Great benefits
This product has not irritated my skin at all and I wake up with smooth, plump skin. I have never used a retinoid product before and feel like this is a great starter. I have much nicer skin since applying this every second evening.
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
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The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2%
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Review & Earn4.6 of 536 reviews
93% recommend this product
Most Helpful Positive
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Cheap
I'm just not sure about this product. I love the brand for the cheap price point but I didn't notice much of a difference using it on my skin.
Great benefits
This product has not irritated my skin at all and I wake up with smooth, plump skin. I have never used a retinoid product before and feel like this is a great starter. I have much nicer skin since applying this every second evening.Great Retinol for Beginners
I've been using this product for about 3 weeks now and am starting to notice a difference in my skin now, my scarring is clearing and my ski is overall brighter with a smoother texture. This did cause my skin to "purge" during the first 7-10 days of using, I was getting a few deep, cystic and painful pimples which is normal when you first start using a retinol product but is something to be aware of if you are new to these types of products, you have to give it a good few weeks to reap the benefits!Love this!
I absolutely love this product I definitely feel as if it does everything, it clears blemishes as well as firms my skin, I use it nightly on its own and feel that I don’t need anything else. My skin always looks clear as well as plump which is amazing!Fantastic product
Excellent - it gives minimal irritation despite it being a retinoid. I love how it smooths my skin overnightExcellent product
I've been using this for a couple of months in conjunction with a few other serums from the ordinary. This is my favourite one by far. It smoothes the skin gently exfoliates. It doesn't sting - for reference, i have combination skin but more on the dry side. This, combined with the lactic acid twice a week has made a huge difference to the smoothness, clarity and look of my skin.Good intro to retinol
This was the first retinol I started using consistently. I like it's not so strong that it dries out the skin or it peels. I use it every second night. I haven't used it long enough to see dramatic results but it does help with keeping my skin clear.Can't go wrong with Vitamin A
I was told by a beautician that Vitamin A helped with acne-prone skin and I haven't looked back since using this. I use it only at night and interchangeably with Alpha Lipoic Acid and it has definitely helped control my breakouts and with my overall complexion. Be careful with this one though if you have sensitive skin, might be good to spot test first.hyperpigmentation hero
This has worked really well on my acne scarred skin! It's reduced hyperpigmentation by a lot!Great for hormonal breakouts!
I'm 42 years old and have been experiencing hormonal breakouts about 3 or 4 days before my period. Nasty pimples around my nose and cheeks that disappear after my period starts, but it's 4 or so days of yucky and painful acne. This product has been a godsend for this time of month. If I apply at night, the next morning the acne is really minimised.
I did have a period of "purge" which for me was peeling skin under my nose. This occasionally happens, but it's not a massive issue. This has most definitely helped me a lot and I really missed it when I recently ran out. Recommended!Great serum
I accidentally ordered this instead of one of the other retinoid serums from The Ordinary and I love it! Its a lovely light texture and absorbs quickly. My 50 year old face is not looking too bad using Buffet in the morning and this at night followed by a face oil. Love it!Part of my nightly routine
I began using this along with a few other products from The Ordinary and after a consultant suggested this as a first time retinoid user. I use this as part of my night routine and I wake up with my skin looking brighter and a lot less red then it used to. Would definitely recommend.Effective
Non irritating and effective. My wrinkles around the eyes and frown lines have definitely softened. I'll continue using this strength for the next 6 to 12 months, then switch to the 5% strength to see how that goes.Such an Improvement in texture and feel of skin.
This product has been great so far. I have noticed such an improvement in the texture of my skin, its so soft. I have been using every second day. It did dry my skin a bit if used on a daily basis, every second day works better for me. Will keep using, I think it's great.Cheap
I'm just not sure about this product. I love the brand for the cheap price point but I didn't notice much of a difference using it on my skin.Great product repeat order
Love this this brand sits in my bedside ready to use every nightYou need this in your skin care routine!!!
Having had used other retinoid products before I was pretty reluctant to give this a go, I can't turn back now. This is a must have and will change the way your skin looks and feels - obviously go gently when first using but once your skin Is use to it you will be hooked! The ordinary products are amazing and super great value for money!Nightime essential
I use this product every night and it has done wonders for my skin. Would recommend to everyone. Great product, great brand.Nice retinol serum
I bought this a while back and I am still using this now. It doesn't cause any irritation at all and I find that it does help with my acne. It leaves my skin feeling moisturised as well, not drying at all. It's great for beginners new to retinol.not too drying for a retinol
I have fairly sensitive skin, so am slowly easing myself into this, paired with a few serums and lots of SPF. So far ok, feels good and not causing any bad flakiness yet - using twice per week. Will increase, have heard its got great benefits so looking forward to it. So far so good for a retinol as others make me flake.Being a freelancer
Seriously great results! After day 3 of applying at night after my cleanser and wiping my face clean in the morning, I am loving this product. My skin has that after-a-run-glow or fasting glow. I did buy 3 vials when I ordered, to gift and share. A friend who has great skin once recommended this brand to me - I wish I had of got onto it earlier.The best product I’ve ever used
I have had acne/blemishes for years. I’ve had stubborn congestion on both sides of my cheeks from where i used to have acne. No matter what I used, I could never get rid of it. Until I discovered this product! Ive been using it for just over a week, and my skin is almost completely clear of blemishes and my stubborn congestion is almost completely!! My skin hasn’t looked this clear, since before puberty lol
This is by far the best product I’ve ever used for my blemishes and I will continue to use religiously!!!Incredible
Have been using this nightly for about 12 months, and my skin is so smooth! I'm in my 30s, and this was my first foray into retinoids. Great place to start. Low irritation, but great results if you give it time! I use this with TO niacinamide 10%, and a bland moisturiser (from cerave) over the top, every night.Affordable product of excellent quality for adult acne!
