LOVE
I did a lot of reading before going down the retinol/retinoid path. I have tried almost all of The Ordinary’s products in this range and I have come back around to this again and again.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% 30ml
Age:
- 20s
- 30s
- 40s
- 50+
Eye Concern:
- Age Prevention
- Deep Lines
Skin Concern:
- Acne, breakouts and blackheads
- Dull, dry or dehydrated skin
- First signs of ageing
- Pigmentation, uneven skin tone
- Wrinkles and loss of firmness
Skin Type:
- Dry
- Normal to dry
- Normal to oily
- Oily
Questions & Answers
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The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2%
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Review & Earn4.6 of 478 reviews
93% recommend this product
Most Helpful Positive
Most Helpful Criticism
Caused some irritation
I found this retinoid emulsion caused some patches of irritation on my face which cleared up after I stopped using it, so I would not recommend it for very sensitive skin.
LOVE
I did a lot of reading before going down the retinol/retinoid path. I have tried almost all of The Ordinary’s products in this range and I have come back around to this again and again.Good entry Retinoid
TO Granactive Retinoid range is generally foolproof. I have been using this one consistenly for the last couple of years. Always notice good results, decrease in lines, inproved texture and improved healing of blemishes. I don't have a reaction to this and I find the milky liquid texture feels nice on the skin. Quite cooling. I have switched to a stronger formula so won't be repurchasing.Caused some irritation
I found this retinoid emulsion caused some patches of irritation on my face which cleared up after I stopped using it, so I would not recommend it for very sensitive skin.Works really well when used at night.
I’ve started using this at night without serums just creams and I’m noticing a difference in my skin. There is less red on my cheeks where I usually have quite a lot of read. The pores on my nose were also dramatically smaller but I’m not sure how that would work? Overall works for me!Gentle yet Effective
I ordered the second bottle after my sister whom I gave the first one to, swears by it. I'd noticed that my skin is glowing and hormonal acne is kept at bay. It improves the overall health of my skin and reduced fine lines. Will definitely buy again.Best and cheapest
This is the best retinoid I have used so far and the cheapest! I can only use it every few days as I have sensitive acne prone skin but the nights that i do use it the next day I wake up with a more even skin tone.Great for sensitive skin!
I've been using this with some other TO products for about a week now and I'm really surprised with how great it's been for sensitive skin. I was really worried when starting this as I'd read that it can cause reactions with sensitive skin, but it's been amazing. My skin has never felt better!Love!
This is the first retinoid I have introduced to my skin care regimen and I am so impressed! Since using it, my skin have been super soft, supple and more plump. My acne spots and scars have been healing at twice the normal rate! I have sensitive skin, this retinoid is very gentle and absorbs instantly without flaring anything up. Will be a new staple in my routine!Works slowly but surely...
You need to have a bit of patience with this product. It works but not instantly. You have to keep up with the regime. It smoothed out skin texture and reduced pimples for me. I apply every other night as i find that daily application can be a bit heavy.Soft as a baby
I have insanely sensitive skin, and have been using this every night before bed for the last few months and no irritation whatsoever!
I had a few breakouts for the first week of using this, but pushed through and my skin is AMAZING. It's so soft and plump. I'm 24, and definitely recommend this as a starting point for retinol'sGentle retinol
I haven’t had any irritation with this but also haven’t seen massive results. A good gentle retinol but may need something stronger for quicker/ more impressive results. I will continue to use however!Didn't notice anything
I'm 25 and I think I should start using retinoid as I already have some very fine lines. Honestly, after using this product for around 3 months I haven't noticed a difference. I only use it around twice a week so I'm not sure if that's why but it is affordable so it is a good product for an introduction to retinoid.Blackheads galore!
Do not use this if you have oily acne/blackhead prone skin. I tried this for 3 days and my face was overtaken with greasy black heads everywhere, i have never had them so bad. I stopped using it and a few days later with the salicylic acid and a lots of pore strips they have cleared up. I really wanted this product to work for me but im really disappointed.
