3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
The Ordinary
Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
face emulsion
The Ordinary
face emulsion
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testA high-strength retinoid formula with stabilized retinaldehyde for advanced age support, optimal for nighttime use.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
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.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
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.
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
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
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)-
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[[(3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-1-Oxopropyl]Amino]-
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-(+)-
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
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)
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)
17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Hexyldecan-1-ol
18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Maltodextrin
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
22nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Stearic acid
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Moisturise" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 32 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Dissolves and carries everything else
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Forms a film that slows water loss
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Calms visible redness and irritation
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Alcohols, coco, mixed esters with octanoic and decanoic acids
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hydroxylapatite (Ca5(OH)(PO4)3)
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)-
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)-
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Cyclohexanol, 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Benzoic Acid, 2-[[(3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-1-Oxopropyl]Amino]-
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-(+)-
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
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)
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
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
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)
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.
17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Hexyldecan-1-ol
18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Maltodextrin
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
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
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
22nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Stearic acid
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)
24th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
25th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
6-O-Palmitoylascorbic acid
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
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-
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium lactate
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium hydroxide
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)
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenoxyethanol
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)-
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Missha
Shares 3 key ingredients with Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Propanediol
Centellian24
Shares 3 key ingredients with Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol
Payot
Shares 3 key ingredients with Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: Butylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Propanediol
ETUDE
Shares 3 key ingredients with Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: Propanediol, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol
LA MER
Shares 3 key ingredients with Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: Propanediol, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol
Dr. Ceuracle
Shares 2 key ingredients with Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: Butylene Glycol, Bisabolol
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.
RETINAL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, LACTIC ACID.
-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.
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.
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.
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.
It contains Retinal, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
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.
Use it morning and evening, after serums.
It lists 32 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.
The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.
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