The Ordinary
🇺🇸
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Ampoules
4.1
(101)
Ratings & Reviews
4.1
101 Reviews
Rating Distribution
Product Attributes
Alcohol-free
Paraben-free
Silicone-free
Sulfate-free
Allergen-free
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic
Oil-free
Photo Reviews
68 Reviews
Skincarekitten
Dry/Sensitive
| 19 March, 2021
Summary:
This is one of the products of The Ordinary I've used the longest. Non-irritating retinoid that is smooth, silky and easy to absorb.
Details:
This retinoid has a milky texture and a faint smell that I can't describe very well. I like the fact that it's free of fragrance, alcohol and essential oils. It's easily distributed over the skin.
I use this in the evening after cleansing and toner and follow with a moisturiser. I never had any redness or purging from this despite having sensitive skin. Granactive retinoid is a milder and weaker derivative of retinol and therefore better tolerated by the skin.
After using it my skin feels softer and smoother and I find it's evening out my texture to some extent. My skin is fine with me using this daily in the PM routine.
The Ordinary belongs to Deciem, which is a cruelty free and vegan skincare brand. At 32€ per 100ml this product lies in the mid-range of skincare products.
The only downside for me is that it's not very strong and while it smoothes out my skin overall, it doesn't seem to work that well against specific wrinkles.
63
10
VAO
Oily/Resilient
| 3 February, 2021
This is my first retinoid. I was so scared to start as I read it can cause irritation, purging.
First of all, it is a lot of product and lasts looonnnng. I started using it twice a week and improving but still it just doesnt empty.
It is a light formula, easy to apply. You can (and should) moisturize without any problems, it doesnt "slide". My combination skin is just sucking it in instantly.
Has a weird smell which I personally like very much.
The price is shamelessly low.
I do not like droppers!! Also the container is made of glass so every time is a mini-heartbreak when it slips as I live far away from the UK and last time shipping took a month.
I recently got addicted to dr Dray and she told in a video that these granactive retinoids have little effect. I hope she is wrong 😂😂little chance for that. Anyways I will use this one but I'll update next Time.
8
4
funskincare
Oily/Resilient
| 14 May, 2020
It has this light texture that makes them easy to blend with moisturizer which is great. And I think we don’t have to say more about the price.
None. Didn’t experience any sort of purging, redness or irritation while using it. But after a while, I noticed that small papules are forming on the most random area of my face after I incorporate it into my routine (and I am pretty sure it’s not purging since I am quite familiar with retinoid based product) :(
8
3
aruneka
Dry/Resilient
| 3 January, 2022
🏷️label claims: This serum with a creamy texture is great for those looking for solutions for textural irregularities / signs of aging without the side effects associated with retinol
💦 Texture: thick, goopy, creamy texture; yellowish in color.
🤔 My thoughts: Retinoid said to be less irritating than retinol, so i choose this as my first retinol product. Its very creamy liquid glides very well on my skin, sinks in within seconds. No irritation i felt. No peeling or dry patches even in winter when my skin is dry. I have been using this one for almost 3 months. And still i don't know how i feel about it. Its hydrating feels great on my skin. My skin looks better on the next day. But no significant improvement on my skin texture. I don’t have any huge signs of aging but some small lines on my forhead and my smile line. didn’t saw any improvement on these also.
So i think its a good start to make your skin used to with retinol but will not repurchase it.
👎 And this one has PAO of only 3 months. i can't even half finished half of the bottle in this time. waste of product 😔
6
2
P
Petrenci
Dry/Sensitive
| 8 April, 2021
I love this retinoid's formula. I use it for blemishes, dark post and anti-aging treatments twice a week.
It is not stable. It is only good for 3 months and 30ml is too much for that time (twice a week use).
6
2
vbyerley
Oily/Resilient
| 24 February, 2021
This is my first retinoid, and I feel confident using it on my oily skin in the evenings. I like the thick texture and do not have any issues of feeling sticky after application. It has improved the texture of my skin.
I don’t like that thiw product has a dropper rather than a pump. I do feel it would be easier to apply otherwise.
5
3
alce
Dry/Resilient
| 29 July, 2022
I absolutely love this product. Same effect of retinol but with less irritation and no purging at ALL. Very cheap product with great results. It does have a little smell but it doesnt bother me.
None. It really is a great product
4
1
LouiseY
Oily/Resilient
| 7 April, 2021
This is the perfect choice for people who would like to have a gentle start with their Retinol journey! I’ve never had an experience with retinol or any of its derivatives prior to trying this serum, yet I got absolutely no irritation! I love its texture and consistency and I feel like its such a treat to put this on my face. I was also afraid of the peeling and dryness that usually come with high percentages of retinoids but I experienced none of that. It’s quite moisturizing and has great spreadability. As it dries, my skin feels matte and almost powdery, I would say that its very similar to when I use TO Azelaic Acid Suspension. I barely purged too!
The best part is feeling the difference in the texture and smoothness of my skin the next morning!
May be a little to weak to some people, but as a beginner its just at the right strength for me at the moment. Other than that, this is an amazing product and I am definitely going to repurchase it!
4
2
MsK
Oily/Sensitive
| 27 October, 2020
It did improve texture
But... had to counter with heavy moisturizers to combat dryness and sensitivity
4
2
aruneka
Dry/Resilient
| 3 January, 2022
🏷️label claims: This serum with a creamy texture is great for those looking for solutions for textural irregularities / signs of aging without the side effects associated with retinol
💦 Texture: thick, goopy, creamy texture; yellowish in color.
🤔 My thoughts: Retinoid said to be less irritating than retinol, so i choose this as my first retinol product. Its very creamy liquid glides very well on my skin, sinks in within seconds. No irritation i felt. No peeling or dry patches even in winter when my skin is dry. I have been using this one for almost 3 months. And still i don't know how i feel about it. Its hydrating feels great on my skin. My skin looks better on the next day. But no significant improvement on my skin texture. I don’t have any huge signs of aging but some small lines on my forhead and my smile line. didn’t saw any improvement on these also.
So i think its a good start to make your skin used to with retinol but will not repurchase it.
👎 And this one has PAO of only 3 months. i can't even half finished half of the bottle in this time. waste of product 😔
3
Comment
Related Products
It's time to get Picky
Picky’s skincare library includes 50,000 products, with filtering capabilities including acne-care and brightening, as well as vegan and cruelty-free tags.
Discover the best skincare products. Meet new skincare BFFs and mentors. #GetPicky.
