My favourite retinol serum!
The Ordinary offers a range of retinol product with different concentration helps so much for beginners to slowly introduce retinoid into their skincare routine. I have used 0.2% and the 1% retinol in squalane for 1.5 years. They have helped me build tolerance of my skin towards retinol. This 1% retinol in squalane is strong and can be a little bit irritating. However with use of moisturizers it can help to greatly reduce the irritation. I am now using tretinoin but I still use this 1% retinol in squalane for maintenance. The irritation of tretinoin is too great sometimes. This one is just nice as a maintenance. Retinols are 10x less potent than tretinoin, also at the same time, less irritating.
I love pairing this with niacinamide, and together, they make miracles for my skin! My pores are smaller, and my oil regulation is well controlled. Now I am no longer oily, I am glowy!
The POA is said to be 3 months after opening. It is too short. I could not finish using such a bottle in 3 months. I have used this for 6 months and so far it is fine but after 6 months, I realized the product has slightly turned into light yellowish green. I then stopped using. I love this product, the only complain would be its POA. Hopefully the ordinary comes out with a more stable formulation for this retinol!
