Ageing be gone
Great product to use for those who want to tackle the signs of ageing.... I have been using this product nightly every 3 days for a while now and have seen improvements.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 30ml
Is this for you?
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane is a water-free solution that contains a 5% concentration of an advanced retinoid active complex called Granactive Retinoid that has been shown to offer better results against multiple signs of ageing than retinol without any of the irritation and drawbacks common with retinol.
- Alcohol Free
- Mineral Oil Free
- Paraben Free
- Cruelty Free
- Vegan
- Artificial Fragrance Free
- Sulphate Free
What customers say
Age:
- 20s
- 30s
- 40s
- 50+
Skin Concern:
- First signs of ageing
- Wrinkles and loss of firmness
Skin Type:
- Dry
- Normal to dry
Frequently bought with
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The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
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Customer Reviews
Review & Earn4.5 of 185 reviews
92% recommend this product
Most Helpful Positive
Most Helpful Criticism
worth a try
i am new to adding retinol in serum form so this is the perfect price point for a test & the ordinary has an awesome range. this one has a slight odd smell but nothing to worry about. it is on the thicker side so don't over do it. 3 SMALL drops max goes a very long way. i am not 100% sure if it has or is working. i am using it for a couple of week snow so maybe too soon to tell, leaves ur face very sensitive to light but i am used to that using other actives. i do feel like my face is smoother in the morning and no break outs however my oily t zone is definitely more oiler then usual in the morning after using. will probably not buy again now I've started my journey with a retinol serum but move onto something better quality. it is 100% the perfect starter to retinol thats for sure.
Ageing be gone
Great product to use for those who want to tackle the signs of ageing.... I have been using this product nightly every 3 days for a while now and have seen improvements.Retinol retinol retinol!
verified purchaserI have heard about the effects of retinol but only realised them once i tried this product! It has helped with pigmentation and dark spots under my eye. I haven't noticed any photosensitivity while using it but it is a bit watery to apply.It worked!
It really worked for me. After solving my acne issue, I was still left with a lot of annoying pigmentation marks/scars which would not go away even after months and months. Using Granactive retinoid 5% improved my skins appearance significantly within a few weeks and after finishing the first bottle I can say the marks have all but disappeared!
I should add that this was my first fora...Read MoreGreat
This not only helps my skin turnover but also keeps my skin moisturisedWonderful
Fabulous! What else could I say ! Definitely recommend.Value for money
verified purchaserI use this after my water soluble serums at night and I have noticed a slight change in my forehead smoothing out. I am in my mid twenties with not many wrinkles, but I did notice very fine lines look slightly smoother after consistent application.
I use this half an hour before bed to ensure it absorbs before sleep. And make sure you wear sunscreen the next day!! Actual sunscreen no...Read Moreworth a try
i am new to adding retinol in serum form so this is the perfect price point for a test & the ordinary has an awesome range. this one has a slight odd smell but nothing to worry about. it is on the thicker side so don't over do it. 3 SMALL drops max goes a very long way. i am not 100% sure if it has or is working. i am using it for a couple of week snow so maybe too soon to tell, leaves ur face ver...Read MoreA good start
I have been using this retinoid in my evening skin routine every night and I have found it nourishing and gentle unlike some retinoid products. It has helped my overall complexion. I am looking forward to seeing what continued use will do.Nourishing
verified purchaserGentle, nourishing, my skin feels hydrated and soft in the morning. A little goes a long way.A great step up from the 2%
I had been on the retinoid 2% for about a year and was starting to see the benefits slowing down, so thought it was a good time to step up to 5% once I finished my bottle.
Straight away I noticed a huge difference and my skin was glowing with all the benefits of a retinol again.
