# The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

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

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for sensitive skin; a few serums fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- This product is highly suitable for your normal skin, as hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinol work to stimulate collagen and regulate desquamation, effectively minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Bisabolol and Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract Fruit offer mild anti-inflammatory effects, providing supportive benefits for your redness and irritation.
- The formulation is safe for your normal skin with sensitivity, as it lacks prohibited or harsh ingredients and carries no risk of irritation.

## Fit by skin type

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

- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Topical 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28247017/))
- 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/))
- 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/))

## 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 your serum in the PM routine, starting 3 times a week before building up to daily use if your skin is happy.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏱ for it to soak in.
- Since your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, apply the serum on completely dry skin to help keep it calm.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid getting the serum too close to your eyes .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion a great fit for sensitive skin?

This product is a great fit for sensitive skin because it uses gentle ingredients like bisabolol and tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract to help calm redness and irritation. It safely smooths fine lines without harsh ingredients, making it a comfortable choice for skin that is easily upset.

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

Bisabolol and Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract Fruit make this serum a good fit for sensitive skin by offering mild calming effects that help with redness and irritation. The formula is safe and carries no risk of irritation because it lacks harsh ingredients.

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

Granactive retinoid helps smooth fine lines and improve skin texture while being gentle on sensitive skin. Studies show it is unlikely to cause irritation or redness, making it a well-tolerated choice for daily anti-aging care.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41450017/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33206444/)

### What does Retinol do for sensitive skin?

Retinol is generally too harsh for sensitive skin and may cause stinging, scaling, and irritation. A product for this skin needs gentle ingredients that smooth and calm without causing redness.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Toxicology Letters, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14615068/)

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing, which keeps things simple and safe around sun exposure. The gentle formula is unlikely to cause irritation and helps calm redness while working to smooth fine lines.

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

You can use this serum with vitamin C by applying vitamin C in your morning routine and this treatment at night, as this helps avoid overwhelming your skin. Using them at different times of day is unlikely to cause redness or irritation while still giving you the smoothing and brightening benefits of both ingredients.

### How often should I use this serum?

This treatment is meant for your evening routine, used a few times a week to start. It is safe for sensitive skin because it lacks harsh ingredients and carries no risk of irritation, helping to smooth fine lines and calm redness.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36798538/), [Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24488631/)

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for sensitive skin?

This product is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on sensitive skin, though it may cause mild temporary purging as the ingredients help speed up skin renewal. The formula lacks harsh ingredients and carries a very low risk of irritation.

### Is this serum 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 sensitive skin

- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — S$50.41 at Amazon
- [Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skin1004/probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — S$28.55 at Amazon
- [PCA Skin C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/pca-skin/c-and-e-advanced/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit — S$192.38 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.00 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [One Thing Centella Asiatica Extract Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/one-thing/centella-asiatica-extract-toner/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.07 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/eryfotona-actinica-spf-50/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$110.01 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Singapore has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

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