The Ordinary

Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

face emulsion

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
59%
Combination (dry)
59%
Balanced
89%
Combination (oily)
81%
Oily
81%

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32
Ingredients
6
Benefits
3
Actives
Find Dupes

A high-strength retinoid formula with stabilized retinaldehyde for advanced age support, optimal for nighttime use.

Key Insights

Benefits

6
Anti-Aging
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Oil Control
Soothing

Active Ingredients

3
AHA Retinoids Vitamin C

Risks

2
Pregnancy Unsafe
Synthetic polymer

About Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

Overview

Retinal 0.2% 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 32 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 Propanediol, Butylene Glycol 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 Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin and Pentylene Glycol.

Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinal, Ergothioneine and Tocopherol.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily 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 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

  • 2 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
  • 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 11 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 6 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Evens Skin Tone 4 ingredients

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Soothing 4 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Dark Spot Fading 2 ingredients

    Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time

  • Oil Control 2 ingredients

    Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Pore Minimizer 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.

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

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration

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

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
Retinal Retinoids

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

2,4,6,8-Nonatetraenal, 3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-, (all-E)-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Oil Control

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

Ammonium, [1-carboxy-2-(2-mercaptoimidazol-4-yl)ethyl]trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, L-(+)-

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading

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

Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a fermentation gum derived from sorbitol. It is described as a polymer of α-L-fucose-1|->|3-α- D-galactose-1|->|3-α-D-galacturonic acid trisaccharides

Hydration Soothing

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

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

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration

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

2-Hexyldecan-1-ol

Hydration

18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Maltodextrin

Oil Control Hydration

19th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Tara gum. Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum is a plant material derived from the dried, gummy exudate of Caesalpinia spinosa, Leguminosae

Hydration

22nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Stearic acid

Hydration

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 Low

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control Low

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Moderate

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

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 (3)

Supporting ingredients (29)

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

Aqua Coco-caprylate/caprate Propanediol Pentylene Glycol Hydroxyapatite Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide 4-t-butylcyclohexanol Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid Ergothioneine Biosaccharide Gum-1 Bisabolol Brassica Campestris Sterols Zingiber Officinale Root Extract Butylene Glycol Isohexadecane Hexyldecanol Maltodextrin Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Stearic Acid Isoceteth-20 Polysorbate 60 Tocopherol Sodium Lactate Sodium Hydroxide 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

  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)

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

  • 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 Retinal, usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 60, Ascorbyl Palmitate. 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, Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 32 ingredients on the label.

8
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

5
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

5
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

3
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

3
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

3
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

2
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

2
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

1
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

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 Aqua 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.

Water

Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

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

Alcohols, coco, mixed esters with octanoic and decanoic acids

3 Propanediol Texture agent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% 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
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

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

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • https://thedermreviewcom/pentylene-glycol/
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2017, pages 106-111
  • Prospector, June 2015, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 147S-168S
5 Hydroxyapatite Exfoliant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant, Texture agent

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

Hydroxylapatite (Ca5(OH)(PO4)3)

6 Retinal Active
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

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

2,4,6,8-Nonatetraenal, 3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-, (all-E)-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Oil Control Pregnancy Unsafe
10 scientific references
  • Dermatology, August 2002, pages 153–158
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, November 2021, pages 3,586-3,592
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, September 2021, pages 2,874-2,879
  • Cells, December 2020, pages 1-14
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2018, pages 471-475
  • Global Dermatology, January 2016, pages 232-236
  • Dermatology, September 2013, pages 231–237
  • Journal Der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, December 2008, pages 1,023-1,031
  • Dermatology, 1999, pages 57-60
  • Dermatology, 1999, pages 29-31
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

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

L-Proline, 4-Hydroxy-1-(1-Oxohexadecyl)-, Hexadecyl Ester, (4R)-

Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

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

Cyclohexanol, 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-

5 scientific references
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2020, pages 1,409-1,414
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2019, pages 534–547
  • Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, September 2018, pages 421-429
  • Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, February 2016, pages 9-16; and Volume 30 Supplement, pages 21-27
  • Experimental Dermatology, November 2010, pages 980-986
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

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

Benzoic Acid, 2-[[(3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-1-Oxopropyl]Amino]-

Soothing
2 scientific references
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, June 2020, pages 658-660
  • Dermatology and Therapy, February 2020, pages 87-98
10 Ergothioneine Antioxidant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

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

Ammonium, [1-carboxy-2-(2-mercaptoimidazol-4-yl)ethyl]trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, L-(+)-

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading
7 scientific references
  • Experimental Gerontology, December 2022, pages 1–11
  • Processes, July 2021, pages 1–13
  • Redox Biology, June 2021, pages 1–10
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, March 2021, pages 1–11
  • Experimental Cell Research, March 2021, ePublication
  • Polymers, January 2021, pages 1–9
  • Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, pages 1–13
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

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

Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a fermentation gum derived from sorbitol. It is described as a polymer of α-L-fucose-1|->|3-α- D-galactose-1|->|3-α-D-galacturonic acid trisaccharides

Hydration Soothing
12 Bisabolol Soothing
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Soothing

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% 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
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

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

Brassica Campestris Sterols is a mixture of sterols obtained from the Cabbage, Brassica campestris L., Brassicaceae

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

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

Zingiber Officinale Extract is an extract of the roots of the Ginger, Zingiber officinalis L., Zingiberaceae

15 Butylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

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

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
  • Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
16 Isohexadecane Emollient
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Solvent

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

Isohexadecane is a branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon with 16 carbons.

