Retinol 1% in Squalane — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated October 2, 2026
1% retinol for stronger anti-aging results; rough on beginners.
What the community says
A 1% retinol in squalane for people already comfortable with retinoids. Reddit says it can smooth texture and help acne, and studies found retinol itself can reduce acne; beginners get wrecked.
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
- Strong starter strength — expect the uglies if you rush it
- Greasy, oily, and slow to dry down
- Redness, stinging, and flaking show up fast on sensitive or dry skin
Product details
Skin Type
Where to buy
What the science says
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Retinol: 5 studies tested it on its own. See all 14 studies
What the studies found
- All of these studies found retinol helped fade dark patches
- Most studies showed retinol on the skin made facial dark patches lighter
- A 4% retinol peel faded melasma patches and worked about as well as glycolic acid
- A large review found retinol worked better for dark patches than some other treatments
- Retinol cream also helped fade sun-related dark patches
Studied at 0.1–10%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 — 81 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
