The New Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is now available
The wait is over, and the brand new Retinal 0.2% Emulsion from The Ordinary – is available now! We have said goodbye to The Ordinary Retinoid 2% in Squalane but say hello to Retinal 0.2% Emulsion. This is a high-strength retinaldehyde formula for age support for your evening skincare routine. It is the strongest of all the Retinoids by The Ordinary, and is for experienced users.
Your Quick 15-Second Summary
- Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
- Size 15ml Pump
- Targets Signs of Ageing, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Uneven Skin Tone
- Apply a small amount to clean, dry face and neck.
- Use in the PM only.
- Start using it once a week.
- Gradually build up to twice a week (a few days apart)
- Conflicts: Other Retinoid Products, Direct Vitamin C, Direct Acids & Copper Peptides
- Buy Direct From The Ordinary – 365 Day Refund Policy
- Value for money: 15ml for 22.70$ CAD | 14.90$US | £15.20 | 17.90 | 25.50$AUD
Retinal by The Ordinary – Brand New Product
- Unboxing Video of The Ordinary Retinal
- What is it?
- When and how to use it
- How to layer Retinal
- Conflicts
- Size & PAO
- Photos
- Reviews
- FAQs
Unboxing The Ordinary Retinal
See the product, packaging, colour, texture and consistency before you buy it!
What is Retinal by The Ordinary?
This is a high-strength formula for signs of ageing and skin support. It is a lovely, creamy yellow formula that is incredibly spreadable and melts wonderfully into the skin.
When & How To Use
Use this in your evening regimen only, and always use an SPF during the day. Apply a small amount to clean dry skin. If you are using water-based serums, then apply this after the water-based serums and add a moisturizer on top of this. If you are not using water-based serums, cleanse and apply a small amount of Retinal, followed by moisturizer.
Patch-test this product before using it! Start using it just once a week. Then, use twice a week and gradually build up your skin tolerance to use every other day. Some people may use this every evening, but whatever you do, start slowly. If the product feels too strong, apply it after hyaluronic acid or another water-based serum.
Using the pump
When you first use The Ordinary Retinal 0.2%, you may need to push the pump around 10-15 times before the product comes out. Once the product is through, try pumping it out slowly, as you really don´t need a lot. This is very spreadable.
How to Layer Retinal
Apply directly after cleansing, followed by a moisturizer. If using water-based serums, apply this after water-based serums and before a moisturizer.
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Targets
- Signs of Aging
- Crow’s Feet
- Textural Irregularities
- Uneven Skin Tone
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2 Emulsion Conflicts
Avoid using this in the same routine as the following products. You can use this in the evening and conflicting products in the morning or within other evening routines. Always pay attention to how your skin looks and feels.
- Other Retinoid Products
- Direct Acids
- Direct Vitamin C
- Copper Peptides
Size & PAO of Retinal 0.2%
The size of the product is 15ml in a pump. PAO is 6 months
How Long Should This Retinal Tube Last?
It has been mentioned on The Ordinary website that it should last 36 uses/4.5 months. It is only recommended to be used twice a week. This product is highly spreadable and you only need a small amount.
Photos of The Ordinary Retinal
This product was sent to me direct from The Ordinary. The colour of the product is yellow not pink which you may see on this screen.
Colour, Texture, Consistency
The colour of the product is yellow (it may show differently on screen). Nothing too strong scent-wise. The consistency is really nice. Light, smooth and sinks into the skin really nicely.
Retinal Reviews
This is a brand-new product, and we are waiting for honest reviews from the members of the Facebook Group. Join in on the conversation here.
Join in on the conversation on Instagram and leave your own review.
Retinal FAQs
1.Is Retinal the same as Retinaldehyde? Yes, it is the same but an easier, shorter name.
2. Can a beginner use this? . If you are new to retinoids, it would be a good idea to start with Retinoid 2% emulsion or Retinol 0.2% in Squalane. Retinal 0.2% is for experienced users.
3. Is this the strongest of the Retinoids? Yes, this the strongest formula and recommended for more experienced users.
4. Will The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% be vegan? Yes it is.
5. Will this be available in stores and online from 12th March? Yes, it will be available in stores and also online.
6. Does the new Retinal need to be kept in the fridge? No it does not!
Retinal FAQs
7. Is The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% stronger than Retinol 1% in Squalane? Yes, it is.
8. How long should Retinal 15ml last? Because a little goes a long way, it should last around 4.5 months following the instructions of use.
9. Can this irritate the skin? Retinal could cause you some irritation including redness and skin peeling. Only use once a week and slowly increase to twice a week.
10. What can´t I mix Retinal with? Avoid other retinoid products, direct vitamin c, direct acids and copper peptides.
11. What is the difference between Granactive Retinoid 2% and Retinal 0.2% emulsion? Retinal 0.2% offers a higher concentration of Retinaldehyde. Retinoids need to be converted to their bioactive form in order to have an effect on the skin. Retinol must undergo two conversions. Retinaldehyde is one conversion step away from the most direct form of Vitamin A. This offers a more efficient delivery of the form of the molecule that will bring about skin benefits.
12. Is Retinal 0.2% better than Granactive 5% in Squalane? The Ordinary says that it can be difficult to compare as this depends on your skin type and experience with retinols. When compared to other Ordinary Retinoids, the high concentration of retinaldehyde in this formula makes this our strongest retinoid formulation.
13. Can I use Retinal 0.2% with Alpha Arbutin? Yes, you can.
14. Can I use Retinal 0.2% emulsion around my eyes? It is not recommended to apply this around the delicate skin of the eye area.
Retinal FAQs
15. What is the difference between Granactive Retinoid, Retinol and Retinal? The Ordinary says “This formula contains a high concentration of retinaldehyde. This well studied retinoid/vitamin A derivative helps target the look of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, tone and radiance. Retinoids need to be converted to their bioactive form to affect the skin. Retinol must undergo 2 conversions, retinaldehyde is one conversion step away from the most direct form of vitamin A. Granactive Retinoids offer comparable benefits to retinol with a lower risk of irritation.
16. Can I use Retinal 0.2% with Hyaluronic Acid? Yes you can.
17. Can I use Retinal with Vitamin C 23%? It would be best to use these in separate routines.
18. Is this encapsulated? The Ordinary says “Retinal 0.2% is encapsulated and packaged in an airless pumping mechanism to ensure product stability.”
19. If someone has never used Retinol before, could they use this? It’s ideal for experienced users so we’d suggest our Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion to start instead 🤍
20. Is The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, pure 0,2 retinal or mixed like retinol products? Retinal Emulsion contains synthetic oat analogue but features a 0.2% concentration of Retinal. You can find the full ingredients list at theordinary.com
21. Would Retinal 0.2% be ok for oily skin if I have already been using retinol? Yes, it is! It is recommended for experienced users so we’d suggest working your way up in strength
22. Why can I not mix Retinal with Copper Peptides? The Ordinary says “As both retinoids and copper peptides have the capacity to support the skin’s natural exfoliating mechanism, combining both into one regimen may increase the chances of developing skin sensitivities.”
Other Similar Products
- Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Retinol 1% in Squalane
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
- Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
The Ordinary Guides
Tell Us What You Think!
We hope you found this Retinal review useful, and we invite you to share your personal experiences or queries about The Ordinary Retinal. Join the conversation and become a part of our community in The Deciem Chat Room.
