The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, Gentle Retinol Serum for the Face That Is Anti-Aging and Skin Smoothing, 1 Fl Oz
Best for
Best for beginners (low %)
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Current price
$8.10
Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read

The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane holds a 4.6 average across roughly 4,799 verified-purchase ratings in the supplied data—a strong score on a more modest review base. As the lowest-strength retinol in the pool, it is the most sensible entry point for newcomers building tolerance, and its squalane base and very low price reinforce that beginner positioning. No independent expert testing or specialist-community threads were provided, so this synthesis draws on retail ratings only.
What reviewers liked
- Lowest retinol strength in the pool, ideal for beginners
- Strong 4.6 average rating
- Among the cheapest options with a buffering squalane base
Where it falls short
- Smaller verified-purchase base (~4,799) than the leading serums
- Low strength means slower, subtler results
- No expert or community data supplied for corroboration
Embed our score
Sell this product? Show off the rank.
Free badge for the brand, retailer, or anyone covering this product. Copy the snippet and paste it anywhere HTML works. Updates automatically when the ranking changes.
Includes a credit link back to this page. No tracking; no JavaScript.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane holds a 4.6 average across roughly 4,799 verified-purchase ratings in the supplied data—a strong score on a more modest review base. As the lowest-strength retinol in the pool, it is the most sensible entry point for newcomers building tolerance, and its squalane base and very low price reinforce that beginner positioning.
No independent expert testing or specialist-community threads were provided, so this synthesis draws on retail ratings only. The smaller volume relative to the CeraVe serums is why it sits a notch lower despite an identical average, but for a first retinol it is the most appropriate strength here.
- Mild Retinol Formula
- Retinol 0.2% in Squalane helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
- Conditions & Nourishes
- Supported with squalane, a conditioning agent that nourishes skin to help target dryness associated with retinol use.
- Beginner-Friendly
- Ideal for retinol beginners to start with, offering a gentle introduction before progressing to higher strengths.
- Improves Texture & Tone
- Works to even out skin texture and tone, addressing signs of aging such as lines and wrinkles from the loss of collagen and elastin.
- Application Instructions
- Apply a few drops to the face in the evening. Use sun protection during the day. Do not use with other retinoid products. Refrigerate after opening.
If the consensus convinced you
Check current price on Amazon
Pricing and availability change frequently. Tap through to confirm before buying.