I suddenly started having acne this year at the age of 29 despite never having it as a teenager. I was previously on a routine with a combination of AHA / BHA and decided to swap over to something more targeted for acne.
I bought this and the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and after a month it has definitely helped to clear up my acne. I'm down to about 1-2 spots at any given time which is much better than it had been.
I've reordered both and I'm glad to have found a solution at a decent cost with fast order dispatch and shipping. I found the reviews and responses to how to layer the products really helpful too - thank you!Not drying like other retinols
This is a great beginner form of retinol has it causes little to no irritation. With that though, means that it isn't very potent and effects are minimal. I would possibly go a higher strength and dilute it with moisturiser to begin with then slowly take out the moisturiser.Love this retinol!
I think this used to be called "Advanced Retinoid" and I'm so glad I found that out as I was worried they discontinued this. I prefer this emulsion consistency to the oil based ones as I don't like to feel oily. I use this twice a week at night, and the morning after I apply this my skin feels smooth and looks much less dull. When I first got this I went overboard and used it every night - don't do this! It'll make your skin "purge" and have crazy dry patches and pimples and bumps.Thumbs up
Skin looks nice & healthy after this, have had it for a while.
Also have the 5% in squalene and can say that I like the 2% better. As someone who has severe scarring from acne, this definitely has helped over time to heal the skin.Ineffective
I wanted to love this serum as I love most products from The Ordinary, however I saw no change in my skin after finishing a whole bottle of this. Prior to this I hadn't used retinol/retinoid products so I was expecting to see at least some change in my skin from this but unfortunately this did nothing.3rd week using and seeing a big difference
This product making my skin sing. Loving how much this has already helped with fine linesLook no further than THIS for your night serum!
HOLY HECK! This works wonders! I notice a difference in my fine lines and skin tone within two weeks! I use this religiously and have even conned my husband into using this! I an 29, he is 31 and we LOVE what we see in the way of our fine line correction! I also use the BUFFET serum AM + PM along with the moisturiser! This is a winning combination!Skin refresh
I added this to my night care to reduce redness and it really does the job. With acne prone skin and dry areas, I constantly have new scarring from small breakouts, but this calms it all down and by morning it looks healed and smooth. I ran out of retinoid for a week and my skin just couldn't settle down, so this is a cornerstone!
I use Niacinamide, then HA, then Retinoid, followed by Moisturising factors. If I've toned with Glycolic acid, I skip the retinoid.Quality and cost effective
I am in my early 30s and have combination skin. This is my second time buying this product. I have bought other, more expensive retinols in the past, and haven't found any of them have had noticeable results, however I find that this definitely helps to reduce breakouts, so for the price I'm very happy. I haven't noticed any sensitivity or irritation, and use it every second night.Pretty good
I think it’s good. I’ve been using it for a month and haven’t seen any drastic results but it hasn’t caused any issues.Great!
To find a retinol at this price is remarkable! They usually cost over $100. So I am very happy with this. I will be buying again!Great product
I have to say it is really great in anti ageing. Very gentle. I had used it for five months and really noticed lines reduced. My skin becomes smooth and tight. I have breakouts on my face but this product doesn't cause any irritation. I also apply it on my spots.Good
This product feels really nice when applying. I have found that it has smoothed my skin out a fair bitTakes some getting use to but so worth it
I had some purging initially causing slight breakout on the skin where i notally get congestion.. but I also found my blackheads were really loose.. like just wanting to fall out with a little exfoliation. It is hard to tell what product is working cause I started The Ordinary at the one time... but I feel like this is doing stuff.
Don't over do it and burn your skin.
I use it only once or twice a week and that works for me. I started using everyday and that was too much for me.
