I’ll admit it: when The Ordinary’s Retinol 1% in Squalane first crossed my desk three years ago, I barely glanced at it. At $9.90, it seemed impossibly cheap for a high-strength retinol, and frankly, I was deep in a $180 Sunday Riley Luna phase. But after testing it alongside serums that cost twenty times more, I’ve learned something humbling about this unassuming brown bottle—it delivers results that would make some luxury brands nervous.
What Is The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane?
This is a straightforward retinol serum suspended in squalane oil, offering 1% pure retinol—a concentration that sits firmly in the high-strength category. Unlike many retinol products that rely on gentler derivatives like retinyl palmitate, this formula uses the active form that your skin can immediately recognize and use. The squalane base isn’t just a carrier; it’s a strategic choice that helps buffer the retinol’s potential irritation while delivering superior hydration.
The formula is remarkably clean: retinol, squalane, and a few stabilizers. No fragrance, no essential oils, no peptide complexes that sound impressive but muddy the waters. For someone who’s waded through ingredient lists dense with marketing-speak, this transparency feels almost radical.
Who This Serum Is Really For
Despite what the price might suggest, this isn’t a beginner’s retinol. The 1% concentration makes it suitable for someone who’s already built tolerance—ideally someone who’s been using lower-strength retinoids for at least six months. I’ve seen too many people jump straight to this thinking “more is better” and end up with angry, flaking skin.
It’s particularly well-suited for combination skin types like mine. The squalane base provides enough moisture for my cheek areas without feeling heavy on my T-zone. In my temperate climate, I can use this year-round, though I do scale back frequency during particularly harsh winter months.
This serum also appeals to the ingredient-conscious consumer who wants to know exactly what they’re putting on their face. If you’re someone who cross-references every component on INCIDecoder, you’ll appreciate the minimal, purposeful formula.
Breaking Down the Formula
The Retinol: At 1%, this is genuine high-strength territory. To put it in perspective, most dermatologist-recommended retinol products hover between 0.25% and 0.5%. The difference is noticeable—within two weeks of consistent use, I could see improved skin texture and a subtle glow that my previous 0.5% formula took months to achieve.
The Squalane: This isn’t just a luxury add-on. Squalane is naturally present in our skin and decreases as we age, making it an intelligent partner for anti-aging actives. The molecular weight allows it to penetrate effectively while creating a protective barrier that helps minimize retinol irritation. After application, my skin feels plump and smooth, never greasy.
The Texture: The serum has a lightweight oil consistency that’s more fluid than you’d expect from a squalane-based product. Three drops cover my entire face and absorb within minutes. There’s no residue, no pilling under moisturizer, and importantly, no interference with makeup application the following morning.
Stability Considerations: Retinol is notoriously unstable, degrading rapidly when exposed to light and air. The Ordinary packages this in dark glass with an airtight pump, and I’ve noticed the formula maintains its pale yellow color throughout use—a good sign the active remains potent.
Performance Over Time
Week 1-2: Minimal visible changes, but my skin felt smoother to the touch. No irritation, which surprised me given the strength.
Week 3-4: This is where the magic started. Fine lines around my eyes appeared softer, and that slightly rough texture on my forehead—a combination of sun damage and age—began smoothing out.
Month 2-3: The improvements became undeniable. My complexion looked more even, pores appeared smaller (particularly around my nose), and several small dark spots from old breakouts had faded noticeably. Friends started asking if I’d had treatments done.
Month 6: The results plateaued at what I’d call a significant improvement. My skin looked consistently smoother and brighter. The fine lines hadn’t disappeared entirely—this isn’t Botox—but they were markedly diminished.
How It Stacks Against the Competition
Having tested retinol serums from Skinceuticals ($98), Drunk Elephant ($74), and Paula’s Choice ($58), I can say The Ordinary holds its ground remarkably well. The Skinceuticals formula is more elegant and layers beautifully under other products, but the results weren’t dramatically superior to justify the price difference.
Where luxury retinols excel is in user experience—better packaging, more sophisticated textures, and additional beneficial ingredients. But for pure retinol efficacy per dollar spent, nothing I’ve tested comes close to this formula’s value proposition.
The closest competitor in terms of results is Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment at $58. Both deliver comparable improvements, but The Ordinary’s squalane base makes it more suitable for sensitive skin types.
The Honest Drawbacks
Packaging Limitations: The pump occasionally dispenses too much product, and unlike luxury alternatives with precise droppers, you’ll waste some serum learning the right pressure. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
No Frills Experience: If you enjoy the ritual of luxury skincare—the weighted glass, the elegant dropper, the subtle fragrance—this won’t satisfy those sensory desires. It’s purely functional.
Limited Additional Benefits: While some premium retinols include peptides, antioxidants, or growth factors, this formula focuses solely on retinol delivery. Whether that’s a pro or con depends on your perspective.
Availability Issues: The brand’s popularity means frequent stock-outs. I’ve learned to order backups when it’s available.
Application Tips That Actually Matter
Start with twice weekly application and build slowly. I apply this on completely dry skin—waiting 20 minutes after cleansing—then follow with a simple moisturizer. The squalane base means you might not need as heavy a moisturizer as you would with other retinol formulas.
Store it properly. I keep mine in my bedroom drawer, away from bathroom humidity and temperature fluctuations. The dark glass helps, but consistent cool storage extends the formula’s stability.
Don’t mix with vitamin C or acids on the same night. I use this on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, reserving other active nights for my vitamin C or occasional chemical exfoliant.
The Bottom Line
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane proves that effective skincare doesn’t require a luxury price point. While it won’t give you the sensory pleasure of a $200 serum, it will deliver comparable anti-aging results for a fraction of the cost. After six months of consistent use, my skin shows the same improvements I’ve seen from far more expensive alternatives.
Is it perfect? No. The packaging could be more precise, and the experience lacks luxury touches. But for someone seeking proven anti-aging results without the premium markup, this serum represents exceptional value. At $9.90, it costs less than most people spend on a single coffee shop visit, yet delivers results that can genuinely improve your skin’s appearance over time.
For my combination skin in a temperate climate, using this three times per week has become a cornerstone of my routine. It’s one of the few products I’d genuinely miss if it disappeared from the market—a testament to its effectiveness rather than its elegant packaging.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Current price: $9.90 on Amazon