The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2%

I purchased this because so many people were making a big fuss over it. I'm glad I did though, as I've noticed a real difference in my skin texture. I'm only 29 so I have no visible signs of ageing, and I didn't purchase it for anti ageing, more for acne prevention, and just to help with my general skin condition. I do still get breakouts, but nothing to severe. I'm also hoping that with regular use it will help me to keep my skin look young for longer.

I bought this product because my skin was looking dull and starting to sag a bit but this product has improved the elasticity completely. Would recommend.

I’m a first time user of anti-aging products and retinol. I started using this over a month ago with some other ordinary products. The first week there was some redness and dryness but after my skin adjusted there were no side effects. My skin looks better then ever and it really does reduce the appearance of fine lines giving a smooth appearance and tighter skin.! The texture is easy to apply and absorbs rather quickly. Really good for first time retinoid users! I’m thinking of upgrading to the 5% retinol for hopefully faster results. Can’t wait to see how my skin in the next few months. Great price and affordable

I started using this product just this year. I started with lower concentrations of retinol from The Ordinary range and worked my way up to this beauty. I was hesitant to use at first because I was always outdoors and I feared that my skin will be overly sensitive under the sun. It stung a bit for the first two weeks but now my skin have adjusted well. And because I am using retinoid, I am now also regularly using sunblock to protect my skin. The results are not instant. Just be patient. You will notice your pores getting smaller! Try it!

Such a inexpensive and effective product for those looking for results. Will be repurchasing

Love this product. Was paying more for a plastic tube of retinol serum from Skinstitute and wont go back to it. Got great results with this for treating acne break out recently. Its very similar to the Skinstitute Serum I was using in terms of colour, consistency and effect but cheaper and better packaging (less plastic and easier to apply!!) Love this stuff. Going to buy more of the range

This product (along with others) was recommended to me in Chat on the Adore Beauty site as I was looking for anti-ageing products and had heard about The Ordinary. I have used this for just over a week and am enjoying how it makes my skin feel. I have an oily t-zone, prone to adult acne around my nose, mouth and chin. I had a large pimple on the side of my nose and it didn't eventuate. It just calmed right down and disappeared without breaking the skin. My skin feels smoother and the product is lovely to use. I find myself wanting to use it every night but I stick to the once-every-two-nights recommendation and always use sunscreen in the day.

I have aging, oily skin with large visible pores and never go out without a full face of makeup. Until now. After using The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion for a few weeks, my skin looks and feels fantastic. Smoother, more even toned, less visible pores and less lines. I’m so impressed by the improvement. Now all I need is sunscreen and a touch of colour on my lips and I’m good to go. I’ve had comments on how good my skin is looking, which has never happened before! I was afraid at first to use a retinoid, thinking that my skin would just go red as I’m sensitive to some products. No redness and no flaking. Just smoother, fresher skin. The price of this magical product is magical itself. I would expect to pay so much more for such an effective product. My advice is to stock up!

So good at rejuvenating skin and getting rid of lines

good at minimising breakout, good texture, skin feels good

I am a big fan of this product. It is very gentle for my sensitive skin and really works a treat for my acne. I spot treat my acne and redness from old acne marks each second night and in the morning when I wake, there is a noticable difference! It is such a great product, that is a really affordable price! Very effective in reducing my acne!

I want to leave another review of this product because I’ve been using it for 6 weeks now and that’s about how long they say you need to wait to see significant results.
I have (had) fair skin with lots of redness, lots of dry flakes, very bumpy, scarring and sun damage. My skin now is bright, little to no redness (only a little tiny bit around my nose/mouth), no red spots and my sun damage is getting kinda fuzzy as if it’s fading away and my skin is really smooth. I’ve been going out without makeup for the first time in my life. I can’t believe the results!! I’ve been sending before and after pics (which I take regularly) to my friends and family because I’m just so happy with the results so far! I use the serum every night (a whole dropper full) and I’m about half way through the bottle now after 6 weeks so I think the value for money is incredible as well. So 1 bottle will last about 12 weeks with daily use. I have t experienced any reaction to the serum but my skin has become more sensitive to salicylic acid as it stings when I used it and my face felt burned afterwards (I no longer use it but I don’t like or need it anyway). In saying that I’ve been using The Ordinary vitamin c cream every morning for almost a month and that has not caused any reaction or sensitivity and I think it has helped the retinoid to brighten my skin. I can’t recommend this product enough if you have any of the problems I mentioned. I wish I could upload my results photo!!!

