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Caroline Hirons says…
If you have sensitive skin or can easily get irritated, start the Granactive 2% Emulsion.
You could also start with The Ordinary Retinoid 2% in Squalane and then build up to The Ordinary Retinoid 5% in Squalane.
The Squalane acts as a buffer, so whilst it will work as other Retinoids do without Squalane, it won´t feel as strong on the skin.
In The Ordinary Retinols, you have a choice of 3. 0.2%, 0.5% & 1% in Squalane.
Start with 0.2%, then move up to 0.5%, and then the 1%.
The Ordinary Retinol, 1% in Squalane, is the strongest, but as mentioned above, with the Squalane acting as a buffer, it won´t feel as strong on the skin as Retinol without Squalane.
The Ordinary Retinol & Retinoid Guide
Everything you need to know about The Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids, the different strengths, the ones you should start with if you’re new to skincare and products you should avoid using in the same routine.
The Ordinary Retinol & Retinoids
The Ordinary Retinol Polls
These polls featured on Instagram.
Polls Featured On Instagram Stories
The Ordinary Retinol
There are 3 retinol products with different strengths. It´s recommended to start with the lowest strength first and build up to the higher strengths.
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)
When To Apply & How To Use The Ordinary Retinol You can use these in the evening and apply a few drops to your cleansed skin or after water-based products. It is recommended to start slowly using once a week and then increasing to twice etc.
The Ordinary Retinoid PollsThese polls featured on Instagram.
Polls Featured On Instagram Stories
There are 3 The Ordinary Retinoids, and as you can see, the original 2% emulsion is the favourite, but there really isn´t much in it.
2% Emulsion Granactive Retinoid (Moderate Strength, No Irritation)
5% in Squalane Granactive Retinoid (High Strength, No to Low Irritation)
How & When To Use The Ordinary Retinoids Apply a few drops to cleansed skin or after water-based products like Hyaluronic Acid or Amino Acids etc. You can then follow with a moisturizer if you feel necessary. It is best to use retinoids in the evening and to use an SPF during the day.
What´s the PAO?
The PAO, or period after opening, is 3 months for The Ordinary Retinol & Retinoid Products.
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading. The new 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 (the bottles) is a bit of a pain for me personally because I always forget to use them. I love the Retinal in the pump because it doesn´t have to be kept in the fridge and I love the pump but I have found that my pillow cases are yellow.
Which products should not be used with Retinol & Retinoids?
When products say they conflict , this could be due to one product cancelling the other out or due to the possibility of irritation. Therefore, you can use one product in the morning and the retinol at night or use on alternate days. It is also recommend to patch-test products and layer products slowly. This way, if there is a reaction of some kind, it´s easy to pin-point which product may have caused. it.
Other retinol & retinoid products
Direct Vitamin C
Copper Peptides (Buffet + Copper, NIOD CAIS, NIOD CAIL)
Direct Acids
Always check the official The Ordinary & NIOD pages, as information is regularly updated.
What is the difference between The Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids?
Deciem posted this on Instagram , and they explained the difference between Retinols & Retinoids.
“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. “
Retinol & Retinoids
The Ordinary offers the pure, waterless form of Retinol in 0.2%, 0.5% and 1% concentrations in a base of Squalane. If you’re an inexperienced user, it’s best to start your regimen with our Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and then adjust to higher strengths of 0.5% Retinol in Squalane and 1% Retinol in Squalane once your skin has grown tolerant to each formula.
Granactive Retinoid, the “younger” sibling, is a much newer next-generation advanced retinoid active complex which has been shown to target multiple signs of aging, offering the same long-term benefits as retinol without any of the drawbacks often associated with retinol use. This technology cannot be compared directly with Retinol itself in terms of concentration because they include a different Retinoid molecule, in a similar way that Retinol cannot be compared with Retinoic Acid in terms of concentration.
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading. Granactive Retinoid of 2% concentration in a creamy emulsion format, as well as 2% and 5% concentrations in a hydrating, light Squalane base. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids, and they may increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation. Whether you stick with the tried and true retinol options or go for the next-generation granactive retinoids, both are incredibly effective in the long and short term.
Retinol & Retinoid Q&As
These FAQS have been answered by The Ordinary on Social Media.
1. How do you layer Ordinary Retinol and Niacinamide? Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% first followed by Retinol.
2. Can The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin be used with Granactive Retinoid? Yes, you can.
3. Do I need to apply moisturizer after The Ordinary Retinol? Shouldn´t these oil-based and oily formulations be the last step? We generally recommend applying our oils before creams. Our rule of application for our products is in order from lightest to heaviest formulations. This allows serums and lightweight formulas to be absorbed through the skin without struggling to go through thicker formulations. These Retinols can be used throughout the summer months if desired.