It would be great if they made this product in an oil free formulation for people like myself.Love it
Makes my skin very bright and beautiful. I hadn’t notice irritation at all.Loving my skin
Only been using for 2 weeks but have noticed a very positive difference in the texture of my skin. Love these productsExcellent
The ordinary has such affordable products that give great results. I love this serum and use it a few times a week alternating between other serums. I have definitely noticed improvements in my skinGreat for healing acne quick
Really repairs the skin quickly and heals acne overnight almost! Love itLove it
I use this religiously in my skin care routine. I love the ordinary products and my skin is definitely less shiny and brighterLove this product
This is great for dry skin and changes to the face were noticeable within a few days. Works for both am/pm routines.so good
I had been on retinol for a year and wanted to try something stronger. This product definitely did the trick! I put 3 drops on my face every other night. It doesn't feel tingly or anything like that, but when I wake up the next morning, my skin always feels smoother and any pimples come to a head quicker.Recommended 100%
Skin type: combination
Skin concern: Dull, Dry skin, blemishes on jaw line
I LOVE this product! Even though this isn’t meant to be a moisturiser I find this product to be so moisturising for my skin. I put it on at night after water based serums & sometimes add a few drops of the squalene oil for extra hydration & I always wake up with soft supple skin that doesn’t look dull & gives my skin more of a plump look! Couldn’t recommend this enough! I also love the creamy light base it’s in!So good
Really lovely and light weight. Super easy to work with the skin! Love the price of this brand!Great
Such value for money
I have just started to use this product but already I can see and feel more firmness in my face. I am very pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend it. Many thanks.Good price, mixed results
The first few times I used this I woke up this next day with the softest skin. I have found lately though that I end up with a few spots on my face after using it. My skin is middle aged, dry and hormonal so not sure if its just my skin type as other reviews here are very positive. Could just be my skin type.Lovely serum
It’s a lovely serum - light weight & easily absorbed. Skin seems to just soak it in.
Too early to tell if it’s effective, but it’s certainly worth a go at the price!Mumma's first Retinol
Hello, my name is Mel, i'm 35 and this is my first Retinol experience.
And I think its great! I use it at night in conjunction with Buffet and Rosehip Oil. I wake up plumped and hydrated.
I'm not worried about lines and wrinkles, I'm more concerned about my skin health and trying to improve my self care. But, my skin looks great in the morning, I think i'm feeding it the right things, so I will continue to use them!Great starter retinoid
I found this retinoid to be quite light but yet effective. My skin felt and looked smoother. I have purchased two of these now as cannot go past the price point and the results.does wonders
No irritation, is absorbed easily, has amazing results especially for the price.it's good
I use this at night along with the lactic acid 10% HA. It hasn't really done anything for my pigmentation but for the price of it I think it's good.Noticed a difference
I wasn't sure what retinoid exactly did but after purchasing this I noticed a difference in my skin. Applying it at night, I'd wake up and it'd definitely be softer and glow more. Definitely a good buy!Use for 1-2 months to see results
Been using this before bed, doesn't provide the moisture i like at night, but certainly improves skin texture and appearance- just keep using it, don't give up if you don't see results straight away! Mix it in with a non-retinol moisturizer if you need more hydration.Amazing
No irritation, easy application and absorption and great price.Gentle Retinoid
Have been using this for a short period of time but enjoying it. Ive done allot of reading up on retinoid products and usually your skin reacts quite a bit. This one only gives me slight dryness the next day so I think its a great option to start with. It also doesn't irritate my skin if it has a bit of water on it before applying. I wash my face wait about 10 minutes then put this one. I then wait another 5 or so minute and finish with a heavy duty night cream. I do think I can increase from once a week to more as its not too harsh. Think this is a good gateway to first time users and am excited to see the change in my skin after the full bottle.I love this
Initially, I didn't think this product did that much and so it kind of sat neglected on my shelf. Then, I read somewhere that retinol actually takes 1-2 months before it starts to work, so I gave it another go. After about a month my skin improved considerably! I have quite good skin - just a few minor breakouts and pigmentation issues resulting from breakouts. Using this product my skin just felt much clearer and brighter! I also love the milky thin texture. It absorbs quickly and my skin feels plump in the morning!Love it so much
After using both the 2% and 5% retinoids, I can honestly say this one is the better of the two! It has a milky consistency that absorbs well with a pleasant smell unlike the 5%. It makes my complexion so smooth and glowing!like it
It works well; non- irritative; observed effect in a week; stabilizes skin conditionThe Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2%
I have repurchased this product, as I feel it has considerably helped with minimising pigmentation on my skin. I having ageing skin, in my late 50's and I really feel this product has helped my face look refreshed and less mature. I have not experienced any irritation at all, and like the texture. I also like that each bottle seems to last about six months, and I use it every day. I love this stuff!Love this stuff!
