Retinal 0.2% Emulsion — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated August 9, 2026
Retinaldehyde active is more potent and faster-acting than retinol in similar OTC concentration
What the community says
This retinaldehyde emulsion delivers noticeable anti-aging and some hyperpigmentation-fading benefits with lower irritation risk than tret, but causes a tough initial purge and dryness for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
What this means for you
What people love
- Retinaldehyde active is more potent and faster-acting than retinol in similar OTC concentration
- Affordable introductory strength with a creamy emulsion texture that layers well under moisturizers
- Users report visible improvement in texture and dark spots after consistent use
Watch out for
- Initial purging phase can trigger cystic acne and worsened breakouts for 2+ weeks
- Can induce dryness, redness, and sensitivity especially on dry or sensitive skin types
- Not recommended to combine with tretinoin or other strong actives without a careful reintroduction schedule
Product details
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion on Reddit, in one place — 6 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/tretinoin and 1 more, summarized.
“It's The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion! It's like magic, but the inital purge was... unpleasant 🥲 it cleared up in about 2 weeks though!”
Positive
“Every third day swap out Vit C for The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion.”
Positive
“Yeah I'm really surprised how quickly it's made a difference tbh! Didn't expect it to be so noticeable. I generally leave it on for about 5-10 mins before moisturising.”
Positive
“PM: Klairs Hydrating Facial Toner,, TO 2% retinal (3x/week)”
Positive
“Which 2% retinal are you using?”
Positive
“TO usually refers to The Ordinary”
Positive
“The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion on my neck”
Mentioned
“PM - Tret nights”
Mentioned
“on my neck”
Mentioned
“prior to tret, have been using The Ordinary 0.2% retinal for at least 2 years before I upgraded”
Positive
“have I completed retinization?”
Positive
“before I upgraded”
Positive
“The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% (just started, so I'm introducing it slowly)”
Positive
“Once a week”
Positive
“The Ordinary Retinal 0.2%”
Positive
“1 to 2 times a week I’ll use the Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion on my forehead & cheeks”
Positive
“nothing I have used so far has succeeded in getting rid of them”
Positive
