THE ORDINARY The Sustainable Edit Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

The Ordinary’s Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is a very high strength retinoid formula that rapidly firms and smooths skin, while noticeably reducing the appearance of dark spots. It helps refine skin texture, while targeting uneven tone and boosting luminosity for brighter, more even-looking skin.

The serum-textured formula is suitable for all skin types, and is recommended for experienced users of retinoids. If you are new to using retinoids, we recommend exploring The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, or The Ordinary’s Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, and progressing to higher strengths as your skin builds tolerance. 

Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) is a well-studied retinoid that offers more efficient delivery of the most direct form of vitamin A molecules than retinol, thanks to being 1 conversion step closer to the bioactive form of vitamin A. 

With a high 0.2% concentration of retinal, The Ordinary’s Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is able to noticeably improve skin firmness and improve the look of lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles. 

The Ordinary’s Retinal 0.2% Emulsion also contains synthetic oat analogues (specifically avenanthramide - a key beneficial component found in oats). This ingredient is known to help target skin discomfort and dryness, which are common concerns associated with retinoid use.

Testing for The Ordinary’s Retinal 0.2% Emulsion shows: 

• Improvement in skin firmness and elasticity
• Improvement of the look of lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet, frown lines and forehead wrinkles
• Reduction in the appearance of dark spots

This product pairs well with hydrators, such as Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.

• How to use: Apply a pea-sized 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. Use sun protection during the day.
• Things to avoid using with Retinoids: Direct Acids such as Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and other AHAs or BHAs; products that contain a direct form of Vitamin C such as Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution; Copper Peptides + other Retinoid products.
• Sustainability: This brand is certified Cruelty Free through the Leaping Bunny program, therefore has committed never to conduct, commission, pay for, or allow tests on animals at any phase of development, for both ingredients and final products.

• Ingredients: Aqua (Water), 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.