The Ordinary

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

face emulsion

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
61%
Combination (dry)
61%
Balanced
91%
Combination (oily)
79%
Oily
79%

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31
Ingredients
6
Benefits
1
Actives
Find Dupes

A stable serum emulsion of a next-generation retinoid active that achieves better reduction in visible signs of aging than retinol—without irritation.

Key Insights

Benefits

6
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Pore Minimizer
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
Retinoids

Risks

1
Pregnancy Unsafe

Full Ingredients

31 total
WATER GLYCERIN ETHYL LINOLEATE PROPANEDIOL CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE CETEARYL ISONONANOATE BISABOLOL HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE Retinoids RETINOL Retinoids TASMANNIA LANCEOLATA FRUIT/LEAF EXTRACT INULIN LAURYL CARBAMATE GLYCERYL STEARATE CETEARETH-12 CETEARETH-20 CETEARYL ALCOHOL CARRAGEENAN XANTHAN GUM ACACIA SENEGAL GUM CETYL PALMITATE SUCROSE LAURATE POLYSORBATE 20 ISOCETETH-20 BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE DISODIUM EDTA DEHYDROACETIC ACID BENZOIC ACID ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN PHENOXYETHANOL CHLORPHENESIN

About Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Overview

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a lightweight emulsion from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 31 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Propanediol and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin and Water.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate and Acacia Senegal Gum.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after serums. Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • 5 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
  • Contains ingredients usually flagged for review during pregnancy

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin

May suit

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 10 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 5 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Anti-Acne 2 ingredients

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Soothing 2 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Pore Minimizer 1 ingredient

    Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores

Does not target

Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Oil Control Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

Water

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
Glycerin

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Propanediol

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
Caprylic/capric Triglyceride

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration
Bisabolol

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

(R*,R*)-.alpha.,4-dimethyl-.alpha.-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-methanol; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (theta,theta)-(+/-)-; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (S-(theta,theta))- (levomenol)

Soothing Anti-Aging
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate Retinoids

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Anti-Acne Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone
Retinol Retinoids

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Retinol; vitamin A

Anti-Aging Anti-Acne Pore Minimizer
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/leaf Extract

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is the extract of the fruit and leaves of Tasmannia lanceolata, Winteraceae.

Anti-Aging
Glyceryl Stearate

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol

Hydration
Cetearyl Alcohol

16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Alcohols, C16-18

Hydration
Carrageenan

17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Carrageenan Carrageenin Chondrus Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan)

Hydration
Acacia Senegal Gum

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Acacia Senegal Gum is the dried, gummy exudate of the acacia, Acacia senegal, Leguminosae

Soothing

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Low

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Low

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (2)

Supporting ingredients (29)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Water Glycerin Ethyl Linoleate Propanediol Caprylic/capric Triglyceride Dimethyl Isosorbide Cetearyl Isononanoate Bisabolol Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/leaf Extract Inulin Lauryl Carbamate Glyceryl Stearate Ceteareth-12 Ceteareth-20 Cetearyl Alcohol Carrageenan Xanthan Gum Acacia Senegal Gum Cetyl Palmitate Sucrose Laurate Polysorbate 20 Isoceteth-20 Behentrimonium Chloride Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Disodium Edta Dehydroacetic Acid Benzoic Acid Ethylhexylglycerin Phenoxyethanol Chlorphenesin

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Azelaic acid

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Moisturise" step.

  • Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contains Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
5 ingredients could feed malassezia: Ethyl Linoleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Recorded ingredient risks
Pregnancy Unsafe

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 31 ingredients on the label.

9
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

7
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

6
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

5
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

1
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

1
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
2 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
3 Ethyl Linoleate Emollient
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Ethyl linoleate

4 Propanediol Texture agent
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
  • SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
5 Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 34-35
  • Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 2014, pages 43-48
  • International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 4-5
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, pages 79-98
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, August 1985, pages 303-311
6 Dimethyl Isosorbide Texture agent
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

1,4:3,6-Dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol

7 Cetearyl Isononanoate Emollient
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Isononanoic acid, C16-18-alkyl esters

8 Bisabolol Soothing
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Soothing

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

(R*,R*)-.alpha.,4-dimethyl-.alpha.-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-methanol; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (theta,theta)-(+/-)-; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (S-(theta,theta))- (levomenol)