Skin feels much smoother, firmer and clearer in the morning. Also great formula, feels comfortable on the skin and not tacky at all. Would definitely recommend. Keen to try the 5% formula next!

This is the first retinoid product I have used. I've been using it for several months now and I can never go back to not having this in my routine!! Absolutely love it. I use it on alternate nights. I have fairly normal combination skin and I have had no issues with sensitivity with this. I get far fewer breakouts and my overall skin texture has improved immensely.

Love this retinoid emulsion, I have very sensitive skin, my skin always reacts when I try new products so I have always been too scared to try retinol before. Reading all the info on here about the retinoid though, I was convinced to try it and I'm very glad I did! I find this is very helpful at keeping breakouts under control, small ones are gone the next day and it shows more clarity to my skin. Very happy to have found this product and will try additional products by The Ordinary in the future.

I love the way this emulsion feels on my skin. It skins in quickly and leaves no residue. I prefer it so much more to the retinoid in squalane. I use this every second night and my skin is smooth and soft when I wake up. Have already repurchased several times!

I literally used this once and then woke up with the smoothest skin I've ever seen! Crazy! I have semi-sensitive combination skin and was a little afraid of using a retinoid but this is very gently, yet still super effective. It's good for not only anti-aging but for smoothing out your skin and fading any marks. I only started using this once a week, then twice a week as suggested, but now I am going to start using it every 2 days and see how I go. I used it last night and my makeup applied SO beautifully this morning, a must have product for such a great price!

My skin is so different in one week!
First time using retinol though I am a regular glycolic acid user so my skin is a bit tough.
The texture of my face is so smooth now and my wrinkles are only noticeable if I’m wearing makeup that settles into them.

Feels lovely on the skin, soaks in beautifully and in the morning face is brighter, tighter and softer! Very happy with this product and continue to purchase. I use every second night as I routine with a lactic acid/liquid gold treatment.

I bought a few products at the same time and this was the only one that didn't have an instant effect. I think it has helped with blemishes though. I have sensitive skin but had no issues using this.

This is a good product and definitely worth a try given the price. Whilst I don't think this helped with my primary skin concern (stubborn acne), it does work really well to hydrate and prevent dullness, especially around the under-eye area. I believe this would be excellent for preventing wrinkles and ageing, as it is a wonderfully creamy product. I'll continue to use in conjunction with my normal acne treatments.

Been using this for 3 weeks now. I suffer from the occasional break out but also have wrinkles around my eyes. I use this nightly and have seen a massive difference. My skin seems a lot smoother and more even skin tone and I'm shedding dead skin cells quite quickly. I haven't had any major break outs since. Highly recommend.

Every night I use this I wake up with smoother and clearer skin. I’ve seen a massive difference in wrinkles around my eye area after using for just a few weeks!

My all time favourite serum!

I was a bit hesitant about buying this as I’m
Only 25 and assumed I wouldn’t see much different on my combination skin, but as soon as I put it on my skin soaks it up no issues and the next morning any acne scarring I had is gone and my skin is super clear! I’m only using it twice a week at the moment

This is a fantastic product to add to your skincare routine. I use it weekly and my skin always feels incredible when I wake the next morning! So soft and smooth, it's fantastic. This is the first retinol product I've used. I was a bit nervous to start as I have quite sensitive skin, but I have had no irritation or negative impact at all! I actually notice more tingling with the vit c and AHAs. I haven't been using long enough to speak to the anti aging results, but I have definitely noticed my skin is healthier, more glow-y, smooth and soft.

I have combination skin, and this product is formulated perfectly for me! Not greasy at all, but isn't drying either, so if I'm going through a dry skin phase it's generally not too much trouble. I wouldn't call it moisturising, though, so if I'm particularly dry and flakey this is really not enough on its own. Absolutely no redness/dryness/flaking that you'd normally associate with a retinoid product. I can't actually speak to its anti-ageing properties, though, because I'm only 19, and have been using it for like a year. At this price point, though, I would be happy with any tiny degree of anti-ageing!