I've been using this for approx eight months and I really have noticed some great changes with my skin. I use it at night as part of my routine and I love how it adds moisture, plumps, brightens and evens out my skin tone. I'm hooked and will continue to purchase it! I've also found that it doesn't irritate my skin as some other products have been known too. Plus you can't beat the incredible price!Excellent product
Excellent for the price, I really notice a difference if I ever stop using it. My acne scars and redness fade a lot faster and leaves my skin looking clearer and fresher.Helps with my hormonal acne
I have pretty temperamental skin and I still suffer with bouts of hormonal acne. I kind of purchased this product on a whim because I didn't know which product from The Ordinary to buy for the first time and then I saw all the rave reviews after purchasing. It's a lot creamier than I thought it would be and hasn't dried my skin as much as I thought. It's been helping my acne calm down a lot more, my acne isn't as aggressive as it used to be since using this. I use it every couple of days after dermarolling my skin. I let it absorb and then I use a bit of my regular night time moisturiser. It makes my skin super soft. Love it, definitely will be purchasing again...if it's not sold out!Great anti ageing
Really great for fine lines and clearing skin overall improvement in texture as wellStart here!
This is the best starting point! I started adding this product to my skincare routine every second night, the difference it made to my skin was amazing.Feels lovely
Silky smooth to apply, I use moisturizer maybe 10 minutes after as it is quite drying.Great
great serum on my third bottle for oily ance prone skingood product
This was my first retinol product that I purchased for my combination skin, I'm 39 and have some pigmentation, large pores and redness. I didn't notice much difference in my skin after a few weeks of using this. I did like the formulation though as it absorbs nicely into the skin. It was a good starter to get my skin used to retinol products and I have now moved on to stronger products and have seen more improvement using these.Good for acne
I've used multiple bottles of this and finds it works well to help calm and prevent blemishes. It can dry the skin so you need to moisturise adequately.Fabulous starting point
The creamy texture of the emulsion is beautifully moisturising, which is great for my eczema-prone skin.
When I first started using this product, I did experience some flakiness, redness and unevenness, but that settled about 3 days after the first use.
I love my skin's radiance now that I have introduced a retinoid into my skincare regimen!Great product
I have tired many products to calm my problem skin and this is by far the best and the most well priced.
I use this daily with other products from The Ordinary and I couldn’t recommend them more.Great, but not the best
I heard really rave reviews about this product, especially for its price so thought I'd give it a go. Not sure I can say it worked, I don't feel like I saw a change in my skin. So it didn't do anything bad, but don't feel like I got any benefit from using it either.Amazing
I waited for agessss to buy this because it was out of stock everywhere. Once I got my hands on it I could see why it was always out of stock. I use this once every 3 days, my skin has looked so much more lively then it did. I have brought one for all the females in my family who are into skin care. They all have raved to me about how much it has improved there skin! I highly highly suggest trying this if you're on the fence about a retinoid, this is the best place to start.Love it!
Great consistency, perfect and says what it is advertising to do!
I love how the creamy texture melts into my skin so well.
I alternate with other Ordinary products, how good? So good.Amazing product for stubborn cystic acne
I had been suffering deep, painful cystic hormonal acne for 2-3 months after changing birth control. Being nearly in my 30's it was very embarrassing. I tried changing face creams and face wash with no results. After seeing many great review I tried The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% and within a week I was seeing great results. I did a bit of research before starting and noted there might have been a purging period, or flakiness, but I have had nothing but clear, soft skin.
