The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Evidence-led ingredient analysis, a transparent clean score out of 100 and cleaner, effective alternatives at three price levels.
Best for
Anti-Ageing
Why Selenssa recommends it
A budget-friendly water-free formula that delivers proven pure retinol to boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen, cushioned by hydrating squalane to mitigate peeling.
Key actives
Pure Retinol (0.5%), Squalane
Clean highlights
Fragrance-free · Water-free formulation · Cruelty-free · Vegan
Selenssa Score 88/100 · £8.50
Want to see how this compares? See The Selenssa 3 →The Ordinary
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Anti-Ageing · Budget: £8.50
4.5 (4,500 reviews)· across Boots, LookFantastic, Cult Beauty, Amazon UK, The Ordinary
Ingredients: AI-inferred — not yet verified
A well-formulated, highly accessible active treatment combining 0.5% pure retinol with nourishing squalane. Note: The ingredient list was inferred from the standard standard published formulation. The formula is free from undisclosed fragrance and drying alcohols, though it includes BHT as an active stabilizer.
Hazard categories
Estimated score out of 100
Formulation score is fixed across Selenssa · Community effectiveness awaiting more reports
Based on publicly available ingredients, following our methodology. Not medical advice — always check the physical label, especially for allergies. How we score →
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A solid, budget-friendly retinol choice for skin already accustomed to retinoids. Introduce gradually (2-3 nights per week initially) and always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.
Be cautious if
Pregnant/breastfeeding women, individuals with severe rosacea or compromised skin barriers, and absolute beginners to vitamin A products.
Against your clean standard
Meets Standard with Minor Caution (contains BHT as stabilizer)
Where this score comes from
- Source
- No source record on file yet
- Source page
- —
- Retrieved
- —
- Evidence snapshot
- Not captured
Score history
No score changes have been recorded for this product yet.
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Does The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane contain parabens, sulfates or fragrance?
A straight yes or no for the ingredient groups people most often want to avoid, checked against this product's published formulation.
Free from parabens
Preservatives; the longer-chain ones (propyl, butyl) carry the endocrine questions.
Free from sulfates (sls / sles)
Strong cleansing agents that can strip a compromised barrier.
Free from silicones
Slip and occlusion; cyclic silicones (D4/D5/D6) are the environmentally restricted ones.
Free from fragrance / parfum
Undisclosed fragrance blends are the most common trigger for sensitised skin.
Free from essential oils
Naturally derived, but among the most frequently reported contact allergens.
Free from drying alcohol
Fine in small amounts for texture; high up the list it can dehydrate.
Free from formaldehyde releasers
Preservatives that slowly release formaldehyde.
Free from chemical uv filters of concern
Restricted or debated filters with endocrine or reef-persistence questions.
Is The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane non-comedogenic?
No ingredients in this formulation appear on Selenssa's common pore-clogger list, so it is unlikely to be the cause of congestion for most people. Comedogenicity is still individual — texture, occlusion and how much you use all play a part.
Is The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane safe for sensitive skin?
Usually tolerated, but patch test if your skin reacts easily.
- No fragrance or parfum in the list
Ingredients worth knowing about: Retinol, BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene).
Can you use The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane while pregnant?
This product contains retinol, which is usually on the list of ingredients people are advised to pause during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Selenssa is not medical advice — check with your midwife, GP or dermatologist before using it.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane full ingredients list
10 ingredients analysed, in the order Selenssa assessed them. Concentration generally falls as you move down the list.
Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20.
The actives doing the work: Squalane Base (Nourishes and reinforces skin barrier while minimizing retinoid-induced dryness.); 0.5% Pure Retinol (Established active concentration for improving fine lines, texture, and tone.); Tomato Fruit Extract & Jojoba Oil (Provides rich lipid nourishment and supportive botanical antioxidants.).
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