The dropper bottle is not ideal, I have to say; I often knock it over by accident and lose half my product! Also leads to very quick oxidation, but this isn't an issue to me because I use the whole bottle within about 3 weeks (I use it on some of my body too as I have significant scarring and thought it might help - certainly seems to speed up the healing of lesions that haven't healed already, but not really useful to fade scars).

Not sure how well it works for me, but I think it has helped. I probably need to stick with it more religiously for a little longer. At its price point and being cruelty free I suggest giving it a go, different things work for different peoples skin. I’m 27 with fairly normal skin, prone to occasional hormonal breakouts.

This has made a huge difference to my skin... tightened pores, improved hyperpigmentation and just in general looking more glowy. Ive just reordered my third bottle.
And the price as well..you just cant go wrong

I don't suffer from pigmentation, so I was mostly using this to see if it could help with regards to acne and anti-ageing. I haven't found it has made any impact on my hormonal acne, but I'm happy to give it a chance with regards to anti-ageing benefits. At 33 with oily skin and some extra weight, it's not so easy to measure those effects in a 10 month time span, but this product has no adverse effect so I'll keep using it!

i saw an instant change in my (21) and my mums (51) skin. Absolutely amazing

I ordered this for the first time from ADOREBEAUTY after seeing all the positive reviews and I must say it's amazing!
I wasn't sure how I would go, as I have sensitive skin, but I love it!
The thing I noticed the most is it gives my skin a glow that I didn't have previously and my skin isn't dull anymore.
Would definitely recommend and will continue to use .

I am in my 30s and have normal to dry skin. I always hear things about the potential for Retinoids to be harsh and had never used one before. So I was pleasantly surprised by this! Not harsh smell, lovely texture and is absorbed very quickly. Follow the instructions of the bottle and product description and you can't go wrong!

I have combination/oily skin prone to breakouts in my t-zone and dryness. Used a few of The Ordinary products religiously for over a month and noticed no difference at all. Would not purchase again or recommend

I started my retinol regime with this product about a month ago. I REALLY LOVE THIS! The texture is light, non greasy at all. My skin texture is improving, A LOT. I'm unable to tell the difference as I see my own face everyday, but I'm very surprised when my husband (whom I met once in a month due to long distance relationship :( ) recognised the difference in my skin. He told me that my skin is much softer and even skin tone. I'm definitely going to stay with this product for a very long time.

I really wanted to like this one since it has been really hyped up. It is not bad as such, and felt nice on the skin. Unfortunately it did not do anything to improve my skin at all. I have oily skin and find the Ordinary's retinol in squalane works much more effectively than this one.

Love love love this product, I have been using it for a few months now and have noticed a massive change in the texture of my skin! It’s not drying at all and you only need a tiny bit so I haven’t even used a quarter of the jar yet!

Use this at night and my skin always looks better in the morning!

I bought this hoping it would help with keratosis Pilaris but it didn’t really make a difference over a few months. However I like using it under a night cream and I do notice scars/discolouration fades a little.

I bought this retinol cream after having used prescription retinoid creams for a couple of years. Firstly, if your skin concerns are more serious I highly recommend going to a doctor and seeing if they can help you, before trying your hand at any other skincare products. My skin has calmed down lately but I am still acne prone with noticeable scarring (also VERY sensitive with eczema patches). After using this, my acne got worse in the first week or two. But I stuck with it and now my skin has never looked better. It is so much less harsh on the skin than other retinoids - doesn’t dry me out or cause irritation or redness (for me, this is saying a lot). It has helped my scarring so much and while I still do get the occasional pimple, they are much smaller and less often and don’t scar nearly as much. My skin has never ever been so soft and clear and healthy looking. And all this, for less than 20 dollars! Compared to other retinoids on the market that I have used, this is amazing. I highly recommend trying this out.

I’ve been using this product for about a year now. My main skin concerns are fine lines, pigmentation and the occasional breakout.
This product is quickly absorbed, extremely gentle for a retinoid and works, albeit gradually, to fade pigmentation, even skin tone and refresh a dull complexion. I haven’t had a breakout since I started using this.
Although my fine lines haven’t gotten any better they also haven’t gotten any worse.
Remember to always use SPF when using a retinol product as your skin will be very sensitive to UV.

This product is liquidy, very spreadable, and not at all tacky, and is amazing for those who are just beginning to dip their toes into retinoids. It's not sensitizing or uncomfortable to use (provided you start out gradually), and is effective enough to help with hyperpigmentation and acne. On my combo skin, it has helped to reduce oil production as well. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to kickstart their anti-ageing skincare regimen!

