Retinol 1% in Squalane — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated August 18, 2026
Strong 1% retinol in squalane oil for anti-aging; can be oily and irritating.
What the community says
This is a 1% retinol dissolved in squalane oil designed mainly for anti-aging and acne control. It suits experienced retinol users but is often too strong and greasy for beginners or sensitive skin. Applying over moisturizer or starting slow helps mitigate irritation.
What this means for you
Backed by 13 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/AsianBeauty and 3 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
Watch out for
- Can cause redness, peeling, and barrier irritation
- Oily texture doesn't absorb quickly, feels greasy
- Too strong for retinol newbies or sensitive skin
Product details
Concerns
Use caution
Skin Type
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 60 mentions across 13 threads
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane on Reddit, in one place — 13 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/AsianBeauty and 3 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
“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
“Try putting the ordinary retinol 1% serum on your stomach after moisturizing!”
Mentioned
“Any suggested retinol body creams?”
Mentioned
“Just check whether that’s breastfeeding safe if you’re nursing. I don’t think retinol is”
Mentioned
“the ordinary has retinol 1% in squalane which targets dryness”
Mentioned
“Otherwise”
Mentioned
“I would try adapalene or a gentle retinol serum”
Mentioned
