The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Retinoid Serum — 0.5 fl oz, High-Strength Night Treatment for Texture & Firmness

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is a very high-strength retinaldehyde serum designed to visibly improve firmness, refine texture, and reduce the appearance of dark spots and lines when used as a nighttime treatment.

Formulated with 0.2% retinal (retinaldehyde), this concentrated emulsion offers a potent step up from retinol products for those who already tolerate retinoids. Retinal sits one biochemical step closer to the active form of vitamin A than retinol, enabling more efficient delivery while delivering a pale yellow formula that may leave a temporary tint on skin or light fabrics. The lightweight, serum-textured emulsion is intended for evening use and is best introduced gradually to build tolerance.

How quickly will I notice smoother skin and fewer lines?

Results depend on frequency of use and individual skin tolerance, but many experienced users report visible improvement in texture and firmness after a few weeks. Because this is a high-strength retinal product, starting slowly reduces the risk of irritation while allowing cumulative benefits to appear more comfortably.

• High 0.2% retinal concentration for pronounced effects over time
• Use nightly as tolerated; begin with once-weekly applications and increase
• May improve the look of crow’s feet, fine lines, and forehead lines with consistent use

How should I introduce The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion into my routine?

Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin on the face and neck in the evening only. If you’re new to retinoids, begin with lower-strength options and progressively move up to this formula as your skin builds tolerance.

• Start with a single application per week, increase frequency gradually
• Avoid mixing with other strong actives (e.g., exfoliating acids) on the same night
• Always follow with daytime sun protection while using retinoids

Will the product’s color stain my skin or clothing?

The emulsion’s pale yellow color comes from the retinal ingredient and can leave a temporary tint on skin or light fabrics if contact is made before fully absorbed. Allow the product to sink in and dry completely before touching fabrics; any residual color washes out of skin and clothing with water or regular laundering.

• Natural yellow hue is normal and harmless
• Let skin fully absorb before getting dressed to minimize transfer
• Wash any stains with water and usual detergent as needed

How do I prime and store the airless pump bottle?

The emulsion ships in an airless pump to protect potency; the pump may require priming on first use. If nozzle dispensing is slow, tap the cap end on a hard surface and try up to ten pumps; turning the bottle upside down can also help with initial priming.

• Prime by pumping until product dispenses; tap cap end if needed
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve stability
• Keep out of eyes and follow patch testing guidelines before regular use

Who this is for: The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is aimed at experienced retinoid users seeking a powerful nighttime treatment to refine texture, target uneven tone, and address visible lines. If you are new to vitamin A products, consider starting with lower-strength retinol or Granactive Retinoid formulations and progress to this formula as your skin adapts. This product is cruelty-free, vegan, and formulated without alcohol, oils, or silicones, making it suitable for a range of skin types when introduced responsibly.

• Recommended application: pea-sized amount to face and neck in the evening
• Packaging: 0.5 fl oz airless pump for product protection
• Free-from list: cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free

Ingredients

Aqua (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.