Tried & Tested: The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% Emulsion Review

The Ordinary has been a much-hyped brand and when we launched the range in May of this year there was one product that I tried as soon as I could get my hands on it. The Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (formerly known as Advanced Retinoid 2%) promises the benefits of your favourite vitamin A at a fraction of the price. Can an £8 retinoid really compare to the existing lines out there? I put it to the test.

Firstly, the packaging

For such an affordable product I feel the packaging is of the highest quality and I actually prefer it to some of my more pricey pieces! It's simple, sleek and clinical to look at; a great representation of the brand. The bottle is opaque glass to maintain the product's efficacy and the dropper allows for the perfect amount to be dispensed. I use three drops across the whole face every other night, so even at this price a little goes a long way.

What's the deal with this retinoid?

Different from your usual retinols, this serum harnesses a 2% concentration of an advanced retinoid active complex called Granactive Retinoid that has been shown to offer better results against multiple signs of ageing than retinol without any of the irritation and drawbacks common with retinol. It contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, a highly-advanced form of retinoid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of ageing than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid. Basically, you're getting the next-generation skincare technologies at rock bottom prices. What's not to love?It's important to remember that as this is a different form of retinoid to retinol, the 2% concentration is not comparable to the percentages of pure retinol serums, which tend to be in 0.3, 0.5 and 1% concentrations.

How does it apply?

This is always crucial for me. I am super fussy with textures so even if the product works miracles, if I don't like the feel it's not going on my face. This is a super lightweight emulsion that spreads easily, sinks in pretty quickly and doesn't feel greasy on the skin. It's super comfortable to wear too, so I'm happy to forego my moisturiser afterwards.

And the results! Drum roll, please

In my mid-twenties with spot-prone skin, I use vitamin A to normalize the skin and keep the breakouts at bay. However, a little ageing prevention doesn't hurt. I found very quickly that since using this my skin responded amazingly. It felt smoother, breakouts were fewer and my dehydrated skin found that elusive glow. I've tried varying forms of retinoid in the past but found that my skin seems to get on with this one the best.

Written for you by: Ellie, Face the Future