The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.5% in Squalane 30ml
You'll earn 6 Status Points with this product
RRP: £7.80 Current price: £6.24
Save £1.56 ( 20% Off )
Or 3 interest free payments of £2.08 with frasers plus
In stock | Usually dispatched within 24 hours

The Ordinary has firmly cemented itself as a leader in science-backed skin care. Taking the guesswork out of building a regime, it ditches unnecessary, filler ingredients for familiar, hard-working actives that deliver promising results. And the Retinol Serum 0.5% in Squalane (30ml) is a highly stable, high-strength serum featuring 0.5% pure retinol.
A powerhouse form of vitamin A housed in soothing squalane, the Retinol Serum 0.5% in Squalane (30ml) encourages cell turnover, revealing healthier, softer skin.
This stellar serum works hard to minimise the look of fine lines, dark spots and blemishes, while improving skin texture and tone... and we'd be happy with that, but there's more. Supported by squalane (a moisturising ingredient naturally found in your skin) you can expect your complexion to appear smooth and hydrated, with any dryness that can come with retinol use being reduced. We've got heart eyes just thinking about it...
Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, BHT.
For the latest information, it is recommended to review the ingredient list printed on the packaging of the product prior to usage or consumption.
Apply a small amount to the face in the evening, after water serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use with other retinoid treatments and avoid unprotected sun exposure. Store in a cool, dry place.
Transparency lies at the heart of our philosophy which is why we have partnered with tech-platform – Provenance – to cut through the industry ‘noise’ and equip you with key facts that matter. A 'proof point' with a green tick means a third party has verified the accuracy of the statement whereas no green tick means that there isn't independent confirmation (yet!), but that the brand has still supplied substantiating evidence (which you can view yourself). Discover the proof points for this product below.
Frequently Bought Together

This item
The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.5% in Squalane 30ml
RRP: £7.80 Current price: £6.24
Save £1.56 ( 20% Off )
Other Customers Bought
Customer Reviews
5 stars rating 96 reviews
4 stars rating 28 reviews
3 stars rating 11 reviews
2 stars rating 2 reviews
1 stars rating 3 reviews
Top Customer Reviews
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Please remember that results will vary from person to person. We're proud to say that all customer reviews are independent, authentic and do not represent the views of Cult Beauty or The Hut Group.
Helped treat acne
I have temperamental skin and even though I have acne, I find that most acne treatments are too drying and leave me with sore flaking skin. Firstly, I tried the 0.2% serum but it was only once I increased the dose to 0.5% that I really started to see a difference. I find that the combination of squalane and retinol really helps to maintain my skin's balance whilst also reducing my acne flare ups!
by LS Verified Purchase
Was this helpful?
The Ordinary’s Retinol 0.5%
This the 3rd time I used The Ordinary’s Retinol 0.5% I notice the texture felt like a facial oil and was easy to massage as well. It went on my face just like a facial oil, smooth and soft. I even thought I might not need my moisturizer with it as my face legit felt hydrated and soft as it would look after a facial oil. After a few usages only, I woke up one morning and my skin looked like it got some overnight treatment. I couldn’t pinpoint what exactly is different but my skin was definitely feeling it. TheOrdinary Retinol was great
by MOUZA Verified Purchase
Was this helpful?
Results but don’t like consistency
I do notice the results with this product and love how my skin feels and looks in the morning but it’s sooo greasy, and doesn’t absorb! So getting it on my pillow and in my hair, which unfortunately has made me try other products but may come back if they don’t provide same results
by Hannah
Was this helpful?
Helps reduce the appearance of skin texture
Since using this, I have had smoother and glowier skin. The squalane helps keep my skin moisturised so I have little to no peeling or 'retinol skin purging' as some people get as well.
by Abbie Verified Purchase
Was this helpful?
Retinol
Great price point for an entry into retinol use. Used correctly it doesn’t cause any irritation, just make sure you don’t exfoliate a few days before you use it. Because of the price, I don’t feel guilty for smoothing it across my chest area too- a must in an anti ageing regime!
by Kristina Verified Purchase
Was this helpful?
Didn’t love it
It’s quite oily, my skin didn’t take well to it. I used it in the evening maybe 2-3 times a week and it just felt irritated. I’ve seen it work great for some but it just didn’t for me.
by Tash Verified Purchase
Was this helpful?
Very nice formula
I have been using this for about 6 months and the difference in my skin! I had lots of red acne scars as a result of not t looking after my skin when I was younger. I use to be very insecure but this has helped so much. Be aware that you might obviously purge (break out) when you start using this and also work into it gently (once every other night, moving up in frequency). Also careful what other products you are using (e.g no glycolic acid) and always use suncream!!
by Isabelle Verified Purchase
Was this helpful?
Great serum
I’ve been using this for a couple of months now, and I’m starting to see great results. I had to deal with a few breakouts to begin with as my skin adjusted, but my skin is much softer, smoother and plumper. I built up slowly and didn’t suffer any sensitivity
by Ally
Was this helpful?
Nice
This is a must in my skin care routine, there has been a massive improvement on a whole but my issue is sometimes it can sting... It's extremely rare but can become unpleasant.
by Jessica Verified Purchase
Was this helpful?
Use it on my neck
I use this on my neck to prevent fine lines.
by Asha Verified Purchase
Was this helpful?