Retinol 1% in Squalane — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated October 10, 2026
Studies found retinol helps acne; Reddit says 1% in squalane is harsh.
What the community says
A 1% retinol in squalane serum that people use for acne and early anti-aging. Redditors say it can smooth texture and oiliness, and studies found retinol can help acne. The catch is obvious: beginners often get redness, peeling, and a nasty purge.
What this means for you
Backed by 26 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/AsianBeauty and 4 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
Watch out for
- Rough starter strength — redness, peeling, and purging are common
- Greasy, runny texture that can sit on skin
- Too much for sensitive or compromised barrier skin
Product details
Skin Type
Product Traits
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: Chest wrinkles get a nightly turn beneath a patch, even though their face hates it. 8 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: 1%
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
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: 1%
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 — 83 mentions across 26 threads
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane on Reddit, in one place — 26 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/AsianBeauty and 4 more, summarized.
“Retinol - I had some leftover TO Retinol 1% in Squalene that my face hated but I saw it suggested for chest wrinkles here and l've been using it prior to applying the patch every night.”
Positive
“I went straight in with the 1% because I had it to hand”
Positive
“I'm so pleased with the results for around 2 months of progress”
Positive
“This year I’ve been trying a combo of Aestura Atobarrier Cream+The Ordinary Retinol Squalene”
Positive
“I don’t always use the Ordinary”
Positive
“on nights when I don’t use it, the next day my face feels a bit flakey.”
Positive
“Mon / Tue / Thu / Fri: I use The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane (working my way up to 1%) followed by Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream.”
Positive
“I turned 40 this year and decided it was time to completely overhaul my routine.”
Positive
“...share whatever helped you as you got older, feel free.”
Positive
“For awhile I would get the Ordinary retinol in squalene and just mix it into whatever body moisturizer I was using that day.”
Positive
“Amlactin 15% in the evening or you can add the ordinary’s retinol to a jar of Saltair multi-lipid body butter - shake it real good.”
Positive
“Use only in the evening pls and use a spf during the day, every day, even if you stay inside all day”
Positive
“He's using the Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane at night.”
Mentioned
“God I can’t stand that retinol it’s so greasy, so it really doesn’t absorb as fast as other retinols, he just needs to get a new one”
Mentioned
“The squalane base in The Ordinary's formula actually helps it absorb faster since it's a lightweight oil.”
Mentioned
“I've been using The Ordinary 1% Retinol and Squalane oil for the last 2 months and I've noticed a significant reduction in oil production and breakouts.”
Positive
“I only use it every second night because that is what my skin can handle.”
Positive
“The shine also no longer appears thick to me.”
Positive
