The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane (30ml)

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane (30ml)

Product Overview

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is a high-strength, highly stable anti-aging treatment designed to dramatically accelerate skin renewal, refine texture, and target advanced signs of aging. It features a concentrated 1% pure Retinol matrix suspended in a skin-loving Squalane base.

Retinol (Vitamin A) is a gold-standard dermatological ingredient celebrated for its ability to correct wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage. Because pure Retinol is highly sensitive to water and air—which can cause it to degrade rapidly and lose its potency—The Ordinary keeps this formula completely water-free and silicone-free. By utilizing lightweight Squalane as the delivery vehicle, this serum ensures maximum ingredient stability while protecting the skin barrier from the dryness and peeling often associated with strong retinoids.

⚠️ Important Note: A 1% concentration of pure Retinol is considered a high strength. This formula is specifically recommended for experienced skincare users who have already built up a tolerance to lower-strength retinoids (like Retinol 0.2% or 0.5%).

Key Benefits

• Advanced Wrinkle & Fine Line Remodeling: Stimulates cellular turnover to visibly reduce the depth of stubborn forehead creases, crow’s feet, and expression lines.

• Refines Texture & Minimizes Pores: Sheds dead skin buildup to smooth out rough skin grain, surface bumps, and large, stretched pore linings.

• Fades Hyperpigmentation & Sun Damage: Accelerates the fading of dark spots, age spots, and uneven post-acne marks, promoting a uniformly radiant skin tone.

• Moisture-Cushioned Potency: The squalane base works actively to limit the traditional “retinol purge” (dryness, redness, and flaking) by keeping the skin barrier nourished.

Key Ingredients & How They Work

• 1% Pure Retinol (Vitamin A): A powerful, well-researched cell-communicating ingredient. It dives deep past the surface layer to signal the skin to renew its cellular matrix faster, boosting elasticity and uncovering fresh, smooth skin.

• Squalane: A lightweight, non-comedogenic, plant-derived emollient oil that mimics the skin’s natural sebum. It acts as a protective buffer, sealing in moisture, preventing treaspidermal water loss (TEWL), and soothing potential irritation from the high-strength retinol.

• Jojoba Seed Oil & Tomato Fruit Extract: Rich botanical extracts that provide essential fatty acids and antioxidant defense to further comfort and support the skin’s lipid barrier.

Texture, Finish & Scent

• Consistency: A lightweight, golden-tinted, and beautifully smooth oil-like fluid that glides across the skin effortlessly.

• Finish: Absorbs comfortably into the skin, leaving a rich, nourishing, and slightly dewy emollient finish that cushions the face through the night.

• Scent: 100% fragrance-free, carrying a completely neutral, raw ingredient scent.

How to Use for Best Results

1. When: Use strictly in your Nighttime (PM) routine. Never use retinol during the day, as UV light degrades its effectiveness.

2. Frequency: If your skin is fully adjusted to retinoids, apply it nightly. If you are stepping up to this strength, introduce it slowly—using it 2 to 3 times a week—and gradually increase the frequency.

3. Application Order: Apply a few drops to a completely clean and bone-dry face after your water-based serums, but before heavy creams or moisturizers.

   🛑 Crucial Tip: Water increases retinol absorption, which can trigger intense irritation. Always wait a few minutes after washing your face to ensure your skin is completely dry before applying this serum.

4. Sun Protection: Retinol increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day while using this product and for a week after stopping.

5. Storage: To maintain maximum potency, keep the bottle away from direct sunlight and store it in the refrigerator once opened.

⚠️ Crucial Routine Conflicts

To avoid severe skin barrier irritation and chemical peeling, do not combine this product in the same night routine with:

• Strong Direct Acids (AHAs/BHAs like Glycolic, Lactic, or Salicylic Acid)

• Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

• Other Retinoids or Retinol products

• Copper Peptides