# The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for mature skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for mature skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Low Risk.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin

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

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

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

Works for mature skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your normal skin as hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinol provide collagen stimulation and desquamation regulation to address fine lines and wrinkles. Tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract offers some soothing benefits, though the formula lacks sufficient humectants and emollients for optimal hydration and barrier support.
- The product provides general skincare benefits that you will notice, but the primary benefits for wrinkles and fine lines are supportive rather than directly targeted due to the concentrations of active ingredients.
- The product is generally safe for your normal skin, with a low risk of irritation from retinol and hydroxypinacolone retinoate.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Granactive Retinoid, Retinol, Glycerin, Ethyl Linoleate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

## What the research says

- A topical serum containing hydroxypinacolone retinoate and peptides used twice daily for 16 weeks achieved parity or statistically significantly better improvement in facial aging parameters compared to a single fractional CO2 laser treatment in women with moderate global photodamage. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39394831/))
- Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinyl propionate at a 5:9 weight ratio synergistically enhanced antiaging gene expressions in vitro and improved skin wrinkles, smoothness, transepidermal water loss, and elasticity in 42 Chinese urban women over an 8-week period without adverse reactions compared to retinol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36762391/))
- Combined probiotic supplementation and topical azelaic acid with hydroxypinacolone retinoate reduced non-inflammatory lesions from 11.5 to 7.3 and decreased microscopic acne features measured by reflectance confocal microscopy and dynamic optical coherence tomography in 20 patients over 12 weeks. ([Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37510902/))
- A new topical gel formulation reduced total acne lesions by 80% and GAGS scores by 78% after 8 weeks in 22 female patients with mild facial acne without impairing skin barrier function or causing side effects. ([Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32869963/))
- A fixed combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol glycospheres, and papain glycospheres in aqueous gel applied once daily for 12 weeks achieved a 41% mean reduction in GAGS score and a 40.8% mean reduction in total lesions, with 15.3% of patients experiencing mild to moderate local side effects, in 94 evaluable patients with comedonal-papular, mild to moderate acne of the face. ([Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25876142/))
- A 12-month maintenance treatment with a combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinol glycospheres resulted in a relapse rate of 15.38% in 39 patients with moderate facial acne following oral isotretinoin therapy. ([Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26889724/))
- Topical 0.4% retinol significantly increased epidermal thickness, dermal vascularity, and extracellular matrix production by stimulating keratinocyte proliferation, endothelial cell proliferation, and fibroblast activation in naturally aged human skin compared to vehicle. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/))
- Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))
- Silicone particles encapsulating retinol increased its half-life by 9-fold and yielded 12-23% lower skin irritation in human subjects compared to Microsponge particles while maintaining biological activity. ([Journal of Controlled Release, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Topical application of linoleic acid achieved an almost 25% reduction in the overall size of follicular casts and microcomedones over a 1-month treatment period in patients with mild acne compared to no change at placebo-treated sites. ([Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 1998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9692305/))
- A lotion containing triethyl citrate and ethyl linoleate reduced Leeds grading, total, inflammatory, and noninflammatory lesion counts, and sebum production compared with a placebo in patients with mild to moderate acne. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17635508/))
- Liposomal formulation of linoleic acid significantly enhances its skin whitening effect compared to non-liposomal forms in UV-stimulated guinea pig and human skin. ([Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15056874/))
- Cotreatment with vitamin C and retinol derivatives (RP/HPR) at a 40:3 weight ratio inhibited UV-induced aging-associated gene transcription and SASP release while improving skin recovery in women. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40029737/))
- Hyaluronic acid-modified nanoemulsions enhanced cell uptake, deep skin penetration, and reduced irritation of hydroxypinacolone retinoate compared to conventional cationic nanoemulsions and free HPR. ([ACS Applied Bio Materials, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41410490/))
- Encapsulation of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate into supramolecular nanoparticles yields high stability, low irritation, sustained release, and effective anti-wrinkle efficacy. ([Pharmaceutics, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36986592/))

## Why other serums fit mature skin better

- Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users find this product to be an excellent beginner-friendly retinoid, particularly for sensitive and acne-prone skin, due to its gentle, non-irritating formula. It is frequently noted for improving skin texture, brightness, and fine lines over time. Some users observe that results may be slower or less dramatic compared to stronger retinol treatments, and a few mention a short shelf life and packaging concerns.

- Liked: Gentle, non-irritating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight consistency (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Reduces acne (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Short shelf life (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slow results (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week, and work up to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply this serum after your toner and before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- You can apply the serum on dry skin for the best results against fine lines.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the sensitive eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion work for mature skin?

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion works reasonably well for mature skin, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles with a low risk of irritation. However, other products fit this skin better because this formula lacks sufficient moisture-locking ingredients and skin-softening agents for optimal hydration and barrier support. Mature skin needs products that provide exceptional safety with no irritation, high concentrations of potent antioxidants, and deeply hydrating components to maintain firmness and radiance.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39394831/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for mature skin?

This serum works for mature skin because retinol and hydroxypinacolone retinoate help smooth fine lines and wrinkles. To be a better fit for this skin type, a product of this type needs high concentrations of potent antioxidants, deeply hydrating ingredients like humectants and emollients, and skin-repairing components.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36762391/)

### What does Granactive Retinoid do for mature skin?

Granactive Retinoid helps smooth out lines, improve firmness, and reduce the look of sun damage on mature skin. It works like traditional vitamin A to refresh the face while being unlikely to cause irritation or redness.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39394831/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36762391/)

### What does Retinol do for mature skin?

Retinol helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall skin thickness and firmness over time. It may also cause temporary dryness, scaling, or stinging as your skin gets used to it.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for mature skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before your moisturizer. It works for your mature skin to help smooth fine lines, though this skin type needs extra hydrating ingredients and nourishing softeners to keep it feeling comfortable and plump.

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

You can use this treatment with vitamin C by applying vitamin C in the morning and this treatment at night, or by alternating the nights you use them if your skin gets sensitive. Mature skin needs products with extra moisture-locking ingredients and soothing barrier protectors to keep the skin soft and comfortable alongside active ingredients.

### How often should I use this serum?

This treatment works well in the evening for mature skin, helping to smooth fine lines with a low likelihood of irritation. To get the best results for this skin type, a product of this kind needs added moisturizing ingredients and barrier support.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39394831/)

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

This product is unlikely to cause breakouts for mature skin, though the retinoids may trigger mild initial purging as they speed up skin renewal. To work best for this skin type, a product like this needs extra moisturizing ingredients and skin-softening oils to keep the skin barrier fully supported.

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for mature skin

- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — €57.00 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — €129.99 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — €34.95 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [d'Alba White Truffle Return Oil Cream Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/d-alba/white-truffle-return-oil-cream-cleanser/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — €24.99 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/full-fit-propolis-synergy-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — €16.03 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — €53.50 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.it: €13.30 (https://www.amazon.it/dp/B071HHSMTT?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Lookfantastic: €12.65 (https://www.lookfantastic.it/p/the-ordinary-granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion-30ml/11363393/)
- Notino: €13.30 (https://www.notino.it/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion-emulsione-antirughe/p-16168465/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract Fruit, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Chondrus Crispus, Xanthan Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Isoceteth-20, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Behentrimonium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Disodium Edta, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, 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/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin (this page)
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/mature-skin