Stay with this product cause it is fantastic. 3 weeks in and im loving itGentle Retinoid
I'm in my 30s and just had a baby so my skin wasn't exactly in the best condition. I find this retinol has smoothed out my skin and given it some life again (even with minimal sleep!). I find it quite gentle on the skin and use it every night (along with the ordinary moisturiser and buffet serum).Great serum
I like this a lot! I’ve added it into my evening routine and I think it’s really helping reduce sunspots and scarring on my face.A great intro product
This is my first experience using Retinol and I have to say I think this product is a good introduction to it. I am 40+ but am lucky enough not to have wrinkles or fine lines (yet!) and I’m hoping this subtle retinol will help stave them off for a while yet. I also don’t have sensitive skin and don’t experience the tingling sensation that others have mentioned. It actually feels like it’s soaking in as soon as I apply it rather than sitting on top of the skin. My skin is clear and dare I say glowing! Will be continuing to use this product in my regime.Does exactly what I’d hoped
I’m new to Retinol & occasionally have sensitive skin so was a little nervous about this. No need to be! This did exactly what I’d hoped it would, no reactions & after using for a month I’m really happy with the results.. My skin is smoother & my lines are reduced..Not sure
It feels nice to apply and I have no irritation, not sure if it is doing anything yetIncredible
This feels beautifully tingly when applied and the results speak for themselves. The low price aside, this product is a must for women of all ages!Amazing product amazing price!
This stuff is great really noticed a difference with my skin texture and works well for my olive oily/combo skin.
Much rather it in the emulsion solution over the squaline too less greasy!Great
I use this with vitimin C and it's been great. My skin is smooth and clear.Good for hydration/skin texture, unsure about oily skin
I have quite oily skin. I have found this okay. I have repurchased as it is a great price for the ingredients but do avoid putting it on if I have a day the next day for makeup.High quality, good value retinoid
I use this second nightly, along with the ordinary the buffet. The other night I use NeoStrata GelPlus and in the mornings I use the buffet and vit c. I have kept this regime up for 3 months and am so impressed. I have combination skin, in my mid 30s. I have found I have much plumper, clearer and smoother skin. This was my first retinoid, I didn’t start with anything lighter and have been just fine. No dryness or redness, and I would estimate I use a quarter of a teaspoon and I do get a slight sting but only for a few minutes. Will definitely be keeping this up and repurchasing.I love this product!
This product is so affordable compared to other Retinoid products. It feels amazing on my skin and I can already see improvements on my blemishes. No skin irritation at all.This product really exceeded my expectations. I will definitely continue to purchase it.Not good for my dry skin
After reading so many good reviews i bought it but no luck .It made my skin extremely dry and patchy because my skin is already gets too dry in winters..In my opinion only good for normal and oil skin.Amazing
I love using this retinoid at night. My fine lines have diminished and my acne scarred have lightened and my skin is left plumpgood for sensitive skin
I have been using this one for the last couple of years and have noticed a decrease in my forehead lines, smoother skin texture and less blemishes. I don't have a reaction to this !!GLOWING!
This product has left my skin glowing! I use it every night as one of the last steps in my routine and it sinks into your skin almost instantly but still leaving you feeling hydrated. I wake up in the morning with crazy bright skin and my makeup goes on so well because of it. I have been using for 3 weeks - so will see how it goes on other aspects like pigmentation etc.Effective anti ageing product
I use this a few times a week at night, skin is more even toned and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced. Like all TO products this is great value for money and a long lasting product.pigmentation improved, acne still happening
Skin type: combination
Skin concerns: uneven skin tone, comedones, acne
Product review: I've used this emulsion every second day for about 4 months and feel that it has helped to even out my skin tone. I used to have a lot more comedones on my forehead, but this has definitely reduced since starting to use this product. A little goes a long way and 2-3 drops covers my whole face well. I find this formula non-irritating and it spreads easily. Would recommend and will likely be buying it again.great starting retinol
I have acne prone skin and my skin was very dull with scaring and I have fine lines
have been using this every night and has been great
this has not taken my acne away but has helped with the texture of my skin and scaring and definately has not made my acne worse
i don't mind the sticky texture as it stops feeling sticky quickly
definately reccomend
love the ordinaryGood formula
This is an amazing anti ageing product and it gives me smooth, plump and healthy skin and reduces the appearance of my forehead lines. My acne scars have also lightened over time due to this product. Definitely recommend it!An Excellent product. it does what it says. good value for money.
i have uneven skin tone. its dull and uneven around chin. since using Granactive retinoid i have noticed a big difference in my skin. my skin colour around the chin has all evened out. overall my skin is looking brighter.
i used it on mornings and nights on a clean skin. avoided going out in the sun. I Love it. certainly has been recommending this product to my clients.Break out central
I decided to give this product a try because my back was breaking out and my cousin swears by it.
After about 2 weeks of using it on my chest and back I noticed my skin was getting very bumpy, like tiny blackheads and whiteheads everywhere. Then the painful pimples started. I was not happy so I went online and researched.
It was very common for people to purge with this product. The purging would last 4-6 weeks and if the acne didn't clear up by 6-8 weeks that's a sign your skin doesn't like the product and it is not working.
So I started tracking my breakouts and weeks on the retinoid and I'm up to 7 weeks now and my skin is horrible. It is way worse than it was in the first place.
I'm sure this product works for some people but if you have acne prone skin I'd stay away!Hard to live up to the hype!
After reading all the reviews, I was expecting this to be life changing - it is good, but not as amazing as the reviews make out. For such a cheap price though, you can't really complain!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.