TheOrdinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane Reviews

Name: Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
Brand: TheOrdinary
Rating: 4.42 (71 reviews)

4.42

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This Korean review was translated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.

9 Reviews

니말맞
Dec 18, 2023
Oily Skin
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
The active retinoid ingredient, hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), is a derivative of retinoic acid in the retinoid family. Unlike the typical conversion process from retinol to retinal to retinoic acid, HPR can directly bind to retinoic acid chemically. When used at high concentrations, it can be less irritating than retinal while providing better collagen production results, sometimes even comparable to tretinoin. With consistent use, it can gradually improve skin brightness, even out skin tone, refine texture and pores, strengthen the overall skin, and slightly reduce sebum production, especially on the nose. I've been using it for over a year.
Cons
While HPR is considered less irritating among retinoids, individual responses can vary. In the beginning, I used it every other day, but experienced redness, peeling, stinging, and breakouts.
Tip
The oil-based formula is not very absorbent. Applying it right before bedtime is the most comfortable. If it takes more than 3 months to finish, I mix it into my body lotion and apply it to my body as well.

개성적인박쥐귀여우724
Jan 1, 2023
Dry SkinSensitive Skin
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
The next day, my skin texture became smoother and my complexion looked brighter.
Cons
The oily formula means that if you use it frequently, you may get small pimples.
Tip
If you apply a light moisturizing cream and gently pat it in, your skin will be less irritated.

즐거운민어과709381
Mar 19, 2022
Normal SkinSensitive Skin
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
I chose this product because I was concerned about my pores. After using it for two days, the flakiness around my nose has improved and my pores appear less prominent.
Cons
At first, a few small pimples came up. But after using it for a few days, my skin seemed to adapt, and they naturally went away.

choice051523
Mar 9, 2022
Combination Skin
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Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
Applying it at night and sleeping gives a smooth feeling the next day
Cons
It needs to be refrigerated and using too much can cause skin irritation

bnnann
May 12, 2021
Dry SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skinproduct.Atopy Skin
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The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.
Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
It's effective and after a few hours, it becomes glossy and the skin brightens up right away. The effect is no joke.
Cons
It contains irritating ingredients, so if you apply it on sensitive days, it can cause pimple troubles.. I recommend learning the proper usage method before using it.
Tip
Apply it only 2-3 times a week in the evening, and pregnant women should avoid using it.

12332kk
May 9, 2020
Combination SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.
Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
After use, my face definitely feels smoother and has a more radiant glow. I'm using it together with The Ordinary Squalane Oil.
Cons
Even though I used it every other day at first, breakouts started appearing and my face felt irritated and flushed. It felt like my skin barrier had been compromised. I increased the time between applications and focused on gentle, hydrating care the morning after, and that helped improve the situation.

스리후
Mar 18, 2020
Combination SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.
Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
As a sensitive and delicate 20-year-old, I have concerns about moisture deficiency, large pores, and acne scars. My skin type is sensitive and prone to oiliness in the summer and dryness in the winter. Ingredients that don't agree with me include shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba extract, eucalyptus, and egg-derived extracts, among others. While I'm not sure about the anti-aging effects, I've noticed that my blemishes have significantly faded. The affordable price is also a plus.
Cons
The product is quite oily and leaves a slippery feel. It was quite irritating at first, causing breakouts, but it's been fine since then. I'd recommend that sensitive users test it on a small area of the face first before applying it all over.
Tip
Apply only in the evening.

hosoo012
Oct 25, 2019
Dry SkinSensitive Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.
Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
Perhaps due to the inclusion of squalene, it applies with a slightly oily feel and my skin feels more supple and resilient, with a slight reduction in fine lines around the eyes. The small whiteheads have disappeared...
Cons
Instead of the small whiteheads disappearing, a few red, inflamed blemishes have appeared. I'm unsure whether I should continue using it or if I should only apply it to the areas with wrinkles...

V1
Jan 8, 2018
Dry SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.
Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.
Pros
This is a tentative thought. Retinol (a cosmetic ingredient that needs to be converted to retinoids to function) / Retinoids (require a prescription in Korea, are directly absorbed and functional) are ideal for dry skin care. Compared to existing AHAs, they have more proven anti-aging benefits, (BHAs help regulate sebum production, so they are not recommended for dry skin) For acne-prone skin, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree, and retinoids are the main pillars of acne treatment (promoting skin turnover without clogging pores). Moreover, since it's winter, you don't have to worry as much about UV exposure, so now is the perfect time. However, as you know, the side effects of high-concentration retinol include the skin becoming very thin due to rapid regeneration, and skin irritation if used excessively. This product uses a patented retinol 'derivative' in addition to regular retinol, aiming to minimize irritation while maintaining the functionality of retinol. Among the retinol products I've used, this was the second most effective after prescription retinoids. Currently, it's helping me maintain the cleanest skin since taking isotretinoin. It was also the cheapest among the retinol cosmetics I've tried.
Cons
1. It seems like I've been using retinol too frequently, as the fine blood vessels under my facial skin have become visible... 2. Since The Ordinary stores have not come to Korea, direct overseas purchase is the only way for me to get it... 3. I tend to not react well to jojoba oil, and sometimes it causes breakouts for me.
Tip
Since it's an oil-based product, apply just a drop rubbed between your palms and gently press it onto your face after your full skincare routine. As it's a retinol product, it's absolutely forbidden to use it during the day (although some recent formulas advertise that they can be used during the day, regardless of UV protection, it still puts strain on the skin). Even though it's low in irritation, using it daily can still be taxing on the skin, so moderation in quantity is essential.