Retinol 0.5% in Squalane — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated October 14, 2026
0.5% retinol improves texture for Redditors; research found retinol helped acne.
What the community says
This oil-based 0.5% retinol targets texture, pores, and early lines; Redditors often introduce it two or three nights weekly. Research found retinol helped inflammatory acne, but sensitive users report burning and the squalane finish can feel heavy.
What this means for you
Backed by 21 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/scacjdiscussion and 4 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
Watch out for
- Retinol burn hits sensitive skin
- Breakouts and worsening whiteheads reported
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: Nasolabial folds and skin plumpness visibly changed for one user, who says she’ll keep going. 5 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: 0.5%
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: Within a few weeks, commenters report their pores shrinking. 6 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: 0.5%
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
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 54 mentions across 21 threads
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane on Reddit, in one place — 21 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/scacjdiscussion and 4 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
“and my azelaic acid from the ordinary!”
Positive
“I was using The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% for about a year.”
Positive
“I told him I’d been on 0.5% retinol for a year”
Positive
“1 month on Tretinoin after 1 year of Retinol”
Positive
“The Ordinary retinol in squalane worked really well for me when I didn’t have my tazarotene for a few weeks!”
Positive
“Very inexpensive too”
Positive
“I use The Ordinary .5% retinol with squalene.”
Positive
“Maybe experiment with retinol, once to twice a week; The Ordinary has a retinol in squalane serum I like”
Positive
“The Ordinary has a retinol in squalane serum I like (not too drying and cheap).”
Positive
“Maybe experiment with retinol, once to twice a week”
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
