Utilizing a high concentration of two next-gen retinoids (proven to be more effective than standard retinoids) this lightweight, milky-textured serum works hard to defeat the main signs of skin aging. The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a gentle but hardworking product that targets all signs of aging and textural irregularities. But the formula continues to offer an emulsion of 2% of the same advanced retinoid complex. According to The Ordinary’s website, as of late August 2017, The Ordinary’s portfolio of retinoids has been extended based on valuable consumer feedback and, as part of these introductions, Advanced Retinoid 2% has been renamed to Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion to align with the new naming direction of the extended range. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion was previously named Advanced Retinoid 2% (thus explaining the label in the photos). While prescription retinoids have a much higher concentration of the active ingredient, so they are readily available for the skin to use.” In other words, retinol is what you’re used to using in your regular serums and creams, whereas retinoids can only be prescribed by a doctor but The Ordinary made it accessible for us. In an article in Byrdie, Melissa Levin, MD, of Downtown Dermatology in Manhattan mentioned, “ Retinols, which are readily available over the counter, contain a lower concentration of the active retinoic acid ingredient. And Retinoid acid aka tretinoin is proven to have age-reversing properties.
BUT FIRST, WHAT IS RETINOID?ĭon’t get confused with retinol and retinoid, although they are both vitamin A derivatives that ultimately get converted into retinoic acid. My guess, it’s because retinol makes our skin vulnerable to the sun and we’re all indoors right now. Shop them all, below.I was supposed to write a review about a recently launched tinted sunscreen that sold out in 10 minutes, but I decided to The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion review first because I noticed more people are now adding retinol in their skincare routine especially during this self-quarantine. The Ordinary has a few key retinoid products that fans are seriously obsessed with. You’ll be surprised at how well they can brighten and smooth even better than a scrub you have lying around. Even if you don’t have wrinkles or acne, many use retinol to get rid of uneven texture and skin tone. Retinoids work by speeding up cell turnover through chemical exfoliation or put simply, sloughing away dead skin cells. Of course, you should always start slow and build up to using any retinoid all the time to see how your own skin tolerates it. The Ordinary has been able to find that sweet spot of effectiveness without the extreme redness and flaking you sometimes hear about. But that really depends on the formulation. Generally speaking, retinoids are stronger, sometimes prescription-strength and retinol is over-the-counter and can take a little longer to work. The best The Ordinary retinol products are actually priced at less than $10.
The best part? They don’t have to cost an entire paycheck. A retinoid, the umbrella name for all vitamin-A derivatives like retinol, can work magic on fine lines and wrinkles, acne and even hyperpigmentation. If you’ve been meaning to add a retinoid into your beauty routine but just haven’t gotten around to it, we can’t think of a better time.