The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, High-Strength Retinol Serum for Anti-Aging and Skin Smoothing GreenCircle Sustainable Energy…
Best for
Best 0.5-1% retinol
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$9.90
Updated May 18, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is the most-cited high-strength budget retinol. High-trust r/SkincareAddiction threads include users who tolerated the 1% formula well after starting at lower strengths and noticed fading of acne marks within weeks. The squalane base is repeatedly described as making the formula more comfortable than alcohol- or water-based 1% retinols.
What reviewers liked
- Under $10 for a 1% retinol concentration — strongest budget value in the category
- Squalane base described as more comfortable than typical high-strength retinols
- 18,000+ verified Amazon reviews at 4.5 average
- Disclosed concentration (unlike most drugstore retinols) helps users titrate
Where it falls short
- Multiple high-trust Reddit threads report breakouts and irritation, especially in beginners
- r/Sephora and other community threads describe the formula as greasy
- Squalane carrier raises stability/oxidation concerns over time
- Not appropriate as a first retinol — community consensus is to start lower
Across the reviewers we read, The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is the most-cited high-strength budget retinol. High-trust r/SkincareAddiction threads include users who tolerated the 1% formula well after starting at lower strengths and noticed fading of acne marks within weeks. The squalane base is repeatedly described as making the formula more comfortable than alcohol- or water-based 1% retinols.
The disagreement here is significant and worth naming honestly. Some high-trust r/SkincareAddiction posters reported worsened acne and irritation after three months of use, while r/Sephora commenters called the formula weak and greasy. Specialist communities consistently warn that 1% is not a beginner strength and that the squalane carrier may not stabilize retinol as well as encapsulated formulas. For experienced retinol users wanting a high-strength option at under $10, the trust-weighted consensus says it's a credible pick — but new users are widely steered toward the 0.2% version or an encapsulated alternative first.
- High-Strength Retinol Formula
- Retinol 1% in Squalane targets fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture with a potent 1% retinol concentration.
- Iimproves 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.
- Conditions & Nourishes
- Supported with squalane, a conditioning agent that nourishes skin to help target dryness associated with retinol use.
- Ideal For Expert Users
- Best for users who have built tolerance to lower-strength retinol. Ideal for those ready for high-strength retinoid solutions.
- 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.
I started with One 1% w/Squalane and had no problems with it. A bit oily but my skin responded fine to it. I am about six weeks into the ...
The ordinary's retinol is a waste of time and money. It's super weak and greasy, and it won't do anything for your skin. Also, most people don't ...
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“The Ordinary Retinol 1% in squalene REVIEW” · YouTube
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