I had no negative reaction to this product (and have sensitive skin) but noticed no improvement to skin texture/ clarity

This really helped with my skin overall, particularly with the texture. in combination with other products from the ordinary I found my skin healing much quicker. This is really amazing for the price.

If you are looking for a serum that you will see instant results you have found it. I bought this out of curiosity mainly because Kim Kardashian wears it so i must try it.BUT OH MY WORD it works! I love the price point and how effective this is. Within a few days my skin looked more supple and hydration was restored. 2 days in it was glowing and dewy! I have used more expensive products like la mer, and estee lauder and Dior serums but nothing was effective as this. I was actually really surprised the price point for the quality of the product. I have told so many of my friends about this and now everyone is on it. I have fair skin and combination skin type so i had no problems with an oily T zone which i do get quite often i felt the pH was restored. I will continue to use it. Just as a heads up this serum is quite tacky and a little goes a long way.

I am not 100% certain if this product is totally responsible for my dark sun and age spots being less noticeable in only a week as I am using with Buffet. All I know is I am seeing a fantastic improvement in my skin's condition since using this after Buffet. I am excited to try other products in the range now and at these prices I actually can afford to.

I've been using the Retinoid in Squalene for a while now and am happy to be back using this emulsion. I by far prefer the texture and I've never had a negative reaction to this product.

I hope to use again and again!

Like all of the ordinary serums I have tried, this is a great budget staple. I'm not sure if I've experienced any radical results with this as much as I have with other products, but it's definitely a good serum for clear, radiant skin. Perhaps I need something stronger but the 2% is a nice moderate retinol perfect for beginners or moderate users. For reference, I'm 27 with fairly normal, sometimes slightly sensitive skin. I get no irritation or tingling from this. I probably prefer my Skinstitut retinol serum though that I bought on adorebeauty.

I was skeptical of this product given the hype it has received on social media lately, plus I have never believed in "anti-aging" claims. UNTIL NOW.
I have been using this for a week now (before bed after cleansing and moisturising) and oh...my...lawd. It has already significantly diminished frown lines and my complexion has come to life! My skin feels like silk the next morning and I have already been complimented on the difference in my face! It lasts for ages as you literally don't need any more than a pea sized amount to cover your whole face.
I have sensitive acne prone skin (which is clear now thanks to Clinique and The Ordinary Salicylic Acid)...and this product did not hurt or irritate my skin at all.
Seriously, if you're on the fence about this, TRY IT!

I love this product. Love love love it. It's the first time I've used any sort of retinol, and so far I've had no issues with it irritating my skin. What I have noticed is how amazingly clear my skin looks on the mornings after I use it (using it three nights a week). My scarring is definitely less noticeable, and the general texture of my skin is so much better since I've been using this product. I'd give it 6 stars if I could!

I've been experimenting with this product in conjunction with the THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 that i use every night and incorporate this product 2 nights a week. I have to say that I like it but I don't know if has made a major difference in my skin. I know that I feel hydrated and good the next morning but I have been on again off again with it and I can definitely say that once you skip a week your skin goes back to the way it was before you've used the product.

I cannot love this product anymore. I've used retinols in the past, which is why I was excited to try this, this uses a retinoate, which is easier for the skin to break down into retinoic acid. This means no irritation.
Other brands can charge well over $200 for a product with retinoate, so I'm super happy to have found this!

If you love retinol but don't want the irritation, give this a shot. I've noticed a dramatic difference in my skins tone and texture.

All my life, I have had large pores and red cheeks. Nothing I have tried (in my price range) has helped. I have used the Granactive Retinoid for three months now and my pores, while still visible, have shrunk considerably and I am not as red. I am really really happy with this product

I looooove this product. I have dabbled in straight retinol since my early 20s but my sensitive skin just can't handle it. Some retinols have irritated my skin so badly it's taken months to recover. Not this stuff! This is probably the single most effective product I've ever used in terms of a noticeable difference in my skin. Softens fine lines quickly, evens skin tone, plumps skin. I use it on my hands and décolletage, plus anywhere on my body that is prone to lumps and bumps (e.g. keratosis pilaris on my upper arms or to prevent irritation after shaving). This stuff has never irritated my skin, and I have rosacea and psoriasis so that is really saying something!

