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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4 Reviews

니말맞
Dec 18, 2023
Oily 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
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.

송별똥별
Oct 9, 2023
Oily 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
I am a man in my mid-20s. To cut to the chase, I highly recommend this product. You should definitely buy it. It takes 5-6 hours for the oil to start appearing on my skin. My skin type is extremely oily. After washing my face, it gets oily again in 2-3 hours. I used to neglect managing it because my sebum production was so high, and that led to acne scars of about 3mm where my skin was practically peeling off. But my skin is not sensitive. Now, I manage it, and while I don't have any acne, I do have a lot of scars and large pores. Before using this product, my basic skincare routine was: Simple Calming Toner - Toning C Serum - Cicatrol Ampoule - Toridendive In Soothing Cream. I used EGF 10ppm serum only at night in the beginning. Now, I use the same routine during the day, and at night I use: EGF - Toner - Retinoid - Soothing Cream. It's been 2 days since I started using this, and I can already feel the difference, and my pores look a bit less noticeable, though that could be a placebo effect. I apply 3-4 drops on each cheek, 1 drop on the nose, and 1 drop on the forehead every day. As a man with non-sensitive skin, I didn't experience any irritation. I rarely write such detailed reviews, but I'm surprised by the results in just 2 days, so I wanted to share my experience.
Cons
However, the area around my eyes feels slightly stinging and my eyes feel a bit irritated. So I try to avoid applying it near my eyes, and if it does feel irritating, I use some artificial tears.

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.

ez_yu
Mar 6, 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 endless overtime work and drinking sessions, I started to notice enlarged pores and a loss of skin elasticity. After an intensive online search, I decided to try a retinol product. In the end, I am very satisfied. It is just the right fit for a retinol beginner like me. The inclusion of squalane oil leaves a slight residue after application, but it actually helps prevent moisture loss and is beneficial. My overall skin elasticity and texture have improved significantly. The amount is truly generous, and I was able to use it 3 times a week for almost 3 months. I'm so satisfied that I bought another bottle. For now, this will be my go-to anti-aging product.
Cons
The Granactive Retinoid is really well-absorbed. The downside is that it is extremely runny, so it easily gets into the eyes, which is quite irritating. Other than that, it's the best.