Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (Previously Advanced Retinoid 2%)

At 2% with a new form of retinoid - this works without the irritation! I use mine every other night, with excellent results. A few drops means this product will last MONTHS.

Review is based on a 3 months usage. Skin type: I run very dry/sensitive.

Retinoid/Retinol stimulates collagen and increases cell turnover, which in turn helps plump and firm skin, but can both treat and prevent many fine lines and reduce deeper wrinkles. It's also an effective tool for preventative measures. As a long-time Vitamin A prescription user, I still find other Retinoid/Retinol options can work nicely in my routine, providing they are formulated correctly, on days I want a less-intense dosage..and you may as well.

The application at first can run a tad grainy, which easily goes away to blend in very smoothly, so if you do find a hint of graininess, don't be put off. It does have a slight odor to it, but that dissipates. If you are new to Retinoids/Retinol, I suggest test patching either behind the ear or on the delicate under-area of your forearm, leaving the patch overnight, before moving forward with usage on the face and down the neck/chest. The neck and chest are often more sensitive and so, again, I found a light hand key here. This is perfectly safe and effective for the entire eye area, but never for use upon the lids. You may experience a slight 'sting', but that should diminish and disappear as skin becomes accustomed to the Vitamin A. Burning, however, is not the same as a sting, so I would really listen to your skin.

Those who are highly sensitive or do experience a burn, acclimating skin is how you will achieve maximum results with minimal irritation. I find, in my experience, starting with just a hint of product every other night or every 3rd night and increasing or reducing usage based on skin response to be most helpful. If that's not an issue, this could easily be used every evening. I applied this at night, after cleansing and toning and before moisturizer or facial oils when layering. Personally I avoid layering Vitamin A products with AHA/BHA products or Vitamin C to reduce irritation

If you run dry/very dry/extremely dry, you may find devoting an entire day, spaced between Retinoid usage, devoted simply to hydrating and soothing skin works best for you.

3 months is ample time to see ever-so-slight complexion-surface changes, but with fine lines 6 months is an even better gauge. A full year for deeper wrinkles to see significant improvement. But I really want user to keep expectations realistic. This is not a duplicate for more potent formulations.

Those who are struggling with melasma, dark spots, acne or acne discoloration of pigment (some call "scarring") this should absolutely help if used as part of a broader skin-care regimen. It will not remove or reduce pock marks from the skink however; that requires microneedling. It can, however, help those areas look and feel more toned, and for many, prevent or treat current acne.

Some of the technology is fairly new and still needs much exploring and testing to see if it can live up to it's claims. It will never replicate the results of prescription Vitamin A, even with diligent use, but, if you do want to bring a Retinoid into your routine, this is the highest strength you will find over the counter at this price point. They did an excellent job in that regard.

I definitely think this is a plus if you've been thinking about stepping up your skincare game, but are not quite ready for prescription-strength Retinoids. If you'd like to take it a level higher, I would incorporate this into a broader anti-aging skin care regimen. To make this even more effective, I'd alternate this with a C serum in the morning and bring in a facial oil (such as The Ordinary Rosehip, Squalane or The Buffet) and toner and moisturizer with CoQ10, Niacinamide, Peptides, and Antioxidants that is free from drying alcohols and fragrance. You can take to the max, by using an AHA/BHA chemical exfoliation as part of your routine or as a treatment, but again, I would not layer any acids with this product, ever. Retinoids/Retinol increases skin sensitivity (even on days you do not apply the product) and so Broad Spectrum Sun Protection is a must. If you use a C or E product in the day, that also naturally boosts sun protection.

I would definitely both recommend and consider for repurchase or gifting.

This is one of my faves and must have from The Ordinary. I've been using this cream retinol for 4 months and I haven't even hit half way yet. I'm usually a huge luxury skin care buyer so paying so little for retinol had me a little suspicious. It's gentle, it doesn't smell weird, it absorbs super quick and leaves no residue. I use this every other night and alternate with my lactic acid 5%. The beauty of the cream texture is that even on my very dry skin, I did not need a moisturizer on top which is a big plus. That way you're not mixing up chemicals.

I was looking for a cream with retinol and I saw Wayne Goss mentioned this in Instagram. It was cheap, so I gave it a try. I'm almost done with my first 30ml bottle and all I can say is, this product is worth a try. I paid £6.67 plus shipping from outside the US. I am so glad that Beautylish now carries The Ordinary. The milky texture of the emulsion feels so nourishing and hydrating. Whenever I wash my face in the morning(after applying at night), my skin feels velvety smooth.

I've been using The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% for about 4 months now. Let me first say I can not use any other products containing any form of retinol. My skin is extremely sensitive and I have Rosacea. When I started using The Ordinary product I was apprehensive, but upon the first application I knew this was not going to cause irritation to my skin. I thought that perhaps it would do nothing, but I wanted to find out. It's been 4 months now and I'm thrilled with the results. My wrinkles have stopped deepening. Even one fairly established wrinkle right over my left brow has softened dramatically. I'm so grateful that The Ordinary has come along and produced such quality products at such low prices. My skin thanks them very much and Beautylish for delivering them so quickly and beautifully .

I have been buying skincare and spending all my time during the last few years trying to figure out the fountain of youth products. My latest splurges included La Mer and lightening products from the local spa. Nothing has changed my skin so dramatically in a matter of DAYS (pigmentation on my jawline and forehead GONE) like the four products I bought here from The Ordinary (lactic acid, squaline, retinoid and the aha peeling solution). I am in utter disbelief that I'm looking at my own skin. Thanks to Wayne for sharing this and getting us into this fountain of youth line.

I have been using retinol products in various forms for years but they are usually mixed with so many other ingredients that I don't see a difference until I've used hundreds of dollars worth of product. The Ordinary Advanced Retinol 2% is completely different! I actually felt a tiny sting the first few times I used it (it's been years since I've felt any sting from retinol) and it went away as soon i applied my serum. It soaks in quickly and does not pill up when other products are applied on top of it. It's only been 5 days but the edges of my hyperpigmentation are starting to fade a tiny bit! And because of the great price, I am going to start using it on my chest and the backs of my hands. The Ordinary is magic in a bottle!

This is probably the most gentle retinoid I've ever used. Doesn't leave my skin tight and dry like most. Also the price is amazing! Most retinoid products are insanely expensive. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a gentle way to reverse the signs of aging.

This was my first product & trial to The Ordinary line. Need to said: My skin love it. Lot of issues on my young skin: Maybe for stress, maybe for sun overexposure, maybe for lupus disease or the lot of hard core makeup I used for years... I noticed a dehydrated skin, fine lines, enlarged pores, dark spots, a "tired" appearance. I eas scared for my oily skin & possibles reactions to a serum. But NO! This product is another "holy grail" from this affordable line. Is my second bottle... Because my skin in 2 months look so polished, plumped & with a natural radiance. Including my grandmother said me: "I'm happy for you! This products erased your noticeable forehead lines". My nasolabial lines are "stuffed" and my small but already noticeable "crow's feet" in the eyes disappeared. I haven't experienced acne or any other reaction than shiny-healthy look and age-appropriate skin. I think it has helped to improve my hyper pigmentation as a whole to Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA. If this comment can help others with my skin problems, I would be happy. I recommend it and I will continue to buy it.

Works great and didnt burn or hurt my skin which is ULTRA sensitive. Just make sure you wear SPF the next morning or you will feel extra dry and a little red if you step in the sun.