Retinol 0.5% in Squalane — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
5recommendationsacross 3 Reddit threads
Updated July 3, 2026
What the community says
Mid-strength 0.5% retinol in a hydrating squalane base praised for pore shrinking and anti-aging but notorious for irritating sensitive, dry, or barrier-compromised skin if not introduced slowly.
From Reddit
Backed by 3 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 1 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Hydrating squalane base reduces typical retinol dryness
- Improves texture and visibly plumps skin folds with consistent use
- Effective at reducing pore size and tackling fine lines
Watch out for
- High irritation risk for sensitive or compromised skin — introduces redness and barrier damage
- Can cause purging and breakouts especially if skin is oily or acne-prone
- Needs gradual introduction; daily use too soon often results in dryness and flaking
Product details
Concerns
Skin Type
Key Ingredients
Skin type data limited
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads
3 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare +1 more
