Retinol 0.2% in Squalane — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated October 14, 2026
0.2% retinol targets acne; Reddit likes it, research found acne improvement.
What the community says
A beginner-level 0.2% retinol in squalane for acne-prone or texture-focused routines. Redditors often start twice weekly and report smoother skin; research found acne improvement, but irritated, dry, or barrier-damaged skin can burn, peel, or become inflamed.
What this means for you
What people love
Watch out for
- Irritation can burn, peel, or inflame skin
- Dryness can linger for two days after use
- Greasy feel and refrigeration complicate storage
Product details
Concerns
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Anti-Aging
Strong evidence
Retinol: 16 studies tested it on its own. See all 23 studies
On Reddit: Starting out at 0.2%, one user applies it three nights a week. 4 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found retinol helped with signs of aging, especially wrinkles, uneven tone, and sun damage
- It often improved fine lines and wrinkles, including crow's-feet and forehead wrinkles
- It also helped skin look brighter, smoother, and more even in tone
- Some studies found it worked about as well as tretinoin for facial sun damage
- The most common side effects were redness, irritation, scaling, stinging, and dryness
Studied at 0.002–5%this product: 0.2%
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Retinol: 6 studies tested it on its own. See all 12 studies
What the studies found
Texture/Pores
Not proven yet
Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
Retinol: 2 studies tested it on its own. See all 3 studies
On Reddit: Softer-feeling skin is the standout: one user says theirs has never been softer. 3 mentions
What the studies found
- Both studies that tested it on its own found it helped with skin texture and pores
- Studies found retinol made skin feel smoother and less rough
- One study found it improved uneven skin tone along with rough texture
- It worked about as well as tretinoin for these skin changes
Studied at 0.25–3%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: Face-wide breakouts disappear for one user, though nose and chin remain trouble spots for another. 3 mentions
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 52 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
