The Ordinary
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
- Category
- Serum
- Size
- 30 ml
- Price
- 7.40 GBP
- Ingredients
- 8
- Concentrations published
- 1 of 8
- Verified
The short answer
Eight ingredients, water-free, with 0.2% retinol dispersed in squalane and jojoba oil. Removing water is the point: retinol degrades in aqueous systems, so an oil base buys stability without needing heavy stabilisers. At 0.2% this is an entry concentration, not a treatment dose.
What is in it?
The full INCI list as published by the manufacturer, with each ingredient's function in this formula. Where a concentration is not published, the table says so rather than estimating it.
| INCI name | Function | Concentration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squalane | Emollient carrier — oxidatively stable, non-comedogenic | Not published | |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Emollient carrier | Not published | |
| Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil | Emollient | Not published | |
| Retinol | Vitamin A — the active | 0.2% | Concentration stated on the label. |
| Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract | Antioxidant (carotenoid source) | Not published | |
| Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract | Antioxidant | Not published | |
| Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone | Soothing agent, marketed for retinoid tolerance | Not published | |
| BHT | Antioxidant preservative — protects the retinol from oxidation | Not published |
Download the full dataset (CSV)
Do the claims hold up?
- “Reduces the appearance of fine lines and photodamage”
- Directionally supported for retinol as a class, but the evidence base sits mostly at 0.3–1%. At 0.2% expect slower, smaller change.
- “Water-free formula for stability”
- Accurate and meaningful. The INCI list contains no aqua, and retinol degradation is materially slower in anhydrous systems.
Read the full analysis
Sources
- Retinol 0.2% in Squalane product page (ingredients, size, price) — The Ordinary (DECIEM) Accessed 15 September 2026.
This is general information about cosmetic formulation, not medical advice. It does not replace a consultation for your own skin.