The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is designed for experienced retinoid users seeking advanced age support, offering rapid firming and smoothing benefits while noticeably reducing dark spots and improving skin luminosity. While it delivers highly efficient vitamin A, its high strength necessitates prior retinoid experience to ensure optimal tolerance.
High-Strength Retinoid: Contains 0.2% stabilized retinaldehyde, offering the highest strength retinoid formula from The Ordinary.
Rapid Skin Firming & Smoothing: Works quickly to visibly firm and smooth skin, addressing lines and wrinkles including crow's feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles.
Dark Spot Reduction: Effectively reduces the appearance of dark spots for a more even complexion.
Texture & Tone Refinement: Refines skin texture and targets uneven skin tone, promoting overall skin clarity.
Boosted Luminosity: Enhances skin radiance, leading to a brighter and more even-looking complexion.
Efficient Vitamin A Delivery: Retinal (retinaldehyde) is one conversion step closer to the bioactive form of vitamin A than retinol, allowing for more efficient delivery of its benefits.
Discomfort Mitigation: Includes synthetic oat analogues (avenanthramide) to help address common retinoid-associated discomfort and dryness.
High Efficacy: Very high strength for noticeable improvements in firmness, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Rapid Results: Designed to rapidly firm and smooth skin.
Efficient Delivery: Retinal offers more direct delivery of vitamin A.
Multi-Benefit: Addresses multiple signs of aging including firmness, texture, tone, and luminosity.
Comfort-Enhanced: Contains oat analogues to help mitigate potential dryness or discomfort.
For Experienced Users Only: Not suitable for beginners due to its high strength.
Potential Discomfort: Though mitigated, high-strength retinoids can still cause initial discomfort or dryness.
Yellow Hue: The product's natural yellow color may leave residual color on skin or light-colored fabrics if not fully absorbed.
High Efficacy: Very high strength for noticeable improvements in firmness, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Rapid Results: Designed to rapidly firm and smooth skin.
Efficient Delivery: Retinal offers more direct delivery of vitamin A.
Multi-Benefit: Addresses multiple signs of aging including firmness, texture, tone, and luminosity.
Comfort-Enhanced: Contains oat analogues to help mitigate potential dryness or discomfort.
For Experienced Users Only: Not suitable for beginners due to its high strength.
Potential Discomfort: Though mitigated, high-strength retinoids can still cause initial discomfort or dryness.
Yellow Hue: The product's natural yellow color may leave residual color on skin or light-colored fabrics if not fully absorbed.
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is a powerful addition to an evening skincare routine, best suited for those who have already established tolerance to lower strength retinoids. Applied nightly, its serum texture absorbs well, working to deliver noticeable improvements over time.
Users can expect to see rapid improvements in skin firmness and smoothness, particularly in the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Its ability to noticeably reduce dark spots contributes to a more uniform skin tone. The formula also works to refine overall skin texture and boost luminosity, resulting in a brighter, more even complexion. The efficiency of retinaldehyde, being closer to the bioactive form of Vitamin A, means that the skin can utilize its benefits more directly compared to retinol.
While highly effective, it's crucial to understand that this product is formulated for advanced age support and requires prior retinoid experience. The inclusion of synthetic oat analogues helps to manage the potential for typical retinoid-induced discomfort, making the experience more tolerable for seasoned users. Always ensure the product has fully absorbed to avoid any transfer of its natural yellow hue.
Setup:
Cleanse your face thoroughly.
Apply any water-based serums.
In the evening, apply a small amount of The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion to the face.
Follow with your usual moisturizer or heavier creams, if desired.
Compatibility:
This product is specifically recommended for experienced users of retinoids. If you are new to retinoid use, it is strongly advised to start with lower strength formulas such as The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion or Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, and gradually increase strength as your skin builds tolerance.
Avoid concurrent use with other retinoid products to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.
Sun Protection is Crucial: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day when using retinoids, as they can increase skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Care:
Store the product in a cool, dark place to maintain its stability and efficacy.
The product has a natural bright yellow hue due to the high concentration of retinal. To minimize potential residual color on skin or light-colored fabrics, allow the product to fully absorb and skin to dry completely before making contact with linens or clothing.
If residual color occurs on skin, it can be removed by washing with water. For fabrics, wash with your regular detergent according to care instructions.