The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum - 1.01 fl oz - Ulta Beauty
$9.30
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This retinol serum has garnered mixed feedback from guests, with many praising its effectiveness in improving skin texture and reducing fine lines. However, some guests found it overly oily, leading to breakouts and discomfort. The product is appreciated for its affordability and the ability to integrate into various skincare routines. Guests recommend using it cautiously, especially for those with sensitive skin, to achieve the best results without irritation.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
4.2 out of 5 stars with 682 reviews
60% would recommend
30 recommendations
1 out of 5 stars
13 February, 2026
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
Regret using this
I've used products from the Ordinary for years, as well as using retinol from different brands for years. This is the first time a skincare product has ever broke me out this bad, and I don't have sensitive skin at all. It gives me small itchy bumps all over my cheeks and forehead that take days to go away. I thought that it was a different product that was causing it at first, so I used this 3 times before I realized this serum was the culprit. I'll definitely continue buying from this brand because I love their other products, but I'll be avoiding their retinoids from now on.
4 out of 5 stars
13 February, 2026
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
Would buy again
I use this 6 nights a week (not the night I exfoliate with Glycolic acid). It's a little greasy and will pill if the previous skincare is not fully absorbed.
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
10 February, 2026Verified purchase
Too oily, caused rash
Someone said this absorbs quickly - what a joke! I wanted to commit to using this as I know it will take a while to see results. I only made it one month because it's just so oily. you're gonna feel oily and greasy until you wash your face again. It takes hours to absorb. I also must have rubbed a little of the excess on my neck, and I've got a painful rash all down my neck. That was the last straw for me. No more, not worth it.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
14 January, 2026Verified purchase
Great product
I have use this for several months works great. Feel like it helps with acne and fine lines.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
13 January, 2026Verified purchase
Great skin product
I love the way my skin feels and looks.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
29 December, 2025Verified purchase
Oily!!!! Weird Doesnt absorb
I’ve used many of the Ordinary skincare and liked their products but this one was terrible. The retinol serum is so oily and doesn’t absorb into my skin. I have mature combination skin
5 out of 5 stars
28 December, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
Great for keratosis pilaris
Works great on arms, thighs and butt for keratosis pilaris, absorbs much faster than Amlactin.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
5 December, 2025Verified purchase
Simple ingredients and helps with moisturizing and suppleness of skin
The squalane helps this serum to be nice and moisturizing. I haven't had any sensitivity to the retinol and I do notice a difference since I started using this daily.
1 out of 5 stars
19 November, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
This does not work for me.
I have been using this for 4 weeks, once a day with one to two drops. I've used retinol before, but I wanted to try this because it's affordable. I usually had a 3-4 day purge period, but my acne has not let up after 4 weeks of use. The last week I've used it every other day but still. Nothing else is new in my routine. Never again—I threw this away. I wish I could attach the photos of my skin right now. I am so frustrated!
5 out of 5 stars
19 October, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
Wow!
I was skeptical but my 57 year old skin feels so smooth and the few dark spots i have a lightening after a few uses absorbs quickly as well
5 out of 5 stars
19 October, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
Great product
I wanted to start incorporating retinol in my skincare, so I decided to start with a more cost effective option rather than jumping to a $100 product I may or may not like. I ended up loving this product! It's been about 5 weeks since first trying it, and my skin texture and appearance has improved a lot. Almost all of my dark spots are gone, my skin is brighter, and more even overall. I like how the retinol is half strength of other products, and the squalane allows for some moisture support. Niacinamide makes me break out, so the squalane is a nice combination and I have had no problems with a break out since using the product.
5 out of 5 stars
14 September, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
Great Retinol!
I pair this with Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid and my face feels amazing!
5 out of 5 stars
9 September, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
Such a great product
Goes on smooth. Absorbs quickly. Works wonders on my dark spots, is giving me a more even complexion, and provides moisture overnight. Amazing product for the price.
2 out of 5 stars
2 September, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
Too Oily
This product is SO oily and will not dry down whatsoever so I can apply the rest of my skincare routine. It's straight oil. Not a fan.
1 out of 5 stars
4 August, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
So Oily - Just sits on the skin
This retinol serum is beyond oily. It just sits on the skin and rubs off with an oily sheen on anything you touch to your face. Would not recommend.
4 out of 5 stars
14 July, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
Face soft
Product is more of an oil, but leaves my face feeling soft and smooth. Unscented
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
14 July, 2025Verified purchase
Worth the buy
Great buy! affordable price could see the difference within a week.
4 out of 5 stars
2 July, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
I like the brand and I'm still trying this product.
I have several serums from this brand and I really like them. I confess that I'm going slowly because I have sensitive skin and I don't use much product to avoid irritation. I'm not saying that the product irritates, but I think you have to go slowly with Retinol, especially if you have sensitive skin. I really like the feeling it leaves on the skin.
1 out of 5 stars
27 June, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
Nightshade allergy!
Allergic to nightshades? I found out I am tomatoes, bell peppers. Who would have thought this Retinol 0.5% in Squalane intermediate Retinol serum would have it in it! I should have look at ingredients list.... Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract.... Do not use if you have allergy.
5 out of 5 stars
25 June, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
Effective and excellent price
I tried this as an alternative to my favorite retinol serum that works really well but is much more expensive. This works very well, too. I do get more irritation with this one than my regular brand (Peter Thomas Roth) but it's not bad considering I have pretty sensitive skin. I love the idea behind this line. Well worth trying.