Retinol 0.2% in Squalane — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated August 19, 2026
0.2% retinol in squalane for gentle anti-aging and acne help; can irritate skin.
What the community says
A low-dose retinol in a moisturizing squalane base for those easing into retinoids. It suits beginners and sensitive skin users who want anti-aging or acne benefits but often causes dryness, redness, and barrier damage if overused or applied to compromised skin.
What this means for you
What people love
Watch out for
- Irritates sensitive and dry skin easily
- Can worsen skin barrier if not introduced slowly
- May cause dryness and redness with frequent use
Product details
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 46 mentions across 10 threads
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane on Reddit, in one place — 10 threads from r/eczema, r/scacjdiscussion and 3 more, summarized.
“The Ordinary 0.2% retinol in squalene was again very good”
Mentioned
“but again had to be kept in the fridge.”
Mentioned
“It's better than the Neutrogena one, but maybe not as good as the first two.”
Mentioned
“Retinol 0.2% in Squalane - ... The formula was also non-irritating”
Positive
“my skin was glowing.”
Positive
“I like the squalane, retinol in squalane”
Positive
“For me the ordinary retinal 0.2 serum helps with pores a lot.”
Positive
“How and when do I use it? I have tried it once and tingled my skin. Used 10%”
Positive
“For me the ordinary retinal 0.2 serum helps”
Positive
“and The Ordinarys 0.2% retinol oil every other day.”
Positive
“this winter with that combo I didn’t have a problem.”
Positive
“I also added Meditherapy’s Retinol+Niacinamide whenever I’m not using the TO”
Positive
“I use The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane daily or every other day as I have sensitive skin and it can be drying.”
Positive
“I have also been extremely consistent with my routine”
Positive
“My skin is not yet perfect BUT the acne that is there is still clearing up”
Positive
“The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% at night 3x a week to start”
Positive
“For dry skin in your 40s the non-negotiable trio is retinol, a good moisturizer, and daily SPF”
Positive
“Give this three months before adding anything else”
Positive