VERY excited. I have been been keeping progress pics.It works!
I have bad Hyperpigmentation under my eyes and have tried other very expensive products that seemed to do very little if nothing. I can’t believe how affordable this is, and have just ordered another bottle and 2 more increased 5% emulsions! My skin seems to be more on sensitive/dry side, and it does not leave your skin dry and I had no discomfort. I noticed a dramatic change on day 3 and am so happy I purchased this :). Thank yousmoothes skin
i have fine lines, acne scarring and pimentation and find this smoothes and evens out out my skin. would repurchase but in a higher percentage retinol for increased results. am using in conjuction/ alternating between this and the ordinary L ascorbic acid powder, having great results with my pigmenation and just over all appearance of my skin.improved skin texture
I don't have any wrinkles yet and was using it for prevention measures. It has made my skin smooth.Pretty good beginner retinoid
I used this for years and years because it really helped make my skin clearer... I used it for so long that it stopped working and I eventually had to upgrade to the 5% one. But if you're in your early 20s and want to get started on the retinoids then this is a good choice.Worth a try
I've only used this twice and while I like the feel of my skin afterwards it did cause blemishes both times the next morning. Go easy on it, I did get slight peeling patches after the second time but I do have sensitive skin that's prone to blemishes. It's worth giving a try.Not sure...
I really liked this product to begin with but found if I used it more than once, it would severely dry out my skin and I would get nasty dry patches and stinging when applying any form of skincare the next morning. Couldn’t wear makeup the next day either due to how sensitive my skin was. I have naturally oily and blackhead prone, sensitive skin that just does not like this product if I use it more than once a week/fortnight. Really liked how my skin felt to touch and looked a few days following so will still use once every 10ish days at nightFantastic Product
Loved this product from the first use. Help dramatically even out my skin tone, no longer blotchy. I use this and seems to help clear up my hormonal acne breakouts along with scars and bumps from previous breakouts. Love it, will definitely rebuy. A little goes a long way.The ordinary products are amazing!
This is by far my favourite! I am addicted to the ordinary products! The best thing is they are reasonably priced!best affordable retinol
I love this retinol so much, will continue to repurchase!Good
Use it more as a preventative measure so Can’t really tell how it work but it feels lovely on the skin and is an important part of my skin routineA gentle serum !
Being in my mid 40s i use this to help in keeping the "smile lines" at bay. But there are plus mores ! My skin texture has smoothed out and the pigmentation isn't so blotchy making for less "debris" on my face.
This has been a periodic staple product for almost 2 years and i know this serum works (for me) as i'd never before used any kind of Retinol or Retinoid before in all my (at the time) 40 years of oily yet dehydrated skin life.Essential part of my routine
Originally purchased as part of the No-Brainer Set but has become a staple in my nighttime routine. Upon initial use, I was using it 1-2 times a week and I experienced irritation and dry/flaky patches on my skin. However, now I use it every night and notice a considerable difference in my forehead lines and overall skin texture!Love this!
Very gentle for a retinol and quickly smoothed out little textured bumps on the sides of my nose/eye area!
A little goes a long way too!Recommended by a GP
When the doctor said she used this product, I am sold. Nice texture. Do use it at night time your skin will thank you for it. Did not experience any irritation but a bit of dryness after the first few uses.GENTLE & AFFORDABLE
I was really excited to try this product given the amount of positive reviews and the SUPER affordable price!!
I was not disappointed! I am using this as a preventative/anti aging product and given I have super sensitive skin eased my way into using it. I use this once every 3 days and wake up the next morning with hydrated & even skin!
Will continue to repurchase
Goodbye crow's feet!
Although I had acne prone skin - this product helped reduce the unsightly red scars without adding more useless oil to my already oily skin. My forehead, under eyes and laughing lines are less profound and my crow's feet have definitely lightened!
