last step. There is no need to wait a certain amount of time in between the application of products.
- Granactive Retinoid & Ascorbyl Glucoside? Ascorbyl Glucoside first, followed by Retinoid.
- What’s the difference between retinol and the granactive retinoid emulsion? While Retinol has been studied extensively, it can be irritating to the skin, and newer technologies exist that mimic its visible effects without causing irritation. For this reason, we generally recommend using Granactive Retinoid instead of Retinol formulations.
More FAQs
- Should The Ordinary Retinol be kept in the fridge after opening? Is a dark cupboard ok? We suggest storing the Granactive Retinoid and Retinol products in the fridge after opening. Upon opening, please consult the period after opening (PAO) symbol for the product shelf life.
- How often should I start with The Ordinary 0.5% Retinol? We recommend slowly incorporating Retinol 0.5% into your routine. You may wish to begin by using it 1-3 times per week.
- Which Retinol or Retinoid is best for a beginner? We suggest starting with Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion/Squalane.
- I´m using The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, and the irritation and redness have worsened. It’s important to note that with an active ingredient that affects skin behaviour, there can be an initial purging period during which breakouts are normal. When introducing new products and sciences into your regimen, your skin may require up to a month to adjust. At this time, we would recommend taking a break from the products until your skin has calmed. Then you may wish to try diluting with most oils per application to reduce strength.
- What is the difference between the Granactive 2% Emulsion and the 2% Granactive in Squalane? The difference between the products is simply the consistency and formula. The potency of retinoid complexes are the same. The Granactive Retinoid, 2% in Squalane, is a lightweight solution. It absorbs into the skin efficiently, allowing for multiple serums to be applied to your regimen. Squalane also has the added benefit of being an exceptional hydrator. The Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is milky/creamy in consistency and is also hydrating. It is a great option for anyone who is not comfortable with oil-like consistencies.
The Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids
We hope you found this Retinol, Retinoids & Retinal page useful. On that note, we invite you to share your personal experiences or queries about The Ordinary Retinoids. Join the conversation and join our community in The Deciem Chat Room.
2026 Update: In Canada, updated Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist regulations now restrict or are phasing out over-the-counter retinaldehyde above 0.05% and retinol above 1.0% (0.2% for body products). Therefore, whilst you there may be 6 products, only 3 are currently available in Canada.
