You’ve probably seen the little glass dropper bottle gathering dust on a bathroom shelf or tucked away in a TikTok "skincare shelfie." It’s tiny. It’s cheap. It’s basically the white-t-shirt-and-jeans of the skincare world. But here’s the thing: The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is actually a bit of a beast, and most people use it totally wrong.
It’s intense.
If you just slap it on like a moisturizer, your face will likely peel off in sheets. That’s not drama; it’s biology. We’re talking about a high-concentration retinoid suspended in oil, designed by DECIEM to bypass the "fluff" and get straight to the cellular turnover. But in a world obsessed with 0.1% "beginner" formulas, jumping straight to the 1% mark is like trying to bench press 200 pounds on your first day at the gym.
What is The Ordinary Retinol 1% Actually Doing?
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. Honestly, it’s the only ingredient that dermatologists consistently agree on for "anti-aging," though that term feels a bit dated now. Let's call it skin-smoothing. When you apply The Ordinary Retinol 1%, your skin has to convert that retinol into retinoic acid. Once it’s converted, it tells your skin cells to hurry up and renew themselves.
It clears out the junk.
It boosts collagen.
The squalane part is the secret sauce here. Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that’s found naturally in the skin. Because it mimics our natural sebum, it helps the retinol penetrate without completely nuking your moisture barrier. It’s a clever delivery system. Without the squalane, a 1% retinol would be incredibly drying, almost like applying rubbing alcohol to a paper cut.
The Potency Problem
A lot of people think "1%" sounds low. It isn't. In the world of non-prescription retinoids, 1% is basically the ceiling. Most drugstore brands hide their percentages because they're sitting somewhere around 0.05% or 0.1%. When you use The Ordinary’s version, you are getting a clinical-strength dose for the price of a fancy latte. This is why people get "retinoid dermatitis"—that red, flaky, itchy mess that happens when you overdo it.
You have to respect the bottle.
I’ve seen people use this every night right out of the gate. Don't do that. Your skin needs to build "retinization," which is just a fancy way of saying your cells need to learn how to handle the influx of Vitamin A. If you rush it, you'll end up with a compromised barrier that takes weeks to fix.
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Real Talk: The Texture and the "Oily" Complaint
If you hate the feeling of oil on your face, you’re going to have a rough time with this product. It’s greasy. There’s no way around it. Squalane is an oil-like liquid, and it doesn't just "disappear" into the skin the way a water-based serum does.
Wait ten minutes before lying down.
If you don’t, your silk pillowcase will become a squalane pillowcase.
However, this greasiness is actually a safety net. Retinol is notorious for causing TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). By suspending the active ingredient in a lipid like squalane, The Ordinary is helping trap moisture in while the active work happens. It’s a trade-off. You get a slightly shiny face for 30 minutes in exchange for less irritation the next morning.
Stability and the Fridge Debate
Vitamin A is a bit of a diva. It hates light. It hates air. It hates heat. This is why the bottle is dark UV-protective glass. DECIEM actually recommends refrigerating this specific product after opening. Does everyone do it? No. Should you? Probably.
Heat makes retinol degrade into useless mush. If you leave this in a hot, steamy bathroom for six months, you aren't applying 1% retinol anymore; you're just applying expensive squalane. Keep it cool, keep the lid tight, and try to finish the bottle within three to six months. If the color changes significantly or it starts smelling "off," it’s time to toss it.
The "Sandwich Method" and Other Survival Strategies
How do you actually use The Ordinary Retinol 1% without ruining your life? You use the sandwich method. It’s a technique championed by dermatologists like Dr. Shereene Idriss to mitigate irritation.
Basically, you put down a layer of simple moisturizer first. Then a few drops of the retinol. Then another layer of moisturizer.
This creates a buffer. It slows down the absorption rate so your skin doesn't get hit with the full 1% concentration all at once. Is it still effective? Yes. Is it much more comfortable? Absolutely.
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- Step 1: Wash your face with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser.
