Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Serum Review: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

The Ordinary 0.5% in Squalane

Availability:  This is available at ulta.com and deceim.com along with their physical store locations. It retails at $7.50 for 1 oz. (30 mL). 

Would I buy this again? Honestly I think I would be safe upping to perhaps the granactive retinoid 2% in squalane going forward.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?
According to deceim.com:
This water-free solution contains 0.5% pure Retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearances of fine lines, of photo damage and of general skin aging. 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.
Caution: Retinol can cause significant irritation, redness and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early stages of treatment while skin builds tolerance. If you have not used high-strength retinol formulas in the past, we strongly recommend that you start your retinol regimen with our Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and adjust to higher strengths of Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and Retinol 1% in Squalane as your skin builds tolerance. You will achieve the same end results without the unpleasant redness and peeling along the way.
Note: Water can affect the stability of retinol. Additionally, plant oils in retinol formulations can trigger lipid peroxidation and can impair retinol integrity. This formula does not contain water, silicones, plant oils or alcohol.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Outside of the Retinol this also contains:
Squalane: Squalane has anti-inflammatory properties, is lightweight, and helps smooth the texture of skin. 
Jojoba Seed Oil: Has hydrating, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
Tomato Fruit Extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties.
Rosemary Leaf Extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties.

What is the texture like?
This has a lightweight, oily feel to it. 

Is this scented?
Despite having no citrus ingredients, this has a citrusy scent to it.

What has my experience with the product been like?
So just a heads up, this product is meant to refrigerated after opening which is written in tiny print on the bottle. Initially I went for this because I didn't realize that the granactive retinoid solutions came in squalane and are more stable, so I will be trying those going forward. Additionally, this review is a first impression of the product given that I've been using it for under a week. I'd like to say that I am impressed that this is formulated with so many anti-inflammatory ingredients to keep the retinol from irritating the skin. I have been able to use it nightly without any redness or irritation. I instantly felt a change in the texture of my skin the day after I used this and honestly I feel like I can attribute that to the squalane as, you all know, I adore squalane and the way my skin feels when I use it. That being said, I was breaking out before and my skin has stopped breaking out so  I feel that's a sign the retinol might be working. Although, my spot treatment might also be working... it's too soon to say. Given that I don't have too much in signs of aging my main hope with this product is to help reduce how frequently I've been breaking out (which is partially due to me taking hormones and adjusting, so they're a bit all over the place) and sebaceous filaments on my nose.
 
Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

DisclaimerI paid for this myself.

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