Retinol 0.5% in Squalane — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated August 19, 2026
0.5% retinol in hydrating squalane improves texture and anti-aging; can irritate.
What the community says
This oil-based 0.5% retinol serum combines effective anti-aging potency with skin barrier-supporting squalane. It's primarily for users familiar with retinol, easing in with reduced frequency due to irritation risks. Some avoid it due to dryness and redness.
What this means for you
Backed by 6 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/scacjdiscussion and 1 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
Watch out for
Product details
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Real Reddit threads — 40 mentions across 6 threads
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane on Reddit, in one place — 6 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/scacjdiscussion and 1 more, summarized.
“Retinol every other night (The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane)”
Positive
“My texture is way better, and my skin feels healthier overall.”
Positive
“This is how I cleared my acne”
Positive
“I’m loving my 0.5% retinol in squalane”
Positive
“my skin has never looked better!”
Positive
“I’m loving my 0.5% retinol in squalane and my azelaic acid from the ordinary!”
Positive
“i started with the ordinary retinol 0.5% and worked up from there”
Positive
“the two things that made the biggest difference for me were adding a vitamin c serum in the morning ... and a retinol at night a few times a week.”
Positive
“i use the timeless one ... and a retinol at night a few times a week”
Positive
“is it ok to follow that will TO’s Retinol 0.5% in squalane?”
Mentioned
“My TO in squalane smells weird since it went back and forth from Greece in a plane's hole :/”
Mentioned
“What’s the most powerful retinoid product available over the counter?”
Mentioned
“In terms of products I use it’s the ... the ordinary 0.5% retinol”
Mentioned
“I’ve been using the same 4 products for a while and things were fine and now suddenly I’ve noticed more pimples coming out.”
Mentioned
“I’m not sure if it’s because of the products I’ve been using or because of the water.”
Mentioned
“I think I currently have The Ordinary Retinol in Squalene in my fridge that I’ve barely touched. Probably the 0.5%”
Cautionary
“I don’t love the squalene sitting on my face so I haven’t really used it.”
Cautionary
“Do you have a retinol you’d recommend?”
Cautionary