- Step 2: Wait for your skin to be 100% dry. Applying retinol to damp skin is a recipe for disaster because moisture increases absorption speed, which increases irritation.
- Step 3: Apply a thin layer of a basic cream (something like CeraVe or The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors).
- Step 4: Pat 2-3 drops of the Retinol 1% onto your face.
- Step 5: Seal it in with a bit more moisturizer.
Frequency matters more than volume.
Start with once a week. Do that for two weeks. If your skin isn't angry, move to twice a week. There is zero reason to use this every single night unless you have incredibly resilient, "tough" skin that has been using retinoids for years.
Common Misconceptions About This Specific Formula
One of the biggest myths is that you should use this for acne. While retinol can help with skin texture and clogged pores, it isn't a primary acne treatment like Adapalene (Differin) or Tretinoin. If you have active, cystic breakouts, the squalane in this formula might actually feel too heavy and potentially clog you further.
It’s better for "well-aging."
Think fine lines, sun damage, and general dullness.
Another big mistake is mixing it with other actives. Please, for the love of your skin, do not use this on the same night you use Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, or Vitamin C. You will burn your face. It's not a matter of "if," it's a matter of "when." Pick a lane. If tonight is a retinol night, every other product in your routine should be focused on hydration and soothing.
Purging vs. Breakouts
The "purge" is real. When you start using The Ordinary Retinol 1%, you might see a sudden flare-up of tiny whiteheads or bumps. This is because the retinol is speeding up cell turnover and pushing all the gunk to the surface faster than usual.
A purge usually lasts 2-4 weeks.
If you’re still breaking out in new places after six weeks, it’s not a purge; it’s a reaction. Your skin might just hate squalane, or the 1% concentration might be too high, causing inflammation that leads to more acne. Listen to your face. It’s better to stop and move down to the 0.2% or 0.5% version than to "power through" a destroyed skin barrier.
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Why Is It So Cheap?
People often wonder if a $10 bottle can really compete with a $100 luxury serum. The answer is: yes and no.
The Ordinary saves money by using basic packaging and zero fragrance. They don't spend millions on "supermodel" marketing campaigns. The ingredients are raw and effective. However, luxury brands often spend more on "encapsulated" retinol. Encapsulation wraps the retinol in a tiny shell that breaks down slowly over several hours, which is much gentler on the skin.
With The Ordinary, you’re getting the "raw" experience. It’s powerful, it’s unrefined, and it requires you to be your own chemist. It works, but it isn't "elegant." It doesn't smell like a spa. It feels like a laboratory product because it is one.
Actionable Steps for Success
If you’ve already bought the bottle or you’re hovering over the "add to cart" button, here is exactly how to handle it for the best results:
1. The Patch Test is Non-Negotiable
Apply a tiny drop to your inner forearm. Wait 24 hours. If you don't turn bright red, you’re probably okay to try it on your face.
2. Sunscreen is Your New Best Friend
Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays. If you use this at night and don't wear SPF 30+ the next day, you are literally undoing all the work the retinol is doing. You’ll end up with more sunspots, not fewer.
3. Less is More
You only need three drops for your entire face. Anymore is just a waste of product and an invitation for peeling.
4. The Neck Warning
The skin on your neck is much thinner and has fewer oil glands than your face. Be extremely careful applying 1% retinol there. Many people find they can handle 1% on their forehead but need to stick to 0.2% on their neck.
5. Manage Your Expectations
This isn't an overnight miracle. You won't wake up with a new face. Real, visible changes in skin texture and fine lines take about 12 to 24 weeks of consistent use. Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint.
If you start noticing extreme redness, stinging when you apply even basic moisturizer, or "shiny" skin that looks like plastic wrap, stop immediately. These are signs of a damaged barrier. Take a week off, use only a gentle cleanser and a thick barrier cream (look for ceramides), and let your skin breathe. Once the stinging stops, you can try again, but use less frequently and always over moisturizer.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is a powerhouse for the price, but it demands respect and patience. Treat it like a prescription-strength tool rather than a casual beauty product, and your skin will likely thank you in six months.