VerdictAI
#6 in Best Retinol Products

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

★★★★★4.6(4,799)

Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreGood
79/ 100

Current price

$8.10

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Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read

The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, Gentle Retinol Serum for the Face That Is Anti-Aging and Skin Smoothing, 1 Fl Oz

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

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Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

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.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
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

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