REVIEW: The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalene | My Favorite Anti-Aging Serum

Hello everyone! I’m Kaycee aka kikaysikat and I’ve been a retinol/retinoid user for almost 1 year now. Retinoids and its derivatives has been part of my daily skincare routine ever since I discovered the wonders of skincare acids (read: Skincare Acids 101).  Today I’ll be reviewing what I’m currently using as of late; The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalene.

At 31 years old, I can notice the beginnings of fine lines, crows feet, laugh lines, sad lines, and all other lines that shows aging. It might not be that visible but I’m conscious enough to slow it down! Because as our bodies start to age skin regeneration slows down. And we need mechanical or chemical assistance to help with the skin renewal and turnover. This is where retinols come in.

You can read more about retinols in my Skincare Acids 101 post and Retinol Wars

Description

Water- and silicone-free, The Ordinary’s Retinol 0.2% in Squalane features highly stable retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearance of ageing with impressive results. A powerhouse form of vitamin A, retinol encourages cell turnover, revealing healthier, softer skin while also tackling blemishes, dark spots and defying signs of ageing – including softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and uneven tone.

Retinol can cause significant irritation, including redness and peeling – but many feel that its significant effects counterbalance this; The Ordinary recommends building your skin’s tolerance to retinol with lower concentrations such as this to minimise discomfort.

Ingredients

Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, BHT

How to Use

The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalene Review

I use this serum as 2nd to the last step in my night time skincare routine. Though I don’t apply it everyday rather 2-3x a week even if the percentage is low. Before using the 0.2% I was already using the discontinued 5% retinol.

It has a very light, oil type texture. Because its base oil is jojoba which is very light and easily absorbed by the skin. One thing remarkable to notice when using this is how my skin looks “new” every time. Never dull, never swallow. Like a skin of a pre-pubescent girl just entering highschool. Yes. That’s how I feel and that’s how my skin looks most of the time. Hahaha

Once I empty this up, it’s time for me to go try a higher percentage as my skin built tolerance to something this low by then. Overall, no matter the controversy Deciem and its owner is encountering I’ll continue to support this products as long as it works. The owner might be a little cuckoo but hey he’s not hurting anybody. Someone like me with bipolar disorder can definitely relate to.

Current State of Skin

fresh face