Today we want to review the retinol 0.5% squalane by The Ordinary.
Now everywhere we go, we get told that retinol is the goat for anti-ageing. Now if you don't know what the difference is between retinol and retinal, we've covered the differences between them here.
It's a golden colour out the bottle. And it does have a smell to it, but all retinols we have tried do. If you can get past that you know this is an anti-ager for wrinkles and fine lines.
We like that it is suspended in squalane which makes it more comfortable on the skin. It is a solid choice when you want visible anti-ageing results without going too strong straight away. Retinol in general speeds up skin cell turnover so you get rid of old dull skin and bring through fresher skin. Over time this makes your face look smoother, brighter and more even.
In saying that, this is normally a skincare product that is part of a nighttime routine anyway.
The texture is quite oily and rich because of the squalane. It spreads easily across the face but it does sit on top of the skin for a bit before it fully absorbs. Some people will really like this rich feeling especially if they have dry skin. Others with oily or combination skin might find it too heavy. The golden colour looks nice in the bottle but you do not really notice it once it is on.
In terms of how to get started with it, use it at night only after cleansing. Apply a small amount to your face and gently rub it in, then follow with your moisturiser. Start slow with it two or three times a week so your skin can get used to it. Always wear sunscreen in the daytime when using retinol.
For more guidance check out our how to use retinol a beginners guide.
All in all the price is affordable for a retinol if you are looking to enter into this world. There are other products out there and the strengths range greatly so we'd say you could always test a couple and see what works for you depending on your skin type.
We have been using this one consistently and we can see it is helping smooth out the texture of our skin and soften some fine lines. It is not dramatic overnight but with time you notice your skin just looks better overall. We also like that it is gentle enough that we did not get much irritation which is a big plus when starting retinol.
Down to how great it is or not and honestly for the money this is a really good starting retinol. It is not perfect but it does the job without costing a fortune. If you have normal to dry skin and you are looking to get into retinol slowly, this one is worth a try. We think it is a decent entry level option and it has earned a spot in our nighttime routine.
Just remember to be patient with retinols as they take time to show their full results. Do not expect miracles in a couple of weeks. Give it at least a couple of months of consistent use and you should start seeing improvements in wrinkles, texture and overall skin tone.
We would recommend this if you are new to retinol or want something affordable to test the waters. It is not the strongest retinol but it is effective and easy to use. For more anti-ageing tips see our skin care routine for wrinkles, best eye creams for dark circles and benefits of vitamin C serum if you want to build a full routine around this retinol.
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