Retinol 0.2% in Squalane — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated September 25, 2026
0.2% retinol in squalane for beginner acne and fine lines; can sting.
What the community says
A 0.2% retinol in a squalane base that Reddit treats as a starter retinoid for acne, fine lines, and pores. Studies back acne improvement, while users still report dryness, stinging, and barrier drama if they push frequency.
What this means for you
What people love
- Beginner-friendly retinol starter
- Squalane base feels less harsh
- Helps acne, fine lines, pores
Watch out for
Product details
Concerns
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Retinol: 5 studies tested it on its own. See all 14 studies
What the studies found
- All of these studies found retinol helped fade dark spots or patches
- Most studies found retinol made facial dark patches lighter
- Some studies found retinol worked about as well as other common dark-spot treatments
- A large review found retinol worked better than some other treatments for dark spots
Studied at 0.1–10%this product: 0.2%
Acne
Not proven yet
Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
Retinol: 1 study tested it on its own. See all 4 studies
On Reddit: 0.2% retinol in squalane suits users battling persistent spots around nose and chin well. 3 mentions
What the studies found
- It helped acne in the available study
- Retinol 0.2% reduced acne when used on its own
- The study was in people with red, sore spots
Studied at 0.03–1%this product: 0.2%
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 51 mentions across 27 threads
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane on Reddit, in one place — 27 threads from r/eczema, r/scacjdiscussion and 6 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 was great”
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
“the non-negotiable trio is retinol”
Positive
“SPF at your age does more for fine lines than most serums will”
Positive