I am very sensitive to texture and have however found that after application I can feel a thin layer on my face that took some getting use to - not at all uncomfortable, just slightly noticeable "feeling-wise".Good product
I use this every second night and I like the texture and consistency. Im 26 and using as a preventative measure.Too intense for retinoid beginners
I don't know why this was marketed for retinol beginners. This serum is potent. I broke out severely (angry red breakouts) from this product compared to the actual retinol range by TO. Also the breakouts didn't subside until months. It was the worst breakout of my life.
I'd be very careful about using this if you've never had retinol in your routine. Also 2% is way too high for beginner retinol users, granactive or otherwise...Amazed!
I love this retinoid, especially for ani ageing purposes.
I am 30 years old and doing my best to get into a minimal but effective skin routine and this emulsion will be part of it for now.Oil but not oily
doesn't make me feel sweat on my skin
its finishing product for my night routine
it is an oil but dissent feel oily and that makes me love it more.
I just don't like the smell of it personally.Gentle and effective
I've been using this for a few months. I've used retinol before, so maybe I have some tolerance to it, but this was very gentle and non-irritating. It sinks into the skin after a few minutes and doesn't feel greasy not tacky in the skin. It seems to last a long while, too, even though I'm using it 3 to 4 times a week. Will repurchase!Holy grail
I'm onto my 3rd bottle of this and I'm addicted. It's gentle and a great option for treating or preventing wrinkles around the eyes for this reason. I also have occasional eczema issues and have found this retinoid is gentle enough for me to safely use. Have bought it for friends as well. I strongly recommend this product, especially at the price point.Gentle and effective
After sustaining a nasty chemical burn (even after weeks of slow build up) from a 1% retinol solution in another brand, I was anxious about trying another retinol-based product. This is lovely and silky in texture, and no stinging! Win! I love it, and can’t beat the price point.Must have!
I was skeptical of The Ordinary’s products with their low price point but I couldn’t live without this one. After just a few weeks of use my skin looks completely resurfaced. My pores are smaller, it looks brighter and I’m experiencing less of the painful dryness I usually get the second I wash my face! My skin type is dry and I’m prone to the odd breakout here and there and I’ve seen a reduction in those too. So, so pleased.Great retinoid
This retinoid formula is very gentle for my oily and acne prone skin. My skin also feels tightened and fresh after using this product and my acne scars have been diminishing over time along with dull skin.Essential!
I've been using this product for several months now and it's made a massive difference to my skin - way less breakouts and the overall texture of my skin is a lot better. I've had problems adjusting to higher strength retinol products in the past but this one has been great, it's fairly gentle but great results. The emulsions also fast drying and easy to apply.Made my skin soo oily
I us3d this religiously and in the morning I was seriously an oil slick !!!!!!! Not sure if it did to much For my skin except making it oily and break out grossWill never live without this!
This has done wonders for my skin!! it has smoothed and tightened my skin. I use this every second night and it leaves my skin plump and young looking. can't get better for this price pointLove this product
I think its the best most gentle and effective retinol for my acne prone skin..ive seen a vast difference when combined with benzol peroxide and rosehip oil on topRetinoid Rejoice
I have combination skin which can sometimes become quite dry whilst trying to clear breakouts. I use this product every second night as per of my night routine and my face feels soooo fresh after. I find that it causes little to no irritation on my skin, and does help pigmentation over time.
Secret weapon
I struggle with very small, under the skin pimples around my chin and have tried so many products to get rid of them...but alas, I stumbled across this little gem! It’s best used at night after cleansing and toning and I have noticed a significant change in my skin! It’s clear, it’s smooth and there’s no little annoying pimples on my chin ever! Even at that time of month! A few drops goes a long way so this bottle is definitely value for money.Good but not great
I was hoping to love this product and see some noticeable changes in my skin but sadly I don't. Sure the consistency is nice, feels great on your skin and the price is fantastic but haven't really seen results. I have oily skin and use many products with salicylic and glycolic acid so maybe my skin would respond to a stronger dose of retinoid which I will try from The Ordinary range. I will finish the bottle but will not be repurchasing.Great entry level retinoid!
