Retinol 1% in Squalane — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated September 24, 2026
1% retinol in squalane for aging and texture; strong and irritating.
What the community says
A 1% retinol oil-serum with squalane, jojoba oil, and caprylic/capric triglyceride. Redditors use it for aging, bumps, and acne, and studies back retinol for acne too. The catch is obvious: this strength hits hard, especially on dry or sensitive skin.
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
- A rough start for beginners — redness and peeling are common
- Dry, flaky, and greasy all at once on many faces
- Sensitive or barrier-wrecked skin can get angry fast
Product details
Use caution
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 spots or patches
- Most studies found retinol made facial dark patches lighter
- Some studies found retinol worked about as well as other common dark-spot treatments
- A large review found retinol worked better than some other treatments for dark spots
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
What the studies found
- It helped acne in the available study
- Retinol 0.2% reduced acne when used on its own
- The study was in people with red, sore spots
Studied at 0.03–1%this product: 1%
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 77 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
“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
“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”
Positive
“Use only in the evening pls and use a spf during the day”
Positive
“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
