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The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum - 1.01 fl oz - Ulta Beauty - 2 of 4The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum - 1.01 fl oz - Ulta Beauty - 3 of 4The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum - 1.01 fl oz - Ulta Beauty - 4 of 4
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum - 1.01 fl oz - Ulta Beauty - 1 of 4

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum - 1.01 fl oz - Ulta Beauty

$9.30

In Stock

Eligible for registries and wish lists

At a glance

About this item

Highlights

  • Targets uneven skin tone
  • Targets textural irregularities
  • Targets signs of aging
  • Helps combat dryness

Description

Retinol 0.5% in Squalane offers a water-free solution containing 0.5% retinol—an ingredient that improves the appearance of fine and dynamic lines that arise from a loss of collagen and elastin, while evening skin texture and tone. What’s more, this intermediate formula is supported with squalane, a moisturizing agent naturally found in your skin that enhances surface-level hydration and helps combat the dryness that can be associated with retinol use.
Scent: Unscented
Health Facts: Silicone-Free
Product Form: Oil, Serum
Beauty Purpose: Anti-Aging
Recommended Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Mature
TCIN: 87872547
UPC: 769915194012
Item Number (DPCI): 342-01-0274
Origin: Imported
Healthcare Disclaimer:
Content on this site is for reference purposes only. Target does not represent or warrant that the nutrition, ingredient, allergen and other product information on our Web or Mobile sites are accurate or complete, since this information comes from the product manufacturers. On occasion, manufacturers may improve or change their product formulas and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented on our Web or Mobile sites and that you review the product's label or contact the manufacturer directly if you have specific product concerns or questions. If you have specific healthcare concerns or questions about the products displayed, please contact your licensed healthcare professional for advice or answers.
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Ingredients:

squalane, caprylic/capric triglyceride, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, retinol solanum lycopersicum (tomato) fruit extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, bht.

Allergens & Warnings:

Caution: Retinol can cause irritation. redness and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early stages of treatment while skin builds tolerance. If persistent irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. Refer to our website for an in-depth guide to patch testing. Keep out of reach of children. Refrigerate after opening.

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1.31 inches length x 4.5 inches width x 1.31 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.2 pounds

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
See the return policy for complete information.

Q: Does this have an expiration date?

submitted by Jane - 1 year ago
  • A: Yes! Once opened, Retinol 0.5% in Squalane should be refrigerated and used within three months for optimal effectiveness. If stored properly it can last for 2 years.

    submitted byGeorgia - 10 months ago

Q: Is this product in a glass bottle?

submitted by DogAteMyFilter - 4 months ago

Q: What is the source of the squalane? Sharks or plants?

submitted by Muvy - 5 months ago

Q: Is this the lowest dose of retinol that this comes in because I have very sensitive skin

submitted by Gods girl - 6 months ago

Q: I’v had this for 4 months and didn’t know to refrigerate it until now. Is it still effective?

submitted by NJ - 8 months ago

Additional product information and recommendations

Guests are saying

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
    Image

    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.
    J
    3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    4 out of 5 stars
    13 February, 2026
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    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.
    Brittany
    Did you find this review helpful?
    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.
    Ahowe
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    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.
    Wiscomom
    Did you find this review helpful?
    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.
    Yuli
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    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
    MMB
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    28 December, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    Great for keratosis pilaris

    Works great on arms, thighs and butt for keratosis pilaris, absorbs much faster than Amlactin.
    Em
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    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.
    Mandy
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    19 November, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    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!
    Rosie
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    19 October, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    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
    NanC
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    19 October, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    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.
    Mia
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    14 September, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    Great Retinol!

    I pair this with Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid and my face feels amazing!
    Christina
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    9 September, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    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.
    Tracey
    4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    2 out of 5 stars
    2 September, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    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.
    Olivia
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    4 August, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    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.
    Melissa
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    4 out of 5 stars
    14 July, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    Face soft

    Product is more of an oil, but leaves my face feeling soft and smooth. Unscented
    Letti
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    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.
    Worth the buy
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    4 out of 5 stars
    2 July, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    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.
    Cecilia
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    1 out of 5 stars
    27 June, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    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.
    MamaKitty
    5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    25 June, 2025
    originally posted on http://www.ulta.com
    Image

    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.
    Stefanie
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?

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