# The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for acne-prone skin; a few serums fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your combination skin and acne concerns, as hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinol promote skin renewal and reduce inflammation by regulating desquamation and stimulating collagen. Tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract further aids in calming the skin.
- The formula offers excellent effectiveness in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, with bisabolol providing additional soothing benefits for your skin.
- This product is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

- 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 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))

## 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 as part of your PM routine and start 3x/week before working up to daily use.
- Apply this treatment after cleansing and toner, and before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the product on clean, dry skin to help manage your breakouts safely.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

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

This emulsion is a great fit because hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinol help renew skin and calm inflammation, while tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract and bisabolol soothe your face. It is also very safe for your skin, with no risk of irritation from harsh ingredients.
Sources: [Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37510902/), [Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32869963/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for acne-prone skin?

This serum is a great fit for acne-prone skin because hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinol help renew the skin and reduce inflammation, while tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract and bisabolol calm the skin.
Sources: [Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37510902/), [Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32869963/)

### What does Granactive Retinoid do for acne-prone skin?

Granactive Retinoid helps clear blemishes and reduce breakouts in acne-prone skin while remaining gentle. Studies show that using it regularly significantly lowers breakout counts without harming the skin barrier or causing major irritation.
Sources: [Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32869963/), [Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26889724/)

### What does Retinol do for acne-prone skin?

Retinol helps acne-prone skin by speeding up cell turnover and clearing pores to reduce breakouts. It regulates skin growth and fights inflammation, though it may cause some mild peeling or stinging when you first start using it.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35816067/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28318351/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Using it at night helps keep your skin safe around sun exposure while allowing the active ingredients to work overnight.

### 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 the morning and this treatment at night to avoid overwhelming your skin. Using them at different times of day helps prevent irritation while still giving you the full benefits of both ingredients.

### How often should I use it?

This treatment is applied in the evening as part of your routine. It helps promote skin renewal and calm acne-prone skin with a low risk of irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37510902/), [Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32869963/)

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This treatment is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on acne-prone skin, as its ingredients help promote skin renewal and reduce inflammation. Some mild purging may happen initially because the retinoids speed up cell turnover, but the formula is generally well-tolerated and safe for this skin type.
Sources: [Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37510902/), [Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32869963/)

### 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 acne-prone skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £36.96 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £24.20 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £143.35 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/b-lab/matcha-hydrating-foam-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £8.13 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £13.98 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £11.90 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.co.uk: £8.80 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071HHSMTT?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Lookfantastic: £11.00 (https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/the-ordinary-granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion-30ml/11363393/)
- Notino: £11.50 (https://www.notino.co.uk/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion-anti-ageing-emulsion/p-16168465/)
Prices checked 17 Oct – 6 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/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin