The reputed cosmetic brand “The Ordinary” offers a range of cruelty-free, alcohol-free and silicon-free retinoid products in different strengths. These retinoids not only treats visible signs of aging but treats acne as well. Let’s know about each one of them in detail.
A list of all the Retinoids from-The Ordinary
Granactive retinoids
Granactive retinoid is an advanced anti-aging compound that works like retinol minus the irritation.
1. Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
How to use?
- Go for a patch test before your first application.
- Take few drops and apply at night because the product can make your skin sensitive to ultraviolet rays.
- Make sure to apply a water-based serum before and go for any other heavier treatments after the application of this retinoid.
- Discontinue use and consult a physician if irritation occurs. Apply on unbroken skin as directed by the physician.
- Refrigerate once you open it and keep it away from children.
Key ingredients
- Squalane
- C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
- Bisabolol
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Dimethyl Isosorbide
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
- Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
- Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
- Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Strength
It is moderate in strength and contains only 0.2% HPR (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate), the active ingredient. It is considered as the most suitable option when it comes to anti-aging treatment of the delicate skin around the eyes.
Texture
It has a lightweight oily texture without any water content. The absorption rate and feel of this retinoid is similar to pure squalane. It has a very light yellow tint due to the presence of HPR but it doesn’t become visible on the skin.
Side effects
It doesn’t cause any irritation when applied on the skin. Those with sensitive skin may experience flaking and stinging.
Who should use?
Those who are using retinoid for the first time can try this.
Is it different from Retinol?
Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane is a newer version of retinoid active complex. It contains 0.2% of all-trans retinoic acid and different retinoid molecule that makes it different from retinols. At the same time, they are just like siblings as both of them belong to the vitamin A family.
2. Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
How to use?
- Go for a patch test before your first application.
- Take a few drops and apply on your face at night.
- Avoid sun exposure without protection.
- Make sure to apply a water-based serum before and go for any other heavier treatments after the application of this retinoid.
- Do not undergo any other retinoid treatment while using this product.
- Discontinue use if irritation occurs and see a physician. Apply on unbroken skin as directed by the physician.
- Refrigerate once you open it and keep it away from children.
Key ingredients
- Squalane
- C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
- Bisabolol
- Dimethyl Isosorbide
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
- Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
- Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
- Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Strength
It is almost similar to Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane but is a high-strength retinoid containing 0.5 % HPR (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate).
Texture
It has an oily texture. It is very stable. A very light yellow tint is present.
Side effects
It causes low to zero irritation.
Who should use?
For those who are using or have already used Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, this is the next product they can upgrade to.
Is it different from Retinol?
Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane is a highly-developed retinoid active complex identified as Granactive Retinoid. It is different from retinol and is more effective in treating signs of aging.
3. Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (previously Advanced Retinoid 2%)
How to use?
- Go for a patch test before your first application.
- Take a small amount and apply it on your face at night.
- Use it after applying a water-based serum and before you go for any other heavy treatments.
- Avoid sun exposure without protection.
- Discontinue use if irritation occurs and see a physician. Apply on unbroken skin as directed by the physician.
- Refrigerate once you open it and keep it away from children.
Key ingredients
- Aqua (Water)
- Glycerin
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Ethyl Linoleate
- Propanediol
- Dimethyl Isosorbide
- Cetearyl Isononanoate
- Bisabolol
- Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
- Retinol
- Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
- Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Ceteareth-12
- Ceteareth-20
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Carrageenan
- Xanthan Gum
- Acacia Senegal Gum
- Cetyl Palmitate
- Sucrose Laurate
- Polysorbate 20
- Isoceteth-20
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
- Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
- Behentrimonium Chloride
- Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
- Disodium EDTA
- Dehydroacetic Acid
- Benzoic Acid
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Phenoxyethanol
- Chlorphenesin
Strength
The Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a retinoid of medium strength. It contains 0.2% HPR (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate) in addition to an encapsulated retinol. It is stronger when compared to Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane.
Texture
It has a lightweight and non-oily serum-like texture and has a high absorption rate. Unlike the other two retinoids, it is not all that stable since it contains water.
Side effects
It may irritate sensitive skin.
Who should use?
It is recommended for those who want to reap the benefits of old as well as the new generation retinoids.
Is it different from Retinol?
This formulation is a combination of two types of advanced retinoid actives, 2% granactive retinoid and pure retinol in sustained-delivery form. This aids in delivery as well as the effect of Granactive retinoid. It is much more powerful than retinol.
Retinols
Retinol is about 20 times less powerful as compared to retinoic acid but that doesn’t mean that it won’t show a noticeable difference you are looking for.
4. Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
How to use?
- Go for a patch test before your first application.
- Apply in small quantity on your face at night.
- Use it after applying a water–based serum and before you go for any other heavy treatments.
- Avoid sun exposure without protection.
- Avoid other retinoid treatments while using this product.
- If you have sensitive skin, you may experience peeling, redness and moderate irritation particularly around the mouth and eyes when you start applying it till your skin builds tolerance.
- Discontinue use if irritation persists and see a physician. Apply on unbroken skin as directed by the physician.
- Refrigerate once you open it and keep it away from children.
Key ingredients
- Squalane
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
- Retinol
- Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
- Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
- BHT
Strength
It is mild and contains 0.2% retinol which is equivalent to 0.01 % retinoic acid.
Texture
Has a lightweight oily texture.
Side effects
It can cause moderate irritation.
Who should use?
Those who have not yet used retinol can use this and gradually move up to 0.5%.
5. Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
How to use?
- Go for a patch test before your first application.
- Apply in small quantity on your face at night.
- Use it after applying a water–based serum and before you go for any other heavy treatments.
- Avoid sun exposure without protection.
- Avoid other retinoid treatments while using this product.
- If you have sensitive skin, you may experience irritation, peeling and redness initially until your skin becomes tolerant to the product. Discontinue use if irritation persists and see a physician. Apply on unbroken skin as directed by the physician.
- Refrigerate once you open it and keep it away from children.
Key ingredients
- Squalane
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
- Retinol
- Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
- Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
- BHT
Strength
It is moderate in strength containing 0.5% retinol and is equivalent to 0.025 % retinoic acid. It has been found that photoaged skin can be treated with this retinol concentration.
Texture
Has oily texture.
Side effects
Has high risk of irritation.
Who should use?
Those who have used retinols before can try this formulation or continue with this level if they are using it at present.
6. Retinol 1% in Squalane
How to use?
- Go for a patch test before your first application.
- Take small quantity and apply it on your face at night.
- Use it after applying a water–based serum and before you go for any other heavy treatments.
- Avoid sun exposure without protection.
- Avoid other retinoid treatments while using this product.
- If you have sensitive skin, you may experience irritation, peeling and redness initially until your skin becomes tolerant to the product. Discontinue use if irritation persists and see a physician. Apply on unbroken skin as directed by the physician.
- Refrigerate once you open it and keep it away from children.
Key ingredients
- Squalane
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
- Retinol
- Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
- Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
- BHT
Strength
It is a high-strength retinol containing 1% of the active ingredient which is equivalent to 0.05 % retinoic acid. Studies show that it can cure sun damage and improve collagen levels.
Texture
Has oily texture.
Side effects
Has very high risk of irritation.
Who should use?
Those who are sure that their skin can tolerate retinol in high concentration can only try this or else they can first start with Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and gradually move up.
To conclude
You can choose retinoids starting from low to medium and upgrade to high concentrations depending on the severity of your concern and your tolerance level.