Step 2: Treat

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The OrdinaryRetinal 0.2% Emulsion

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
The Ordinary Swatch of Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

Step 2: Treat

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The OrdinaryRetinal 0.2% Emulsion

Walk. Don’t run. 23% off all products, all month long. Conditions apply.
Our highest-strength retinoid formula with stabilized retinaldehyde for advanced age support, optimal for nighttime use.
Price reduced from 14.90 USD to 11.47 USD
Price reduced from 14.90 USD to 11.47 USD
Use code SLOWNMF for a free Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - 100ml with every The Ordinary order.
See It In Action

Targets Advanced Signs of Aging, Textural Irregularities, Uneven Skin Tone

Suited to All Skin Types

Format Serum: Emulsion

Key ingredients
Retinaldehyde, synthetic oat analogues.

Overview

Product Details

Highlights

ph
6.0 - 7.0
water-free
No
alcohol-free
Yes
oil-free
Yes
silicone-free
Yes
vegan
Yes
gluten-free
Yes
cruelty-free
Yes
About

Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is a very high strength retinoid formula that rapidly firms and smooths skin, while noticeably reducing the appearance of dark spots. It helps refine skin texture, while targeting uneven tone and boosting luminosity for brighter, more even-looking skin.





With a high 0.2% concentration of retinal, Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is able to noticeably improve skin firmness and improve the look of lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles.





The serum-textured formula is suitable for all skin types, and is recommended for experienced users of retinoids. If you are new to using retinoids, we recommend exploring the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, or the Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, and progressing to higher strengths as your skin builds tolerance. For more tips on how to use Retinoids, be sure to explore our Retinoid Guide.





Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) is a well-studied retinoid that offers more efficient delivery of the most direct form of vitamin A molecules than retinol, thanks to being 1 conversion step closer to the bioactive form of vitamin A.





Retinal 0.2% Emulsion also contains synthetic oat analogues (specifically avenanthramide a key beneficial component found in oats). This ingredient is known to help target skin discomfort and dryness, which are common concerns associated with retinoid use.





The bright yellow hue of the formula comes from the high concentration of retinal, which is naturally yellow. This may leave some residual colour on skin and light coloured fabrics, which can be minimised by allowing the product to fully absorb, and skin to dry before making contact with light-coloured fabrics. This residual colour can be removed by washing skin with water, and washing fabrics with your regular detergent according to their care instructions.





This product uses an airless pump, which can sometimes require priming before the product will dispense on first use. If your pump does not dispense product after 10 pumps, turn the product upside down and tap the cap end firmly on a hard surface a few times.

Usage Details

How to use

Usage Instructions Image

This product uses an airless pump, which can sometimes require priming before the product will dispense on first use. If your pump does not dispense product after 10 pumps, turn the product upside down and tap the cap end firmly on a hard surface a few times.

  • Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry face and neck in the evening.
  • Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes.
  • Start with a weekly application and gradually increase to twice a week, a few days apart, as tolerated by your skin.
  • Apply a moisturizer afterwards.
  • Do not use with other retinoid products.
  • Use sun protection during the day.
  • If irritation occurs, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician.
  • Use only as directed on unbroken skin.
  • Patch testing prior to use is advised.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
Patch Test

Product & Safety Guidance

Usage Instructions Image
Product & Safety Guidance
Patch Test
  • info

    Apply a small amount of the product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm.

  • info

    Keep the area dry.

  • info

    If the product has a specified duration of use, rinse off after this time has elapsed. Otherwise rinse off after 24 hours.

  • info

    If any redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation is observed at any time throughout the test, do not use the product.

Recycling Instructions

Recycling instructions

Usage Instructions Image

Recycling Instructions
Recycling image

Before Recycling:

Empty the contents of the container. Remove cap, lid, dropper, pump, and other components and rinse the bottle/jar with water.

Packaging items with adhesive-based labels:

Contact your local recycling facility to ensure recyclability via curbside recycling program.
Otherwise, dispose via our in-store recycling program.

Serum/Oil, Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel, Lotion, Hand Soap Bottles:

#1 PETE & #2 HDPE and glass bottles are recyclable through the majority of local curbside recycling programs.
# 5 PP bottles are usually recyclable through local curbside recycling programs. Please contact your local recycling facility to ensure recyclability.
Otherwise, dispose via our in-store recycling program.

Dropper Lids:

Dispose of via our in-store recycling program.

Disclaimer:

We work to provide our customers with accurate guidelines on packaging recyclability; however, please ensure your city or municipal program is consulted before recycling an item.

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