I found the squalane solution a lot nicer to apply, it is silky smooth with an oil-like consi...Read MoreGentle and non-irritating
I had been using the Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2%, but was attracted to the higher percentage of retinoid in this, and intrigued by the Squalane. I get the occasional pimple and some little patches of perioral dermatitis, so figured the additional anti-inflam and other anti aging benefits would be a plus. So far so good! Skin seems to like it in combination with the usual Buffet and ASAP B seru...Read MoreOily retinol
I have been using this for a month or so now and I am not sure how I feel about it. I have used a few retinol products previously that I feel like had better results. It’s a very oily product and it seems to take almost an hour to sink into my skin which is quite dry and normally soaks up serums quickly. It is lasting well though so I will keep using it to the end of the bottle. It does seem to ha...Read MoreGood but drying
I bought this after a recommendation from a friend and I do find this helpful and does help to reduce lines, but it dried my skin (particularly my nose), so I avoid those areas.quite good!
I was scared that id feel really oily using this, but surprisingly it does soak into your skin after a little while. you wake up really plump and glowy and I love it. seems like it may breakout some people thoughGreat
This is super gentle and moisturising and does not irritate my skin. Second buyholy grail
This stuff is amazing! only been using for 2 weeks but can already see a difference. I was able to ramp up to using this nightly almost immediately as it has given me no irritation. Always makes me wake up feeling super hydrated and glowy. If it works in the long run similarly to retinol then that will be an added bonus.Potent yet Gentle & Affordable
I haven't had any adverse reactions to using the Grenactive Retinoid and am really impressed with its effectiveness. Such an affordable product!Great product, great price
Like most people I heard about this when it got publicity as a cult beauty product. I couldn’t believe the price! Like a few people it did take my skin a couple of weeks to get used to it (no severe reaction, just a bit of dryness and discolouration but it went away- stick with it!)
Great, affordable product that has great results! My skin is looking and feeling better after 5ish months use....Read MoreGreat product, great price
Like most people I heard about this when it got publicity as a cult beauty product. I couldn’t believe the price! Like a few people it did take my skin a couple of weeks to get used to it (no severe reaction, just a bit of dryness and discolouration but it went away- stick with it!)
Great, affordable product that has great results! My skin is looking and feeling better after 5ish months use....Read MoreGood product
I like the ordinary products because they are not overpriced. I use the retinoid daily at night time. It is gentle. No irritation. Not sure if it is as effective as other brands but I will continue to use as it is relatively inexpensive.Not the holy grail..
This product has been a bit disappointing overall, though I love so many of The Ordinary formulations. Previously I’ve tried the milky Granactive 2% with ok results and also have used prescription retinoids without irritation, and was hoping this one would really take things up a notch or two. My skin is dry, mature, no breakouts but has fine lines and some deeper wrinkles- after using this produc...Read Moreincredible
Helped reduce the appearance of my large pores, will definitely continue to use!
Can’t get over the price
I can’t get over how cheap this is! It definitely doesn’t feel or act cheap. I use this in the evening before bed on top of The Ordinary buffet. I’ve got normal-oily skin, I’ve had no irritation from this product and it’s not harsh on the skin. Definitely recommend!Liked it...didn’t love it
I’ve used a full bottle of this & I’ve definitely seen results. My skin is smoother & the fine lines are diminishing. This was my first try with retinol, I didn’t experience any irritation but I did get some mild peeling above my top lip & on my forehead while my skin adjusted. I think I’ll step it up & give the straight 1% retinol a go next though, just to see if I get a better outcome. I’m not a...Read MoreNo irritation, good value
FIne on sensitive skin. Difficult to know if it's doing anything, but retinoid products have a good track record, so as a person in my late 20s I'm happy to keep using it for the long term benefits.LOVE IT
I USE PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH RETINOL WHICH IS VERY DRYING AND HAVE STARTED TO USE THIS REGULARLY WITH THE HIGH STRENGTH ONLY ONCE PER WEEK WITH EQUAL RESULTS AND FAR LESS DRYNESS.LOVELY PRODUCTLightens pigmentation
This product is has lightened some pigmentation on my skin and has also brightened my skin more generally.
The product has almost a dry oil texture when applied so is probably better for drier skins. I have very dry skin so it also helps to moisturise my skin.
I have very sensitive skin and have had no irritationsGood Value
Great product at an affordable price, good option if you don’t want to spend hundreds on high end productLOVE!