4. What’s the difference between retinol and the granactive retinoid emulsion? Thank you for this question. We are unable to compare the strength of Retinoid vs. Retinol as they are two different technologies. While Retinol has been studied extensively, it is irritating to the skin, and newer technologies exist that mimic the visible effects of Retinol without causing skin irritation. For this reason, we generally recommend using Granactive Retinoid instead of Retinol formulations.
More FAQs The Ordinary Retinol & Retinoids
5. I still have half a bottle of Retinoid left after opening it over 3 months ago, and I forgot to put it back in the fridge . Can I still use it?
6. Is it okay to use The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides with Retinol 2%?
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading. 7. Can I use The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% with Ascorbic acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% ? If you wish to incorporate multiple Retinoids, and/or Direct Acids into your skincare regimen, we suggest using them on alternate evenings and waiting until your skin has adjusted to one before introducing another.
More FAQS about The Ordinary Retinol & Retinoids
8. Is it ok to use The Ordinary Retinol with my Hyaluronic Acid 2%? Yes, you may.
9. 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.
10. 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’re welcome to moisturize as your last step. Please note there is no need to wait a certain amount of time in between the application of products.
11. Can I use The Ordinary Retinoid and Niacinamide + Zinc in the same routine ? Yes, you can.
12. 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’re welcome to moisturize as your last step. Please note there is no need to wait a certain amount of time in between the application of products.
13. Can I use The Ordinary Retinol and Buffet around my eyes together? Our retinoid products should be avoided around the eyes. You are welcome to apply “Buffet” around the eyes.
14. I use The Ordinary Buffet, Squalane, Vitamin C & Glycolic Acid together. Would you please suggest how to add Retinoid to my day and night skincare regime? For best results, we suggest alternating between “Buffet” and Glycolic Acid. We recommend adding Retinoid to the PM, alternating with Glycolic Acid to begin.
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading. 15. Is it ok to use The Ordinary Buffet & Retinoid in the same routine? The Ordinary Buffet (Multi-Peptide Serum + HA) can be used with Retinoid.
More FAQS about The Ordinary Retinol & Retinoids
16. I use Retinoid & Pure Vitamin C together. Is that ok? We suggest alternating between Retinoid and Pure Vitamin C to begin.
17. 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.
18. Which Retinol or Retinoid is best for a beginner? We suggest starting with Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion/Squalane.
19. I have pilling with 5% Granactive Retinoid in Squalane when using Hyaluronic Acid. How do you layer these? Granactive Retinoid should will be applied after Hyaluronic Acid.
20. Can I use Granactive Retinoid 2% and The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside 12% in the same routine, and how do I layer them ? Yes, they may be used together! Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution should be applied before Granactive Retinoid.
21. How often should I use retinol? We strongly advise building your skin’s tolerance to Retinol due to its potency. We recommend starting your regimen with our 0.2% in Squalane and then adjusting to higher strengths of 0.5% in Squalane and our 1% in Squalane. That way, you will achieve the same end results and reduce the chances of experiencing any signs of skin irritation.
More Faqs The Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids
22. Would I use Retinoid before or after The Ordinary? Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%? We suggest using MAP as the final step.
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading. 23. 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.
24. What else can I use besides Buffet with The Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids? You may also wish to explore The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, a daily support oil for healthy, hydrated skin. Rose Hip Seed Oil is rich in linoleic (omega 6) and linolenic (omega 3) acids and pro-vitamin A, which enables it to target signs of photo-ageing and several other skin conditions.
25. Can I use The Ordinary Salicylic Acid or Lactic Acid in the same routine as Granactive Retinoid or Retinol in Squalane? If you wish to incorporate multiple Vitamin C’s, Retinoids, and/or Direct Acids into your skincare regimen, we suggest using them on alternate evenings and waiting until your skin has adjusted to one before introducing another.
26. Is it ok to use Granactive Retinoids with Ferulic Acid? You, you can. Always patch-test products.
More Faqs The Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids
27. 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.
28. Can I use Granactive Retinoid 2% emulsion and NIOD NAAP in the same routine? It would be better to use just one in a routine at a time.
29. Is it possible to use Retinol after Glycolic Acid 7%? It is best to avoid acids and retinol in the same regimen and would be better to use in alternate routines or days.
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading. All about the new The Ordinary Retinal 0.2%
The Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids & Retinal
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.
