This water-free solution contains a 5% concentration of an advanced retinoid active complex called Granactive Retinoid™ that has been shown to offer better results against multiple signs of aging than retinol without any of the irritation and drawbacks common with retinol. Granactive Retinoid™, an active technology from Grant Industries, is a solubilized system of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of aging than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid.

The Ordinary's portfolio of retinoids includes the following formulations:

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (Moderate Strength, No Irritation)

Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane (Moderate Strength, No Irritation)

Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane (High Strength, No to Low Irritation)

Retinol 0.2% in Squalane (Low Strength, Moderate Irritation)

Retinol 0.5% in Squalane (Moderate Strength, High Irritation) 

Retinol 1% in Squalane (High Strength, Very High Irritation) 

This product uses next-generation retinoid active technologies which have been shown to achieve better reduction in signs of aging than retinol without irritation. These technologies cannot be compared directly with retinol itself in terms of concentration because they include a different retinoid molecule, in a similar way that Retinol cannot be compared with Retinoic Acid in terms of concentration. If you have interest in a retinol product, please refer to our Retinol portfolio above which products contain pure retinol and cost less since many retinol technologies cost less than their next-generation counterparts like Granactive Retinoid™.

Caution

Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. This product is not a treatment for acne. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation.

Note

When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid™ or Retinol.

Granactive Retinoid is a trademark of Grant Industries. Neither DECIEM nor The Ordinary is affiliated with Grant Industries.

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.

How To Use

Apply a small amount to the face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water-based serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use it with other retinoid treatments. Avoid unprotected solar exposure. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. Keep out of reach of children. Refrigerate after opening.

See how to combine multiple formulations from The Ordinary in a single regimen

View Packaging disposal instructions

Patch tests are an easy way to help predict if you may experience an initial negative reaction to a new product. It is recommended to perform a patch test before incorporating any new product into your regimen. We have outlined a general method for conducting your own patch test below based on the type of product.

Apply a small amount of the product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm.

Keep the area dry.

If the product has a specified duration of use, rinse off after this time has elapsed. Otherwise, rinse off after 24 hours.

If any redness, burning, itching, blistering, or irritation is observed throughout the test, do not use the product.

For more product-specific information, review our Patch Testing Guide.

READ THIS! Before Ordering The Ordinary

We have recently received a notice from DECIEM regarding a few changes in packaging & labelling of The Ordinary. As DECIEM Korea is the only office in Asia Pacific, some labels on their popular products will be printed in Korean. However, kindly rest assured that an English version will also be included (on the other side).

Change in Labelling

Some of our products which we import from DECIEM Korea will have changes in their packaging containing information  like ingredients and use direction. One side of the box will be printed in Korean language, while the other side will remain in  English (as shown in the image below).

Both the products on the left in the two photos above are the old version, while the products on the right are the new version imported from DECIEM Korea from now onward. 

The following products may be impacted:

1.   Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (30ml) 
2.   Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA (30ml)
3.   Buffet (30ml)
4.   Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (30ml)
5.   100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil (30ml)
6.   Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (30ml)
7.   Glycolic Acid 7% toning solution (240ml)
8.   Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% (30ml)
9.   High-Adherence Silicone Primer (30ml)
10.   Natural Moisturizing factors + HA (100ml)