Love this retinoid product from the ordinary. I have been using it every night for a few months now and love how fresh my skin is when I wake up! My skin has never been better!the best retinol serum
i started using retinol in my skincare routine few month ago my first one was The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane now i have switched to this one. its really good for my dry skin and not harsh like others. i can say i have started noticing the difference retinol makes. i have heard so much about retinol form The Ordinary and will continue using these. not to mention they are good price...Read MoreYou're Glowing
WOW! I only purchased this recently but its already has such a dramatic impact. Just place it on before bed and you wake up a new woman. Just saying!Great product
I have acne prone skin at my age and it really helps with my skins’ overall look. Blemishes are less, pigmentation more even and my skin doesn’t look so tired.
I did find at the start, that I only needed the tiniest amount otherwise my skin looked and felt oily.Wake up with brighter skin!
Lovvvve this product. I put it on an hour before bed 3 times a week and when I wake up my skin is glowing. The smell is a little strong, so I find if I put it on straight before I get into bed it's a little too aromatic and distracts me from sleeping. An hour or two before you plan to sleep seems to do the trick though!I wanted to love this, but turns out I hate squalane.
I've been using TO's Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% for a long time, and decided I wanted to up the ante a little to the 5%. However, the squalane base in this product is awful, and I don't even want to use it up elsewhere on my body, let alone on my face. It's very oily and never absorbs (I have normal skin), and gets all over my pillowcases and sheets. I'm giving it 2 stars because of the hi...Read MoreOn to second bottle
Love this, on to my second bottleGreat for sensitive skin and for a first step to Retin-A
I'd get this product if you're new to using Retinols. It's fantastic for sensitive skin and doesn't cause the irritation you expect to get when getting started on the Vitamin As.
It's not drying and it didn't cause any breakouts. It took a while for my skin to start to look smooth, so prepare to be patient and consistent with it, but it does work!Love it!
I really enjoy this product, super cheap and is the second bottle I have purchased. The lines on my forehead are hardly visible and its a staple for my skin care routine. Need to protect face from the sun. I have purchased face sunscreen for extra protection however use hats and sunglasses when going outside :)Old faithful
Onto my fifth bottle of this... I love how it feels, and definitely noticing smoother skin. Might step up to the retinal one nextGreat retinol
This retinol is great for sensitive skin. I had no reaction what so ever. Leaves skin smoothe and glowy with noticeable differenceGreat serum - definitely does what it says
I was using this for a few weeks, gradually introducing it to my routine but then I stopped using it for a while accidentally and I really noticed a big difference to my skin texture and brightness when I wasn't adding retinol to my routine. So obviously, I use it religiously now!It works
I use this at night before applying The Ordinary moisturizing factors + HA. Definitely has improved skin texture, reduced fine lines and skin looks moisturized in the morning.great product
I decided to upgrade to this after using the 2% for about a year. The stronger formula hasn't caused any issues with my skin, which is great! I'll happily keep using it!Reduced hormonal breakouts
I have dry skin prone to hormonal breakouts. I have been using this 2-3 times weekly for about 2 months now & suddenly this morning my skin felt amazingly smooth.
It had a drying effect after the first 2 weeks, so I took a break for about a week and started again just once a week. Dramatic improvement in skin texture & minimized my hormonal breakouts.
I haven’t really seen any improvem...Read MoreGood for fine lines
The strength of this product is less than prescription retinoids which has pros and cons. On the plus side, I have found it easy to use with no irritation or side effects. After three months I have noticed a visible reduction in fine lines. On the down side, it is a less potent formulation, so for more dramatic results you might prefer prescription strength formula. I use it three nights a week af...Read Morereally good for my acne
Has really helped exfoliate my skin and help with my acneSo far, I like it!
I have acne prone, dry skin that can be quite sensitive. Despite that I skipped the middle man and went straight to the strongest concentration of Retinoid. I had no irritation at all, I started using it every other night, but easily progressed to nightly use with no issues. I think it's improved my skin clarity and brightness a bit. You really only need a few drops of this at most and I find patt...Read MoreObsessed!
omg this really works without making the skin feel oily. I'm completely obsessed with The Ordinary range because it works without a crazy price tag. I'm 40 but feel I look pretty good wrinkles wise and this has only boulstered that confidenceGreat product, noticeable reults!
