The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane for dry sensitive skin
Retinol
Squalane
Caprylic Capric Triglyceride
Jojoba Seed Oil
Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract Tomato Fruit Extract
Low
- AverageDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ConcerningSafety
A weak match for dry sensitive skin; the serums alongside fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate anti-aging benefits for your dry and sensitive skin due to retinol's wrinkle-minimizing properties, while squalane and jojoba seed oil provide some emollient action.
- The formula lacks sufficient humectants to fully address your dry or flaky skin concerns, and the retinol may increase dryness and sensitivity.
How to apply
- Use this PM routine for your evening skincare. Start using the serum 3 times a week and increase to daily use if your skin feels comfortable.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer. This step locks in deep hydration for dry skin.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin using your palms. Let it absorb completely for a minute ⏱ before applying your next product.
- Since your skin is sensitive, apply the serum on completely dry skin for better tolerance and less irritation.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Always do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin reacts well.
People Say
★4.3Overall rating based on 1.1k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users generally praise this serum as an affordable and effective entry-level retinol that improves skin texture and reduces fine lines, though the oily squalane base is a polarizing feature. While many with dry or mature skin appreciate the added hydration, those with oily or acne-prone skin frequently report that it feels heavy, greasy, and can cause congestion or purging.
Highlights
Improves skin texture Mostly Mentioned
- “smooths roughness”
- “softens skin”
- “glowing complexion”
Unbeatable price Mostly Mentioned
- “great value”
- “affordable”
- “budget-friendly”
Hydrating formula Often Mentioned
- “non-drying”
- “moisturizing oil”
- “prevents flaking”
Reduces aging signs Often Mentioned
- “fades fine lines”
- “plumps wrinkles”
- “firmer skin”
Greasy residue Often Mentioned
- “sits on skin”
- “doesn't absorb”
- “oily film”
Gentle effectiveness Sometimes Noted
- “low irritation”
- “good for beginners”
- “minimal redness”
Causes breakouts Sometimes Noted
- “purging phase”
- “cystic acne”
- “clogged pores”
Short shelf life Sometimes Noted
- “expires quickly”
- “requires refrigeration”
- “3-month limit”
Messy packaging Rarely Noted
- “leaky dropper”
- “stains pillowcases”
- “greasy bottle”
Unpleasant scent Rarely Noted
- “cooking oil smell”
- “earthy odor”
- “stale scent”
Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, ulta.com, beautybay.com, cultbeauty.com, spacenk.com, and more
Questions and answers
Why is The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane a weak match for dry sensitive skin?
This product is a weak match because it lacks enough ingredients to hold moisture for dry or flaky skin, and the retinol may cause extra dryness and stinging. A product of this type needs safe, highly hydrating and nourishing ingredients that provide excellent moisture and barrier support without any risk of irritation.
Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?
Retinol makes this serum a weak match for your skin because it may increase dryness and sensitivity. A product of this type needs plenty of hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as ceramides and multiple forms of vitamin C, to provide excellent moisture retention and skin barrier support without any risk of irritation.
What does Retinol do for dry sensitive skin?
Retinol is often too strong for dry sensitive skin because it may cause scaling and stinging, so a product of this type needs gentle soothing ingredients and extra moisture to keep the skin calm and smooth.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019Toxicology Letters, 2003
What does Squalane do for dry sensitive skin?
Squalane helps keep dry sensitive skin soft and smooth by locking in moisture and calming irritation without causing flare-ups. It is unlikely to cause redness or discomfort, making it a gentle choice that supports the skin barrier. This type of skin needs ingredients that deeply hydrate and soothe, such as plant oils and antioxidants.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2017Molecules, 2009
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. Because this product is a weak match that may increase dryness, dry and sensitive skin needs formulas rich in soothing oils and heavy hydrators to keep skin soft and comfortable.
Can I use this serum with vitamin C, and in what order?
Using this treatment with vitamin C is likely to cause too much irritation on dry and sensitive skin, so it is best to use them on alternate nights or keep vitamin C for your morning routine. A product of this type needs added hydrating ingredients and gentle soothing care to keep dry skin comfortable.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
How often should I use this serum?
This product is a weak match for your dry and sensitive skin because it lacks enough hydrating ingredients and the retinol may cause extra dryness and irritation. A product of this type needs soothing and deeply hydrating ingredients like extra moisture-attracting components to keep your skin comfortable and smooth. When you do use it, evening application works best, and dry or sensitive skin needs a rich moisturizer afterward to help prevent flaking.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This product may cause breakouts for your dry and sensitive skin because reviewers frequently complain about a greasy residue and the formula contains oils like jojoba seed oil. A product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and soothing ingredients that will not trap oil on the skin.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
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, 2019Topical 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, 2017Silicone 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, 2018Topical stabilized retinol treatment induced HAS gene expression and increased hyaluronic acid production in human skin in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo compared to vehicle.
Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts.
Molecules, 2025Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway.
Antioxidants, 2025Topical application of an emollient emulsion containing 15.0% caprylic/capric triglyceride doubled the amount of urocanic acid isomers and increased skin hydration with reduced transepidermal water loss in healthy subjects, though it did not prevent ultraviolet-induced urocanic acid isomerization.
Life, 2023Clay jojoba oil facial masks reduced total skin lesions by a mean of 54% after 6 weeks in 133 participants with acne-prone, lesioned skin and mild acne compared to baseline.
Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 2012Topical application of jojoba wax reduced LPS-induced secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα by approximately 30% and increased the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid compared to untreated skin in an ex-vivo human skin organ culture model.
Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024Topical jojoba oil application in male mice decreased exercise-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression (Il-1b and Il-6 in soleus, Il-1b in gastrocnemius) compared to untreated exercised mice.
Biomolecules, 2025Topical lycopene-based emulgel significantly enhanced skin hydration and elasticity while reducing erythema, melanin, and sebum contents in human volunteers compared to a placebo formulation over 12 weeks.
European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2022Cosmetic formulations containing lycopene and melatonin showed significant differences in skin sebum content, hydration, elasticity, erythema index, and melanin index compared to control in 36 healthy women.
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2020Topical delivery of lycopene via MG- and TG-containing microemulsions significantly increased stratum corneum and viable skin layer penetration compared to a control solution, with the MG-containing microemulsion also increasing skin antioxidant activity by 10-fold.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010
Why other serums fit dry sensitive skin better
- Retinol in this serum
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 A formulation containing glycerol (5%) and xylitol (5%) applied twice daily for 14 days increased skin hydration, filaggrin protein quantity, interdigitation index, and biomechanical properties, and decreased transepidermal water loss compared to untreated and vehicle-treated skin in twelve volunteers with dry skin.
Acta Dermato-venereologica, 2017Glycerol accelerates barrier repair and improves stratum corneum hydration compared to untreated and base-treated sites.
Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1999
Ingredients
Squalane, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Jojoba Seed Oil, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract Tomato Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Bht
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
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Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
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Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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