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The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum - 1.01 fl oz - Ulta Beauty
$8.60
In Stock
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At a glance
Sponsored
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, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.
Q: Does this have an expiration date?
submitted by Jane - 10 months 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 - 5 months ago
Q: What is the source of the squalane? Sharks or plants?
submitted by Muvy - 11 days ago
Q: Is this the lowest dose of retinol that this comes in because I have very sensitive skin
submitted by Gods girl - 28 days 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 - 3 months ago
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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 656 reviews
60% would recommend
25 recommendations
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.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
19 June, 2025Verified purchase
Unfortunately, this retinol didn’t work for my skin — I noticed irritation and had to stop using it. Might work for others, but not for me.
Unfortunately, this retinol didn’t work for my skin — I noticed irritation and had to stop using it. Might work for others, but not for me.
5 out of 5 stars
10 June, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

Amazing!
This is making such a difference in my skin. I am in my 60s and this has helped with keeping my skin looking more healthy.
5 out of 5 stars
6 June, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

Very good for my skin.
I have been using it for years. Love it.
5 out of 5 stars
30 May, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

The Ordinary does it again 💜
After a life changing injury 6 years ago, my skin changed from mildly oily to sensitive and dry. Prior to the 0.5% retinol in squalane I was using the AHA/BHA and it burned my skin 🥺. This one is perfect and my skin loves it.
5 out of 5 stars
17 May, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

Retinol by the Ordinary
I appreciate the price point of the Ordinary products, makes a beauty routine attainable. Personally I am not one that spends a lot of time waiting for layers of product to dry with multiple steps. I have a great lotion that I've used for years and I just add a couple drops of retinol with my lotion and apply to my face and neck before bed, so far so good.
4 out of 5 stars
26 April, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

Works on dark spots, but not for acne-prone skin
This stuff really did work on my dark spots - I noticed an improved difference in 3-4 weeks. But I think the oil delivery was way too much for my sensitive skin and I broke out in cystic acne. I so wanted to like this product!
4 out of 5 stars
25 April, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

Prefer the Emulsion
I absolutely LOVE The Ordinary!!! With these inexpensive products, you can put together a personalized skin care regimen that meets your exact needs without paying for a lot of ingredients you probably don't need and/or going through some expensive customization service. I combine The Ordinary with COSRX Snail Mucin products and a Mario Badescu toner for the best results. Granted, my regimen consists of about a dozen products, so I could save time by spending more money, but the results I've gotten from the regimen I've put together are undeniable! My skin looks firmer, healthier, and younger. I started with this Retinol Serum, but switched to the Retinoid Emulsion because this product is counter effective with the copper peptide serum and the Emulsion is not. I have seen better results with the Emulsion.
5 out of 5 stars
9 April, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

It works for me!
This retinol has already made a difference on my face and it's only been 2 weeks. It is smoothing out all the lines. Definitely would recommend.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
18 February, 2025Verified purchase
Amazing
On the first try already saw results! Works well overnight. Great for mature skin
5 out of 5 stars
8 February, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

This one works for my skin!
I have tried other products that contain retinol but they really had no effect. For some reason, my skin likes the oil base of this product. I have t-zone oily skin and because of this large pores in those oily areas. When I regularly use this product my pores appear significantly smaller. I will admit that the oil base is a bit annoying however the workaround for me is to put it on long before I go to bed, allowing my skin to absorb a good portion of the product. When I am ready for bed I cover my face with a gentle moisturizing lotion. That seems to do the trick.
5 out of 5 stars
5 February, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

worth the hype
super affordable. Not greasy. Light weight, Works fast. Only for pm tho.