Products › Serum › The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is middling — some recognized actives, but dosing or disclosure holds it back.
Actives pyramid
What's actually in it, ranked by how well it's dosed.
What it does
Evidenced benefit intensity, derived from dosed actives.
The receipt
Every point of this grade, traced to the active, its dose, and the evidence.
Retinol at 0.5% — strong dose
Above the ~0.5% where topical retinoids increase collagen synthesis and cell turnover across numerous controlled trials.
Squalane present — concentration not disclosed
A recognized active, but without a labeled % we can't confirm it reaches the effective ~1% dose.
Pros & cons
The honest tradeoffs.
- Retinol at a strong, research-backed dose (0.5%)
- Squalane concentration not disclosed — can't confirm it's effective
Best for
Who and when this fits.
Dupes & alternatives
Cheaper products in the same category that grade equal or higher.
B The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%$6
save 25% B The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum
$6
save 25%
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Get Visage VerifiedBased on published concentration thresholds and formulation science. Our algorithm predicts likely efficacy — it does not test the product. Individual results vary. Not evaluated by the FDA. You can't pay to move a grade — Visage Theory is paid only for optional audits and seal licenses, never to change a letter.