# The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Spain.

Brand: [The Ordinary](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/the-ordinary)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for dry skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate treatment for fine lines and wrinkles due to retinal, which promotes skin renewal but may indirectly worsen dryness for your dry skin.
- While propanediol and biosaccharide gum-1 offer some hydration, the potential for irritation from retinal can be a concern for dry or flaky skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin): Low (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Retinaldehyde, Bisabolol, Ergothioneine, Lactic Acid, Hydroxyapatite

## What the research says

- Twice daily application of retinaldehyde 0.1% and 0.05% creams for 3 months improved skin texture and hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss in 40 female Korean volunteers, with only the 0.1% cream significantly improving the melanin index. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29663701/))
- Topical retinaldehyde demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria both in vitro and in vivo, leading to decreased bacterial counts without inducing resistance. ([Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12218231/))
- Topical 0.05% retinaldehyde applied over 1 year significantly increased epidermal thickness of the temple and cutaneous elasticity compared to an emollient control group in 40 aging skin patients. ([Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473959/))
- Application of an alpha-bisabolol-containing cream produced a significant skin-lightening effect in pigmented skin compared to a vehicle control in the majority of female subjects after 8 weeks. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/))
- The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate reduces UVB-induced PGE2, inflammatory cytokines, and mitochondrial superoxide in human epidermal keratinocytes. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38433250/))
- A targeted skincare regimen containing active ingredients such as rhodophyceae extract, ergothioneine, and L-carnosine significantly reduced transepidermal water loss by 24.09%, improved skin elasticity, and decreased redness, dryness, and desquamation in thirty-five female Chinese participants over 4 weeks following advanced optimal pulse technology treatment. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40497421/))
- A triple combination of ergothioneine, collagen peptides, and sodium hyaluronate attenuated UV-induced skin damage ex vivo and improved facial skin hydration, elasticity, barrier function, and wrinkles in Chinese women. ([Frontiers in Nutrition, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42698538/))
- Ergothioneine at nanomolar concentrations ameliorated UVA-induced skin damage, reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis in human keratinocyte-derived HaCaT cells by upregulating Nrf2/ARE-mediated antioxidant genes. ([Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26021820/))
- Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin. ([Cutis, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15027519/))
- Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1597538/))
- A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33178384/))
- The combination of botulinum toxin and calcium hydroxylapatite applied together produced higher and earlier satisfaction rates and improved hydration in the lower face and neck region compared to calcium hydroxylapatite alone in 15 participants. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37823019/))
- Topically applied calcium hydroxylapatite successfully penetrated fractional laser-induced skin defects and remained in the healing skin for at least six weeks, inducing collagen production around the microspheres in a human volunteer. ([Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39160686/))
- Calcium ions from nanophased hydroxyapatite embedded in collagen nanofibers significantly enhanced human dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and hMSCs growth and proliferation, prevented pathogenic bacteria adhesion, enabled hMSCs differentiation, and caused no adverse reaction in rat subcutaneous implantation. ([Nanomedicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33421622/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this high-strength retinoid is favored by experienced users for its rapid ability to smooth uneven texture and fade dark spots, particularly acne scars and hyperpigmentation. While highly effective for firming skin and reducing fine lines, it frequently causes dryness or irritation in beginners and leaves a temporary yellow tint on the skin.

- Liked: Improves skin texture (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Yellow staining (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fades dark spots (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Fast absorption (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Good value (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Irritation and dryness (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Small product size (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Apply this serum PM, starting 3×/week and working up to daily use as your skin adjusts.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion a weak match for dry skin?

This product is a weak match for your dry skin because retinal promotes skin renewal, which may indirectly worsen dryness and cause irritation. Dry skin needs a product rich in soothing, highly hydrating ingredients like propolis, niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides that provide deep nourishment and support the skin barrier without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37699769/)

### Which ingredients make this emulsion a poor fit for dry skin?

Retinal is the main reason this emulsion is a weak match for your dry skin because it promotes skin renewal in a way that may worsen dryness and cause irritation. To fit dry skin well, a product of this type needs rich hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, propolis, or bifida fermentation along with powerful soothing elements to nourish the skin without any risk of irritation.

### What does Retinal do for dry skin?

Retinal helps smooth dry skin and is unlikely to cause severe dryness when used properly, though it may occasionally lead to mild scaling or irritation as the skin adjusts. This ingredient works best when paired with gentle moisturizers to keep the face feeling soft and comfortable.
Sources: [Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473959/), [Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18046911/)

### What does Bisabolol do for dry skin?

Alpha-bisabolol helps calm dry skin by soothing irritation and reducing inflammation. To properly care for dry skin, this type of product also needs rich moisturizing ingredients that lock in hydration and repair the skin barrier.
Sources: [Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24894548/)

### Where does this emulsion go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, but it is a weak match that may worsen dryness for dry skin. Dry skin needs a product of this type that offers gentle hydration and soothing ingredients to prevent flaking and irritation.

### Can I use it with niacinamide, and in what order?

You can use this product with niacinamide by applying niacinamide first to keep your skin calm and hydrated, followed by this treatment. Because your skin is dry, this type of product needs soothing and deeply moisturizing ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid to prevent extra dryness and flaking.

### How often should I use this emulsion?

This treatment is put in the evening routine, and a product of this type for dry skin needs to start just once a week to lower the chance of irritation. A dry skin type needs soothing ingredients like bisabolol and extra hydration to keep the skin comfortable.

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This retinal treatment is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry skin, but it may cause dryness and peeling as it speeds up skin renewal. To care for dry skin properly, this type of product needs extra hydrating ingredients like glycerin and soothing agents to keep the face soft and calm.

### Is this emulsion fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €57.00 at Amazon
- [ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/ma-nyo/bifida-biome-complex-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €18.50 at Amazon
- [Augustinus Bader The Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/augustinus-bader/the-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €333.00 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €8.85 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/advanced-replenishing-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €34.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [d'Alba First Spray Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/d-alba/first-spray-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/purito/daily-soft-touch-sunscreen/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €12.98 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €10.97 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €8.85 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-poremizing-fresh-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €14.98 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [d'Alba First Spray Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/d-alba/first-spray-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €10.97 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €8.85 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/abib/rice-probiotics-overnight-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €15.30 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-poremizing-fresh-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €14.98 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [d'Alba First Spray Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/d-alba/first-spray-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.de: €17.50 (https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CZ5VG3L1?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Lookfantastic: €17.48 (https://www.lookfantastic.es/p/the-ordinary-retinal-0.2-emulsion-15ml/15068150/)
- Notino: €17.90 (https://www.notino.es/the-ordinary/retinal-02-emulsion-serum-serum-de-retinol-antiarrugas/p-16245609/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

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
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/dry-skin