I have combination skin, and now in my mid 40's have noticed more fine lines appearing around my eyes and mouth. I've been using the product for a month now and the results speak for themselves. Once a day, in combination with a vitamin c serum and moisturiser, this product has visibly diminished the lines on my face, I've had compliments! Would highly recommend this product, but do start slow, pe...Read MoreNice product
I’ve only been using this for a few weeks. Initially it made my skin break out a little but I was using too much at once. It’s oily and you only need a few drops to cover face neck & décolletage. It doesn’t sting or cause redness like many retinol/vitamin A products I’ve used before. Keen to see how my skin looks after a few months of use. Honestly for the price...you can’t go wrong with The Ordin...Read MoreGreat product
I have recently purchased this product after previously using the 2%. I decided that my 38 year old skin needed a little more help. So far so good my sensitive skin has had no issues. It has definitely softened my skin and reduced fine lines very happy with the resultsNot for acne prone skin type
Unfortunately, this product caused a breakout on my forehead & nose. I have sensitive acne prone skin with redness on my cheeks and nose. I have been doing pretty well with the mixture of treatments my dermatologist gave me & I thought I'd give this a try since it had great reviews. Sad to say, it broke me out within 2 days of using this product & this was the only change I added to my skincare ro...Read Moreit is mild retinoid for sensitive skin.
This is much milder texture. It spreads very well. I apply this only at night after toner. It doesn't peel like retinol 1% but I noticed the skin tone on face is much brighter and smoother. I am happy with the purchase.Amazing product - skin looks so fresh!
I use this product 2 to 3 times a week at night. My skin always look fresh and glowing the next morning. It is super affordable and I am a big fan of The Ordinary brand.Went to hard to fast
I have pretty sensitive skin, or so i have learned. I started an ordinary routine while my skin was really good and enjoyed it but noticed that my nose area seemed to have developed a repulsion for makeup. Anyway i decided to move up to the 5% and i wouldn't recommend this for those with younger sensitive skin. I'm 23 and this serum actually made me develop full blown contact dermatits around my m...Read MoreGreat
This is an amazing retinoid that has helped with my fine lines and it plumps my skin and makes it look amazingGreat price and effectiveness
I’ve been really happy with my skin since using the ordinary products. I’ve noticed a big difference in the texture of my skin since using this at nighttime. Love that its effective without breaking the bank.Really Good Product for a Great Price
1 of the strongest retenoids on the market, at an amazing price. I would highly recommend this to anyone trying to get on top of ageing skin. It brightens and tightens just like it's meant to. But don't use too much, it is quite strong, and you will need a good sunscreen for the days after using this, and a nice night hydrating cream after using this.Good results so far!
I’ve been using this for a couple of weeks now and so far impressed with the results. Initially my skin was a little redder and more uneven but had read this in other reviews and so persevered. I have now noticed my skin is much brighter and more even and it is making a difference on fine lines. Will try the stronger version next time :)Unsure about this!
One thing i love about most of the ordinary is the instant fresh, plump feeling you get after using the serums and moisturiser. I don't really get that from using the Retinoid but i hear/ read so many things about it i keep using it!
Super hydrating
Hydrates my skin really well, I have been using it for a little while now and notice that it does seem to even out my complexion however I haven't really noticed any improvement with fine linesmy skin feels so dewy after it
I think I need to use it longer to notice any of the real effects ie: help with pigmentation and fine lines but I do love how it makes my skin feel. After applying my skin feels so dewy and hydrated. I would buy it again just for the way it makes my skin feel after.LOVE IT
Really happy with this product. I have fair sensitive skin and this does not cause any irritation whatsoever, but I do keep it away from my eyes, just incase.Cannot live without this.
