The Ordinary has a wide range of effective skincare products. It wouldn’t hurt to say that the products are as good in quality as they are budget-friendly. If you have been using skincare products in your routine for a long time now, you would know that expensive products don’t always have to be the best. Sometimes, even off the shelf products such as Retinols can do the trick without breaking the bank if you are acquainted with affordable labels like The Ordinary.
Speaking of Retinols, they are the “gold standard” for any skincare product in the market. Many people confuse Retinols with retinoids, which is explained in the later sections of The Ordinary Retinol review. First, let’s discuss what is Retinol and why it is one of the most effective ingredients in the cosmetic industry.
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What is Retinol?
Retinol, a type of retinoid, is also known as Vitamin A1 that is naturally produced by our body. When your body shows Vitamin A deficiency, it is used as a dietary supplement. Nonetheless, owing to its anti-aging, cell turnover properties, it is widely popular in the cosmetic product formulations for skincare.
What is the difference between Retinols and Retinoids?
Retinoid is a collective term used for a family of ingredients. Of which, Retinol is a weaker, gentle on skin ingredient as compared to other retinoids. Retinol is used in several skincare products. It is an over the counter ingredient that has fewer side effects and can be coupled with other treatments.
However, retinoid is a stronger compound that requires a prescription. These types of retinoids include Retin-A (tretinoin), adapalene, tazarotene, and more.
Why is Retinol used in skincare products?
From reducing fine lines to improving overall skin texture, Retinols have been used in several skincare products with varying concentrations. Based on the formulations used in the product, Retinol, a Vitamin A derivative, performs functions and offers skin benefits as mentioned below:
- It helps build collagen to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. In short, it minimizes the appearance of signs of aging. Hence, it is used in several anti-aging creams and serums to impart younger-looking skin.
- Retinoids stimulate the production of new blood vessels. It aids in cell turnover and lays the groundwork for new skin cells.
- It is known for reducing dull patches, dark spots, and even out the overall skin tone and texture.
In a nutshell, it is referred to as the backbone of several skincare products because of its multifunctional properties.
Not to mention there is a downside to using Retinols in excess or in combination with other retinoids.
- They make your skin flaky, increase sensitivity, and cause redness and irritation. They must be used as directed by the brand.
- The best time to use retinol is at night as they are highly volatile when exposed to sunlight or air. They increase skin sensitivity; during the retinol treatment, always apply a sunscreen irrespective of when you have applied it to your skin. It takes time to perform the function.
- They can even lose effectiveness in combination with other ingredients used in the products.
Types of The Ordinary Retinols
Based on strength, there are three classes of The Ordinary Retinol products available for use in anti-aging treatments as well as your regular skincare regimen. They are all suspended in Squalane.
List of The Ordinary Retinol products
1. The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane (Low strength)
- It is a low strength 0.2% retinol, which is equivalent to 0.1% retinoic acid with moderate irritation.
- It has a 12 month shelf life and is very stable.
- Ideal for first time users who can later work their way up to 0.5% strength.
- It has an oily texture.
2. The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane (Moderate strength)
- It is a moderate strength 0.5% retinol, which is equivalent to 0.025% retinoic acid with high irritation.
- The retinoic acid at this strength has been scientifically tested for the results that it can treat photoaged skin.
- It has a 12 month shelf life and is very stable.
- Ideal for people who are already using it. They can either stay at this level or later work their way up to 1% strength.
- It has an oily texture.
3. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane(High Strength)
- It is a high strength 1% retinol, which is equivalent to 0.05% retinoic acid with high irritation.
- The retinoic acid at this strength has been scientifically tested for the results that it encourages collagen formation and repairs sun damage.
- It has a 12 month shelf life and is very stable.
- Ideal for people who have already used it and developed skin tolerance for 0.5%.
- It has an oily texture.
For unknown or novice users, it is important to note that Retinol is reactive in nature. Depending on the skin sensitivity, it may take time. Your skin may take from a few weeks to months to develop tolerance for Retinol. Thus, those using it for the first time should start with 0.2% strength. Start using it gradually. Use it once a week for a few weeks to twice a week. Don’t go overboard, and do the patch test, that’s unskippable for first timers.
List of The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid products
There’s another compound in the Retinoids range, the granactive retinoid. This formula is more gentle than The Ordinary Retinol products. They have three products with this formula that deliver similar results. These are meant for people who have sensitive skin and want to reduce irritation to a minimum.
1. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% emulsion (Moderate strength)
- It is a moderate strength retinoid with a low risk of irritation.
- It is slightly stronger than Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane.
- It has a lightweight, creamy serum texture.
- It has a 12 month shelf life but is not stable as oils because it is a water based formula.
2. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane (High strength)
- It is a moderate strength retinoid with least or zero irritation.
- It has an oily texture.
- It has a 12-month shelf life and is very stable as it doesn’t contain water.
- It contains 0.2% HPR which is an active ingredient. The studies have found 1% HPR can be effective in combination with actives such as papain and retinol for mild to moderate acne treatment.
- Due to least irritation, it can be used for the eye area.
3. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane (High strength)
- It is a high strength retinoid with low irritation.
- It has an oily texture.
- It has a 12-month shelf life and is very stable as it doesn’t contain water.
- It contains 0.5% HPR which is an active ingredient. The studies have found 1% HPR can be effective in combination with actives such as papain and retinol for mild to moderate acne treatment.
- It has a slight yellow tint due to HPR which is invisible on the skin.
Key ingredients
The key ingredients used in The Ordinary Retinol products are:
- Squalene – The retinol range is formulated in Squalane base. Most people are unaware of the benefits of Squalane or its effects on the skin. Derived from Squalene oil, Squalane has been used in traditional medicines for its healing properties. It is colorless and odorless, stable form of Squalene that helps in the absorption of nutrients in the skin. Always use a plant-based Squalane for skincare treatments.
- Retinol – An anti-aging Retinoid compound that is used for balancing skin tone and reducing the fine lines and wrinkles.
- Jojoba oil – It is used in several homemade skincare remedies. It acts as a wax that forms a protective film and absorbs easily into the skin. It has super hydrating and moisturizing properties.
- Tomato extract – It is used in different skincare products due to its antioxidant properties.
How to use The Ordinary Retinol products?
The Ordinary Retinol products must be used in the evening or at night. They are highly volatile when exposed to light or air. Therefore, as long as you are using Retinols, sunscreen cannot be avoided. This is very important for people with sensitive skin.
The Retinol formula is applied after the water-based treatments and before heavy creams or moisturizers. Leave it overnight. Your skin will be smoother in the morning.
Apply a small amount as low as 3-5 drops on your face and neck. Leave it for a few minutes before heavy treatments. It can be a part of your skincare regime. However, there are a few things you should take care of as listed in the precautions.
Precautions
- Do not use it in combination with other Retinoid treatments.
- It must be kept away from sunlight and regular application of sunscreen is advisable.
- Always take a patch test before application.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid the use of retinoids.
- Always start with a low strength Retinoid treatment when switching to a different brand.
- People with acne may experience an increase in acne in the first few weeks, but if irritation or redness continues, stop using and consult a doctor.
Final verdict
The Ordinary range of Retinol products is very clean, stable, and as effective as it is affordable. Although, retinol possesses versatile properties in skin treatment, the effects can vary from skin to skin.
Therefore, The Ordinary offers Retinols with different strengths. All the products are tested and many users have developed a tolerance for Retinols entailing the application of high strength formula to treat acne and comedones.
Nevertheless, the wise would not use it without a patch test. Follow the necessary steps and precautions before proceeding or slathering it directly on your skin.