A highly advanced form of retinoid that reduces signs of ageing and isn't irritating to the skin. I use it 2 or 3 times a week, at night, and my skin tone and fine lines have visibly improved. I only wish it came in a higher strength.

This is great for anyone new to retinoids as it's gentle and not too drying. As long as you're not expecting overnight results (ie: could take months to see any valuable changes) then this is a valuable tool in any anti-aging arsenal.

I have noticed a big difference in my skin tone and general appearance since using this product. I’m a big fan of The Ordinary in general and this would be my favourite product. My main skin concerns are pigmentation, fine lines, and dullness and I’ve seen improvements since adding this retinol into my regime :)

I only use Liquid Gold on my face so I bought this to try on my body, mainly due to the price and great reviews. It use every few days and it works great on my arms, neck and decolletage areas!! Would definitely recommend - love the dropper too.

This was my first experience with derivate of Vitamin A as I was recommended this as the product with moderate strength with no irritation to start with. I love that it contains Squalane that hydrates the skin as well. I have been using it every night since I purchased it ( 5 months ago ) together with same brand Vit C and
their moisturiser (am) And can see that my skin is more illuminate and looks healthy. This is an amazing product with great result and no side effects. Next step for me is to purchased 5% to add it into my regime.

Love it! My skin feels firmer, starting to notice clearer skin and pigmentation seems to be lessening. Using in conjunction with three other ordinary products. Heading over to do a second order, then doing a total bathroom cleanout.

I can't tell for sure if this particularly has improved my skin (I'm also using the 2% salicylic acid), but my skin looks brighter and clearer within the past week of regular use. I wasn't expecting any immediate effects- I was getting this more as a preventative for winkles and plan on getting the 5% retinoid to use once every two weeks- but I really think the combination of using this and salicylic acid has done wonders for my skin.

I was a bit skeptical with this at first because I broke out on the areas I tested it out. But because of the great reviews I decided to stop testing it out on parts of my skin and applied it to my whole face at my own risk and woke up to a pleasant surprise the next morning. My skin glows every time I use this product and I have received so many compliments on it!
However the bottle gets stiffer and more difficult to open (probably something to do with the chemical reaction).

I have fair, normal to combination skin. I have quite a bit of sun damage, lots of redness, some scarring from picking at my face and an uneven tone. Basically my skin is a mess.
The main reason got this serum was to correct sun damage and scarring. I have only used it a week so far and they say you will see results after 3-6 months with a retinoid so I have not seen improvement in sun damage yet. BUT I have seen results in redness, texture and tone already! The redness on my chin and around my mouth has disappeared and my skin tone looks much more even and the texture is so smooth! My makeup looks flawless and even a BB cream looks nice on its own which i never thought I'd be able to say. I am so impressed already.
I have been slathering this on nightly and I have found no irritation to my skin at all - I actually wish I got the 5% now but I didn't know it would be so well tolerated. I can't wait to use this all up and move up to the 5%.
The price cannot be beat either! I'm the new #1 The Ordinary fan!

This is a wonderful product. It has a decent concentration but doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. It is an lovely texture that absorbs into the skin easily. I use it every night.

I've just purchased my second vial of this, after being so impressed with the results from my first purchase.

On the mornings when I wake up after having used this, I almost have to stop myself from touching my skin because it feels so soft and smooth! You wake up and look in the mirror and can't help but feel like you're gonna have a 'good skin day' after this does its work overnight. It definitely minimises the appearance of pores and fine lines. I have acne-prone skin with some hyper-pigmentation from scarring, and this serum has been gradually improving my complexion. I've only started using overnight skin serums, AHA/BHAs about a year or so ago, when I turned 25. This was the first stand-out product which left a lasting, good impression and I will continue to use it unless I magically find something better within this price range.

For such a low price you'd be silly not to give this a go. I've also used the Ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum and the 'buffet' serum, but the Granactive Retinoid Emulsion is hands down the best product of theirs I've come across so far.

I have oily skin and purchased this a few months back when my usually clear skin decided to break out in hormonal acne..pretty much tried everything but it cleared up within a week of using this.
I now use it every night and will continue to re-purchase once my second bottle runs out.
I have also found my skin to be smoother and brighter since using.