Soothing Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed May 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2019, pages 299-303
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2017, pages 24S-25S
  • Cutis, November 2015, pages 337-342
  • Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 2014, pages 173-181
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, October 2011, pages 2580-2585
9 Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate Active
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Anti-Acne Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone
10 Retinol Active
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Retinol; vitamin A

Anti-Aging Anti-Acne Pore Minimizer Pregnancy Unsafe
10 scientific references
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2019, pages 918-923; and March 2015, pages 271-280
  • Experimental Dermatology, August 2019, pages 906-913
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, May 2017, pages 275-283
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2017, pages 56-65
  • Dermatology, May 2014, pages 314-325
  • Dermatoendocrinology, July 2012, issue 3, pages 308-319
  • Toxicological Research, March 2010, pages 61-66
  • Archives of Dermatology, May 2007, pages 606-612
  • The Journal of Pathology, January 2007, issue 2, pages 241-251
  • Clinical Interventions in Aging, December 2006, pages 327-348
11 Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/leaf Extract Antioxidant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant, Plant extract

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is the extract of the fruit and leaves of Tasmannia lanceolata, Winteraceae.

Anti-Aging
12 Inulin Lauryl Carbamate Surfactant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Inulin Lauryl Carbamate is the product formed by the reaction of lauryl isocyanate and Inulin

13 Glyceryl Stearate Emollient
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Cosmeticsinfoorg, Accessed November 2021, ePublication
  • Drugs in Context, April 2018, pages 1-14
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2007, pages 1–30
14 Ceteareth-12 Surfactant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (12 mol EO average molar ratio)

15 Ceteareth-20 Surfactant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)

16 Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Alcohols, C16-18

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • FDA Cosmetic Labeling Claims, August 2020, ePublication
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea, June 2009, pages 103-110
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1988, pages 359-413
17 Carrageenan
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Carrageenan Carrageenin Chondrus Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan)

Hydration
8 scientific references
  • Supercharged Hydration
  • How Hyaluronic Acid Benefits Skin
  • What is Dehydrated Skin & How to Choose the Best Products
  • What Your Moisturizer Must Contain
  • Moisturizer Myths You Should Stop Believing Now
  • The Benefits of Glycerin in Skin Care
  • The Best Face Oils for Skin
  • How Facial Oils Help Skin
18 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Xanthan gum

19 Acacia Senegal Gum Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Acacia Senegal Gum is the dried, gummy exudate of the acacia, Acacia senegal, Leguminosae

Soothing
20 Cetyl Palmitate Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hexadecyl hexadecanoate

21 Sucrose Laurate Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sucrose laurate

Hydration
22 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.

23 Isoceteth-20 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Alcohols, C16-branched, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)

24 Behentrimonium Chloride Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Docosyltrimethylammonium chloride

Hydration
25 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Chelator
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt

26 Disodium Edta Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Chelator

26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate

27 Dehydroacetic Acid Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3-Acetyl-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2,4(3H)-dione

28 Benzoic Acid Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative, pH adjuster

28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Benzoic acid

29 Ethylhexylglycerin
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
30 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

31 Chlorphenesin Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-

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Shares 4 key ingredients with Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion: Water, Propanediol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Glycerin

Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion?

WATER, GLYCERIN, ETHYL LINOLEATE, PROPANEDIOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE, CETEARYL ISONONANOATE, BISABOLOL, HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE, RETINOL, TASMANNIA LANCEOLATA FRUIT/LEAF EXTRACT, INULIN LAURYL CARBAMATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, CETEARETH-12, CETEARETH-20, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CARRAGEENAN, XANTHAN GUM, ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, CETYL PALMITATE, SUCROSE LAURATE, POLYSORBATE 20, ISOCETETH-20, BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, DISODIUM EDTA, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, BENZOIC ACID, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN.

What are the active ingredients in Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion?

HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE, RETINOL.

How do I use Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion?

-Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water serums but before heavier treatments. Precautions: -When using retinoids, please be aware that they can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. When using this product, avoid unprotected solar exposure. -Granactive Retinoid* 2% Emulsion must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol and retinoic acid. -When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids. -Store in a cool, dry place.

What skin types is Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion fungal acne safe?

5 ingredients could feed malassezia: Ethyl Linoleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion while pregnant?

It contains Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.

Is Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion?

It layers well with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Azelaic acid — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion?

Use it morning and evening, after serums.

How many ingredients does Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion have?

It lists 31 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion?

The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.

Brand
The Ordinary
Country
Canada
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