This product has transformed my skin care routine. Whilst in the early stages I didn't notice much difference (in fact I noticed my skin would look dull in the first couple of weeks) I am so so so glad I stuck it through because after a solid couple months of use this product has done wonders to my skin and has changed it immensely. My pores are a lot smaller, my face definitely does not need boto...Read MoreReally good
I have sensitive skin and found this product to be gentle when using on a daily basis as part of my pm routineMakes my skin soft and smooth
Started off using the 2% with some good results on reducing pores and smoothing out my 38 year old skin - lines on my forehead are a lot less deep. But moved on to this one next and love it! It goes on better than the 2% and soaks in without any irritation or redness even when applied directly to fresh washed face and I don’t add a moisturiser afterwards. Love it!!Blackheads
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 th...Read MoreLove
I love the ordinary. This makes my skin more even, smooth, toned, and soft! An amazing product for the price and lasted a fair while considering the size of the bottle!Love this product!
I originally bought this product after reading about the benefits it has on anti ageing. I have combination skin and suffered with dark pores on my nose, chin and forehead, after about a week of using this product they have virtually disappeared. My skin feels soft, supple and hydrated. Very much recommend, especially for its affordable price.Good Value
A good value oil to use at night. I use in combination with the Ordinary Rosehip oil, and they work well together to make my skin soft. Wouldn't recommend to use too much though as it can make you break outGreat
Excellent Quality excellent value
I’ve been using The Ordinary products for approx 8 months now - how brilliant they are! Their Granactive Retinoid 5% in squaline is gentle and easy to apply - my pores have diminished - and I think my wrinkles aren’t quite so pronounced! Very pleased so far .Good
Although it hasn't altered my skin dramatically, after using at night, this product leaves my face feeling and looking smooth the next day. I've had no flare ups despite having very sensitive skin.
It does however make your skin more sensitive to the sun - so wear a good SPF after using!Moisturising and gentle
I have very sensitive skin and this is very gentle for me. It has a bit of an oily feel so is definitely a nighttime product, but it absorbs well during the night and my skin feels supple and hydrated in the morning rather than being dryed out like some other products.
I have been using at night before also applying The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and they seem to be improving ...Read MoreNon-irritating Retnioid.
I have been using this product for a couple of weeks now. I have fair, sensitive skin and normally have trouble with Retinol derivatives. However, I have experienced no irritation with this product. It is working really well- I recommend, as long as you are diligent with moisturiser and SPF.A good product
I love this retinoid. It does feel oily but I now actually like the feeling before bed. Still too early to see all the benefits but so far loving it and putting it on every second night.Nice but quite oily
After using the ordinary retinol emulsion I thought I would switch to this one for a try. It’s good but I don’t love it quite as much - I prefer the texture of the emulsion rather than the oily squalene - usually a fan of face oils but this one just feels like it’s not sinking into my skin and ends up on the pillow! Still a great product but i’ll Probably go back to the emulsion.A miracle product for the price!
I was quite nervous about using retinoid products as my skin has a tendency to be quite sensitive, however I haven't had any issues at all with this product! At half the price or less than products of a similar strength, it is just crazy how effective this is. My skin is left looking clear and glowing, and the formula works well with my other night skincare products. I would recommend this to anyo...Read MoreDefinitely not as nice as the 2%
After using both the 2% and 5% retinoids, I can honestly say this one pales in comparison. I much prefer the milky consistency and smell of the 2% and I feel it also agrees with my skin more and makes my complexion so smooth and glowing.Cant fault it
At less then half the price of other retinol products on the market im impressed.Strong but effective
I used to use 2% but after finishing that bottle i moved up to the 5% i have acne on my chin and it works really great for that. I don't have wrinkles but i am trying to prevent for as long as i can ;)Fab product!
I started with the 2% and recently moved up to this one and no negative reaction from my sensitive skin. Very happy as my skin is much brighter and smoother. This almost has a lovely oily texture which is great under serums and night creamA Keeper
I like this product, my skin feels and looks healthy and soft the morning after application. I use it after using my roller and my skin look glowy for days afterwards. I would recommendWorks really good
I was worried that when i stated using a retinoid my skin would react because my skin can be very sensitive. Luckily I haven't had any irritation at all, so happy! Plus my skin looks extremely radiant the next morning after use!great product
I have combination skin and was using the 2% retinol emulsion prior to this. Using it every second night alternating with vitmain C I have seen some improvement, most noticeable is the reduced pore size on my nose and skin looking fresher and brighter. I haven't had any reaction to this so I am moving on to a stronger formulation.