Great night serum for sensitive skin!
I have recently had stress break outs and have been trying to calm them. I bought this in the hope it will help and it has! It leaves my skin feeling soft and dewy and the break outs have calmed down and are becoming less and less. Great product

Love The Ordinary range, this serum feels amazing on and doesn’t irritate my usually sensitive skin!
Great for those on a budget, I’ve already got my friends using it!

I bought this after reading an article about how it is a must have product in anti aging skincare routine. I like it more than the retinoid 2% or 5%. I have used it for a week and my skin feels good in the morning.

This has really lived up to the hype for me - I use it after cleansing at night on the days I DON'T use a glycolic cleanser (two acids on top of each other ends up too drying), before my eye cream and night cream. It really smooths the surface of your skin and I've noticed way fewer blackheads/small bumps because of it. I almost can't stop touching my face in the mornings after I use this! Will continue to use and hope to see even better results in the long run.

This stuff is a lifesaver. I suffer from sun spots and random breakouts on my cheeks and chin causing pigmentation. I've used this every other night for the past week and my skin is already brighter, my breakouts aren't as red and my skin looks clearer. I use a moisturizer for sensitive skin after and my skin feels so soft the next morning!

i have dry skin and can't use this too much of this too often. if i focus on areas that i with lines i want to target and use another night cream as well then it's better

Love putting this on my skin after cleansing. It is so soothing & moisturises the skin without leaving it oily.

This does wonders to resurface my skin, my annoying under the skin bumps/blackheads disappear when using this. I just have to be careful not to use it too frequently or close to my eyes because it can be drying. Also be careful to alwayssss use sunscreen with retinoids and be careful mixing with other acid exfoliants.
But I will be repurchasing over and over and love this product! Its so affordable!

Previous to using the Ordinary products, I usually had at least one blemish or small area of pigmentation. I haven't had either since I started using their products three weeks ago. I use this product at night and my skin looks so clear and good when I wake up in the morning. I only need a small amount to cover my face so I'm expecting this bottle will last me a long time!

I have been using this for over 3 months and have repurchased. I have sensitive combination skin prone to hormonal breakouts and I have noticed this has really helped my skin. The monthly breakouts have lessened in severity and some months I haven’t gotten any breakouts at all. I’m so impressed by this product and recommend to people especially those who are worried about products being too strong for their sensitive skin.

I apply this at night after cleansing and before applying my moisturiser. 5 stars!

I have normal to dry skin and this product seriously works wonders for me. I use it in every night time conjunction with a range of other products from the ordinary, which I think gives the best results. This product makes my skin super smooth, soft and glowy, and visibly helps to clear acne. And the best part is, you start to see results almost straight away!(although it is most effective with continued use) It is my favourite skincare product by far

This is a gentle but active retoinol product that has worked to soothe active breakouts and reduce scarring on my skin. I use it with the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc and I am very happy with the results.
The price is ridiculously cheap for the quality of the product. I have used many products (as many people with ‘bad’ skin have) that promise miracles for a much larger price tag.
All products that I use from ‘The Ordinary’ have really impressed me. I would absolutely repurchase.

I have been trying to get my problem skin as good as it gets and this has really helped, I bought it after the great reviews and I am happy i did. My skin looks a lot more even and just nicer in every way. I did break out a week after using it for about 2 weeks and since then my skin has never been better, if does exactly what it says! Love it and such a good price as well!

Such a good product! It feels like it works but doesn't feel harsh on my skin. Love it.

Hi,
Recently switched to this product, from the 2% In Squalene (which I found a little too oily for my skin) Just as good! Glides on effortlessly and absorbs well, without preventation of the final moisturiser from absorbing properly!

I'm so happy I found this product! I didn't expect such results but indeed they're visible, especially with lines on my forehead. The whole face looks more fresh and rested.

I’ve recently started using this product for my sensitive skin with psoriasis. The small patch I have on my forehead is getting better with regular use of this in combination with the moisturizing factors + HA. I use it before bed and wake up with beautiful soft skin and no irritation. I’ll continue to purchase this product!

My first time using a retinol and I see a huge difference in my skin! Apply this after cleansing in the evening and before a moisturiser and you’ll wake up with a clearer more even and plump complexion. Will be trying other products from the Ordinary to combine.

Been using this every other night under The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and I've noticed my pigmentation has massively reduced and my skin is less red the next day.

