Reviews & comments

Rating: 4.4Based on 54 reviews
  • 1 week

    Tolerance?

    Hi, I'm a beginner with retinol/retinoids but I'm used to using glycolic acid regularly (if that's comparable?) and I don't find my skin to be sensitive. Is retinoid 0.5 in squalane suitable? And how often in that case? ThanksπŸ™
    143 views
    • Farmaceut pΓ₯ Lyko
      1 week
      Hi Emilia😊 Thank you for your question✨ Glycolic acid and retinoids are not really comparable – glycolic acid exfoliates, while retinoids work deeper in the skin and they work in completely different ways. Both are effective, but can become too strong together, so we recommend not using them on the same night. Granactive Retinoid 0.5% is a good choice for beginners. Start with 1-2 nights a week, do a patch test first if you can, and increase cautiously if needed if your skin likes it. And remember to use sun protection during the day! Hope this can be helpful and that you have a lovely Friday🌞
    to leave a comment
  • Rating: 5 out of 5
    verified customer

    Best!

    I have tried several similar products, but this one is in a class of its own. The fact that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg makes it even better! I have large pores, but this one kind of "smooths them out" so they aren't as noticeable. Evens out the skin tone.
    162 views
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  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    A classic

    I always buy this when I don't know which retinol to go for. However, I find it hard to determine if it really makes a difference. But for my sensitive skin, I can use it daily and the price is good!
    1417 views
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  • 4 months

    Acne Scars

    Does this work for acne scars?
    1453 views
    • Customer service at Lyko
      4 months
      Hello! Yes, The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane can definitely help improve the appearance of acne scars over time πŸ’« Take care ✨
      1 likes
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  • 5 months

    New Legislation

    Hi! Is this product affected by the new legislation regarding retinol?
    1922 views
    • Customer service at Lyko
      5 months
      Hi Anna πŸ‘‹πŸ˜Š Since this serum does not contain any of the affected ingredients retinol, retinyl acetate, or retinyl palmitate, it seems that it will not be affected by the new legislation at this time πŸ’• All the best!
      1 likes
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  • 5 months
    Rating: 3 out of 5

    Gentle and affordable retinoid with long-term potential

    I have tested The Ordinary's 5% Retinoid in squalane and have some thoughts to share. My skin is dry, not particularly sensitive, but I have large pores and a reddish tone – and this serum has still worked quite well for me. The formula is really pleasant. The squalane-based solution feels like a light oil on the skin – moisturizing without being too heavy, which is a big plus for my dry skin. It feels like a lovely final touch in my evening routine. One downside is that the product tends to run, and if you're not careful, it can get too close to the eyes – which stings quite a bit. So it requires a little extra attention during application. When it comes to effectiveness, it's hard to see any clear results. I haven't noticed any dramatic difference in pore size or skin tone, but maybe a slight preventative effect against fine lines. It's not the type of product that delivers quick results, but feels like a stable part of a long-term skincare routine. A big advantage is that my skin hasn't reacted negatively at all – no redness, flaking, or irritation, which is quite unusual with retinoids. And for the price, it's really a worthwhile option for anyone looking to start with retinoids without risking too strong reactions. In summary: A gentle and affordable retinoid with a lovely oil base, but with some risk of running and requires patience for results.
    2505 views
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  • 5 months

    Water-based serum

    Hi! It says that you should use a water-based serum before Granactive retinoid 5% in Squalane. Which one do you recommend?
    1704 views
    • Customer service at Lyko
      5 months
      Hi Maria πŸ‘‹ Yes, I recommend using water-based serums with the product, so you can check out these that combine excellently with it πŸ˜ŠπŸ‘‡ The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 😊 Good luck πŸ’—
      1 likes
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  • 6 months

    Day and Night Routine

    Hi! :-) I'm wondering what you recommend as a day and night routine for removing/improving acne scars. And possibly what order the products should be used in. I have oily skin.
    1687 views
    • Skin therapist at Lyko
      6 months
      Hi Henriette πŸ‘‹ This is a bit difficult to respond to, as I would like to look at your skin type/condition and any daily product use. Such a recommendation varies from person to person, as every skin is different. In this case, I would absolutely recommend you take our free skin test so I can set up a recommended routine for you from The Ordinary! πŸ€— You can find the skin test in our app under the "Beauty Scan" section 🫢 Wishing you a nice day ahead πŸ‘‹
      1 likes
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  • Combine with other serums?

    In my evening routine with serums and moisture for the face, it looks like this: By Lyko Elastic Fantastic Bakuchiol Serum, HICKAP Repairing Night Serum Blue Tancy Oil, and HICKAP Bedtime Magic Repairing Night Cream. My question is, would it be possible to add this? If so, what order should the serums be applied?
    1811 views
    • Customer service at Lyko
      6 months
      Hey πŸ˜ŠπŸ‘‹ This serum feels stronger, so I wouldn't recommend adding this to your current routine. You have several products in your routine that contain active ingredients, so if you add this serum, it could be too much for your skin πŸ€— If you still want to try the product, you can use it separately one evening along with either HICKAP Bedtime Magic Repairing Night Cream or a regular moisturizer πŸ₯° Don't forget the sunscreen since the skin becomes very sensitive from the active ingredients 🀍 All the best!
      1 likes
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  • 8 months

    Next step

    Hi! My mom has been using this for a year but doesn't feel any direct results anymore. Is the next step to start using Retinol 0.5% instead of this? And should she use the snail serum before or after retinol? Thanks in advance!! πŸ˜ŠπŸ€–
    2218 views
    • Customer service at Lyko
      8 months
      Hey Thessss The next step up in strength is Retinol 1% in Squalane, but since Retinol has a higher irritation, I would recommend Retinal 0.2% instead. The Retinal is not quite as strong as the Retinol, but still a step up from retinoid 5% lyko.com/sv/the-ordinary/the-ordinary-retinal-02--emulsion-15-ml Here you see a summary of the effects from The Ordinary's various Vitamin A serums Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (Moderate strength, no irritation) Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane (High strength, no or slight irritation) Retinol 0.2% in Squalane (Low strength, Moderate irritation) Retinol 0.5% in Squalane (Moderate strength, High irritation) Retinol 1% in Squalane (High strength, Very high irritation) Take care! ✨
      4 likes
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The OrdinaryGranactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 30 ml

Article has expired and is no longer available
This product is not available in your market
* Cannot be combined with discount codes.

Highly-Stable, Water-Free Solution of 0.5% Ester of All-Trans Retinoic Acid.

Highly-Stable, Water-Free Solution of 0.5% Ester of All-Trans Retinoic Acid This water-free solution contains a 5% concentration of an advanced retinoid active complex called Granactive Retinoid that has been shown to offer better results against multiple signs of ageing than retinol without any of the irritation and drawbacks common with retinol. Granactive Retinoid, an active technology from Grant Industries, is a solubilized system of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of ageing than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid.

This product uses next-generation retinoid active technologies which have been shown to achieve better reduction in signs of ageing than retinol without irritation. These technologies cannot be compared directly with retinol itself in terms of concentration because they include a different retinoid molecule, in a similar way that Retinol cannot be compared with Retinoic Acid in terms of concentration. If you have interest in a retinol product, please refer to our Retinol portfolio above which products contain pure retinol and cost less since many retinol technologies cost less than their next-generation counterparts like Granactive Retinoid.

Caution: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. This product is not a treatment for acne. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation. Note: When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.

Use:
Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Avoid unprotected solar exposure. Store in a cool, dry place.

30 ml
  • Category:Serum
  • Article number:
    2328-118-0030

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