I don't like the greasy feel and the way it sits on the skin,...Read MoreGood product
I have normal to dehydrated skin, and this product occasionally takes a while to sink in, but it has definitely improved my skin texture. I haven't reacted at all, and use it nightly.Favourite product
Soooo great. Visible difference to my skin the next day - skins glows. If I don’t use it, I notice the difference in the overall healthiness of my skinLove
Decided to give this a go after reading about the high potency and low irritation- have been 3-4 nights a week. I like to alternate my Ordinary products, I really like the soothing oil-based texture and am excited to see the results develop. As with all The Ordinary products a fabulous product at a great price.Unsure
An adore beauty staff recommended this for me. It feels nice on my skin and doesn’t irritate but I am unsure what it’s supposed to do and when I use it and with what products! The skincare regimen is seriously confusing sometimes haha. This is nice though, no reaction to it and I did wake up with glowy skin the morning after using itMake better of my skin
I use this product in the nights and it is definitely improving and brightening my skinThe perfect retinoid
I have had no dryness, redness or soreness. No discomfort at all. This product really is the future of retinol. My oily acne skin is better with every useValue adder!
This is a potent skincare serum that i've added into my night routine. Being in my late twenties my focus is on anti-aging and maintaining good skin texture. I love the formulation as it is velvety and absorbs into the skin fairly quickly. I use it after my Estee Lauder advanced night repair serum and before my moisturiser. I have noticed my skin become more even toned and healthy looking after 2 ...Read MoreGood beginner retinoid with minimal irritation
This is the first retinoid I have ever used and I had very minimal skin drying and peeling that lasted only a couple of days. My skin is quite oily and not at all sensitive so that may be why. I feel like this has made a difference in the fine lines on my forehead and the overall softness of my skin.
I would have given this 5 stars, but I feel like The Ordinary 1% Retinol is stronger...Read MorePerfect
Usually, retinoids are too strong and caused more damage than good however this is creme is perfect for my skin (normal to dry). I use it every night and have noticed my skin is soft and clear. Definitely a keeper in my skin regime. Thanks, Ordinary - your products are fantastic.It's helping my skin texture!
I'm so happy I decided to repurchase in the 5% strength. I tried this a couple years ago in the 2%.and although it made my skin look clearer, it just wasn't enough.
I've been using this for 2 months now and it has dramatically helped with redness on my cheeks, my skin is glowing and it's really reducing my uneven texture.
Im using it every second night before bed and I di...Read Moreimpressive
have normal to dry skin and found that this product worked quite well for me. It has an oily texture however doesn't exactly feel hydrating (compared to the Ordinary's regular 100% squalane) and takes a little while to absorb fully into the skin. If you don't mind this, the results are great! It especially helped with smoothing out skin tone and texture.Great results long term
I have been using this retinol product for 6+ months now. I could see the difference in the overall texture and firmness of my skin after the first few uses, but after using for a while now I can see amazing results. The routine use has reduced pore size and fine lines. I would definitely recommend this product, for the price this is a great retinol choice. I use it in conjunction with rosehip oil...Read MoreGood beginner Retinoid
Well priced starting point for vitamin A / retinoid novices like myself!Perfect retinoid!
I’m in love with this retanoid serum. Super gentle on the skin but incredibly effective. I can’t believe how good it is for the price! Sinks right into the skin and when I use it I wake up with glowy, hydrated skin.Good result, just not right for my oily skin
The retinoid action is visible and I stuck with the bottle to see if my skin would have just to it but it didn't so while it has good results on my skin it was just too early for my skin type and created other issues I have found that the retinoid emotion is much more suited to my skinGood product
I like this product. Well priced, absorbs nicely. I'd get againPerfect!
This is a dream product for my dry, sensitive skin. I’ve seen a reduction in fine lines and early signs of ageing after a few weeks of use, and it hasn’t irritated my skin or broken me out and my skin has stayed lovely and hydrated.