17 Hexyldecanol Emollient
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

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

2-Hexyldecan-1-ol

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 Maltodextrin Occlusive
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Maltodextrin

Oil Control Hydration
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

19th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Tara gum. Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum is a plant material derived from the dried, gummy exudate of Caesalpinia spinosa, Leguminosae

Hydration
6 scientific references
  • Natura Skin, Accessed January 2022, ePublication
  • SpecialChem, Accessed January 2022, ePublication
  • UL Prospector, Accessed January 2022, ePublication
  • Cosmetics, June 2019, pages 1-13
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2015, pages 35S-65S
  • Polysaccharides: Bioactivity and Biotechnology; Springer International Publishing, 2015, pages 1, 867-1, 892
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

20th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate, dimethylacrylamide, lauryl methacrylate and laureth-4 methacrylate, crosslinked with trimethylolpropane triacrylate

Synthetic polymer
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

21st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate and acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers

Synthetic polymer
22 Stearic Acid Emollient
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

22nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Stearic acid

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, May 2019, pages 1-61
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2008, page 310
  • Therapeutics for the Clinician, May 2005, pages 317-324
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2003, pages 559-568
23 Isoceteth-20 Surfactant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

23rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

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

24 Polysorbate 60 Surfactant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

24th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

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

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Antioxidant

25th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

6-O-Palmitoylascorbic acid

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone
9 scientific references
  • https://wwwcir-safetyorg/sites/default/files/ethasb122016tentpdf
  • Pharmazie, October 2005, pages 751-755
  • European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, July 2003, pages 59-66
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, July 2017, pages 14-17
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2008, pages 453-458
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, March 1997, pages 795-801
  • Drug Research, January 2017, pages 52-58
  • Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, September 2016, pages 1, 339-1, 349
  • Nutrients, July 2017, ePublication
26 Tocopherol Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

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

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing
4 scientific references
  • Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
  • Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
  • Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315
27 Lactic Acid Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active, pH adjuster

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

Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Hydration
9 scientific references
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2020, pages 116-126
  • International Journal of Dermatology, March 2019, ePublication
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, October 2018, pages 491-497
  • International Journal of Dermatology, September 2018, ePublication
  • Molecules, April 2018, ePublication
  • Journal of the American Dental Association, April 2016, pages 255-263
  • Cutis, January 2016, pages E9-E11
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
  • The Journal of Dermatology, January 2006, pages 16-22
28 Sodium Lactate Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Exfoliant, pH adjuster

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

Sodium lactate

Hydration
6 scientific references
  • Nutrition Reviews Advance Article, July 2020, pages 1-16
  • Code of Federal Regulations, April 2020, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, March 2014, pages 321-326
  • Materials Sciences and Applications, January 2012, pages 18-23
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, February 2007, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, January 1998, pages 1-241
29 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

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

Sodium hydroxide

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

30th 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
31 Phenoxyethanol 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.

2-Phenoxyethanol

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

32nd 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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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Retinal 0.2% Emulsion?

AQUA, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, PROPANEDIOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROXYAPATITE, RETINAL, CETYLHYDROXYPROLINE PALMITAMIDE, 4-T-BUTYLCYCLOHEXANOL, HYDROXYPHENYL PROPAMIDOBENZOIC ACID, ERGOTHIONEINE, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, BISABOLOL, BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS STEROLS, ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ISOHEXADECANE, HEXYLDECANOL, MALTODEXTRIN, CAESALPINIA SPINOSA GUM, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, STEARIC ACID, ISOCETETH-20, POLYSORBATE 60, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, TOCOPHEROL, LACTIC ACID, SODIUM LACTATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN.

What are the active ingredients in Retinal 0.2% Emulsion?

RETINAL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, LACTIC ACID.

How do I use Retinal 0.2% Emulsion?

-Apply a pea-size amount to clean, dry face and neck in the evening. -Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes. -Start with a weekly application and gradually increase to twice a week, a few days apart, as tolerated by your skin. -Apply a moisturizer afterwards. -Do not use with other retinoid products. Use sun protection during the day. -If irritation occurs, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. Refer to our website for a patch test guide, regimen guide, and product compatibility. Keep out of reach of children.

What skin types is Retinal 0.2% Emulsion good for?

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

Is Retinal 0.2% 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 Retinal 0.2% Emulsion fungal acne safe?

2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 60, Ascorbyl Palmitate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Retinal 0.2% Emulsion while pregnant?

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

Is Retinal 0.2% Emulsion fragrance free?

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

Does Retinal 0.2% Emulsion contain alcohol?

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

Is Retinal 0.2% Emulsion silicone free?

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

Does Retinal 0.2% Emulsion contain essential oils?

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

Is Retinal 0.2% Emulsion paraben free?

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

What can I layer with Retinal 0.2% Emulsion?

It layers well with Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Signal peptides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), 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 Retinal 0.2% Emulsion?

Use it morning and evening, after serums.

How many ingredients does Retinal 0.2% Emulsion have?

It lists 32 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Retinal 0.2% Emulsion?

The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.

Brand
The Ordinary
Country
Canada

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