I use this product over a year and this is a gentle exfoliant. Excellent for sensitive skin. It's definately a must on my list.

I was looking for retinoids to reduce my pigmentation around forehead and mouth area. After using the product for four months I can clearly see the results. Really happy with the product and the affordability of it.

I love the whole Ordinary range, however this product has yet to show me great results. I still use this for the anti-aging and sort of as a preventative step in my skin care regime, however I didn't notice instant results as I did with the Lactic Acid serum.

It feels nice on the skin, and my skin feels smoother the next day, however I won't be able to use this during pregnancy so hopefully after I will get better results!

This is the goods. I rediscovered this after a big The Ordinary haul, and it took a little time for it to kick in and deliver results. But I've noticed a reduction in the fine lines around my eyes, which I'm crediting to this little gem. It glides on and absorbs quickly, and a little dab goes a long way. However, I have been prone to little break outs recently, which I'm worried might be from overuse of this product :(

This product has definitely helped generally with the appearance of my skin and has reduced acne flare ups, without the irritation and dryness I have experienced with other retinoid products. Excellent value for money.

I've been using The Ordinary Products for a while now and the Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% was one of the first I added to my collection. First of all, you can't go past the price of these products! I have normal skin, with the occasional breakout. I use this almost every night. (in conjunction with Lactic Acid once a week and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 in the mornings) and can honestly say my skin has never looked better! I have less breakouts. Be careful around the eye area - it can be drying. Have recommended to friends who also love it!

Only been using for a week but feels beautiful on the skin and my skin is softer and clearer

Great product! The ordinary really know what they are doing with skincare and the low price is just incredible! This product is a great way to introduce your skin to retinol. It causes no side effects at all and is gentle enough to be applied every night if you want. It minimises pores, evens skin tone, reduces scars and helps with cystic acne. Retinol type products also usually reduce and prevent wrinkles. The bottle states you need to wear sunscreen during the day, but I don't think it has made my skin particularly photo sensitive.

Well it makes my skin glow the next day all on its own but when used with the lactic acid 5% I use it makes my skin feel like a baby's freshly washed bum, lol. I love the ordinary products and the price is amazing especially for products that work so well and pack a punch like these ones. So happy with them all!

This product has been great to slowly help reduce the signs of ageing in my face. It's never been too strong or harsh on my skin, and layers really nicely after my serums and before my moisturiser. I use it only at night and tend to rotate it with the Lactic Acid. It feels quite tacky right after applying but that sensation goes away after a few minutes.

after using this product only a few times my skin is definitely thanking me already. I wake up with smooth happy skin after applying the night before. It does cause very tiny micro breakouts but they clear very quickly. This is so cost effective and works really well!

For months I’ve had to deal with hormonal acne in my late 20’s which left ugly dark scars that seemed to take months to heal. Bought this on a whim because of the other great reviews, and I’m so happy I did.
After 1 week of using this every night, those dark acne scars have disappeared and I’ve woken up to glowing smooth skin! Even the tiny lines on my forehead have started to go, I noticed this because I was considering getting anti wrinkle injections and now I’ve put that idea on hold.
Patches of my face started peeling after the first use, but a gentle exfoliating scrub everyday fixed that. Great product for a great price.

This has been my first trial into the world of retinoids and I can not believe the difference this has made! I have dry, acne prone skin with considerable hyperpigmentation. This product glides on beautifully, and I could notice a difference in my skin within a couple of applications. I've never gotten such a beautiful glow from a product before. It has brightened my complexion, reduced my scarring and left my skin looking the healthiest it has in years.

I personally apply this at night after cleansing and toning, with The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension in Silicone and a moisturiser applied straight after. This combo has worked wonders for me!

I cannot recommend this product enough for anyone who is looking to start using a stable, user-friendly retinoid.

This is my 3rd bottle in the last year and I am obsessed. My skin is so much smoother and more even since starting it, it has also reduced scarring and fine lines. I use almost every night and have never had any irritation despite having very sensitive skin

This retinoid is beyond incredible. I’ve gone through 2 bottles of this stuff already and I would now be lost without it. I have pretty fair skin so anything from uneven skin tone, pigmentation, mild acne scarring and blemishes shows up pretty noticeably. But this product literally vanishes everything in no time. My skin is so much more even with hardly any marks. So obsessed with this product will use for the rest of my life.