I've been using this product for about 18 months now and I'm really pleased with the results.
I find that my skin and pigmentation really evens out when I'm very consistent with it.
When I've travelled and not used this product as frequently I can definitely tell the difference.
I introduced fairly slowly and my skin was initially a little dry when I started using it but this no longer happens.
Great value for money! I'm a big fan of the ordinary products.LOVE
LOVE this product. Makes my skin feel great and also helps my blemishes.Good but not strong enough for my tough skin
I have a lot of sun damage and while I did see some improvement in tone and fine lines I think I’d benefit from a higher strength.Good for the price
Decent emulsion, haven't seen results yet. Sinks into skin well and doesn't bother my sensitive skin at all.Don't hesitate!
I'm loving this anti aging wonder! I understand it takes time for significant results... But from night one of using it, my skin felt and looked lustrous! They say with retinoid products "don't quit before the miracle happens," so I look forward to seeing longer term results too!
Before purchasing, I used live chat to make sure I was buying the right products for my needs... They were super helpful!! Also, my package from Adore also came with some surprise little gifts that also made me feel super special!Beautiful product
This is my first try of a retinol product and i’m Really happy with it. I’m in my early 30s and have some lines and also some pigmentation from pregnancies. It’s made more of a difference for the lines but also overall brightening of my skin. Very effective and amazing price.SO glad I bought this!!
Lately my skin has been breaking out like crazy, has looked super dull and the texture has been horrible. I used makeup to hide my insecurities but after using The Ordinary Granactive Ertinoid Emulsion I've noticed a huge difference in my skin! Seriously could not go past the price (very good compared to other products). It is worth your money and MORE! I don't even wear makeup to work any more. My skin looks smooth, more even and instantly brighter! You won't regret buying this product.Good results!
Is not too intense on my somewhat sensitive skin. Works well, I intend to stock up again soon!Affordable product to work wonders on the skin
I've been using The Ordinary for almost 3 months. I alternate nights, using one night Glycolic Acid + Lactic Acid and the other night Retinoid + Matryxil. I can see my skin more hydrated, soft, brighter. I had been under a lot of stress for over a year and my skin started to suffer, looking dull and dehydrated. Using The Ordinary has brought my skin back to life, I can get away with not using any make up at all. I had tried a wide variety of brands from all price ranges and non has worked as effectively and quickly as The Ordinary.An investment in your skin
I can’t believe how noticeable these results are. Yes retinoids are good for anti ageing, but this has also completely evened our my skin tone, stops break outs and softens my skin. I have a sensitive skin type that does not react well to big changes so I was very glad this product did nothing but good for me. Definitely noticeable in terms of anti ageing too. Highly recommend this, and such a bargain!!!Good so far!
I've only just started using this product but so far, so good! If you have dehydrated or sensitive skin and are worried about retinol products then this one would be a great starter as it's very gentle. I'm still new to retinol and unknowingly tried a very strong one - which made my face so dry and dehydrated. After using this my face looks smooth and my pores look reduced. I'm looking forward to seeing more results long term.Good introduction to retinol
This was a good introduction to using retinol products. It is completely non irritating and I found that I could go straight into using it every 2 days with no unwanted side effects at all. The emulsion doesn't seem to absorb fully into the skin and leaves you shiny looking but using it at night means that it does not bother me.Good
Nice product, good for my skin. Have noticed a change!Good product at a good price
Very affordable. I have found my skin is plumper, softer and just looks more refreshed when I use this. I use at night after cleansing my face about 3 times a week l. I will keep buying when the bottle (eventually) runs outHello plump skin
I have combination skin which can sometimes become quite dry whilst trying to clear breakouts. I use this product every second night as per of my night routine and my face feels soooo fresh after. I find that it causes little to no irritation on my skin, and does help pigmentation over time.Doesn't seem to work as well as the Retinol with Squalene
Doesn't seem to work as well as the Retinol with Squalene. I used it for a couple of weeks and just found that it was too intense for my skin. When I switched to the Retinol in Squalene, I found that my skin responded much better.