The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Serum 5% in Squalane 30ml
You'll earn 16 Status Points with this product
£15.90
Or 4 interest free payments of £3.97 with clearpay
In stock | Usually dispatched within 24 hours

The Ordinary has firmly cemented itself as a leader in science-backed skin care. Taking the guesswork out of building a regime, it ditches unnecessary, filler ingredients for familiar, hard-working actives that deliver promising results. And next to bless your complexion is the Granactive Retinoid Serum 5% in Squalane (30ml), a high-strength serum softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Starring retinoid active technology, the Granactive Retinoid Serum 5% in Squalane (30ml) is a water-free solution working to exfoliate and renew the look of skin.
Keen to improve the appearance of your skin with a retinoid but wary of the potential side effects like dryness and redness? This hardworking serum could be just what you need; achieving faster-acting results than traditional retinol but keeping the look of the skin barrier in check. Housed in a light-as-air formula that refreshes and restores, it improves the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and fatigue... no wonder it's at the top of our wishlist!
Squalane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bisabolol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil.
For the latest information, it is recommended to review the ingredient list printed on the packaging of the product prior to usage or consumption.
Apply a small amount to the face in the evening, after water serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Avoid unprotected sun exposure and store in a cool, dry place.
Transparency lies at the heart of our philosophy which is why we have partnered with tech-platform – Provenance – to cut through the industry ‘noise’ and equip you with key facts that matter. A 'proof point' with a green tick means a third party has verified the accuracy of the statement whereas no green tick means that there isn't independent confirmation (yet!), but that the brand has still supplied substantiating evidence (which you can view yourself). Discover the proof points for this product below.
Frequently Bought Together

This item
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Serum 5% in Squalane 30ml
£15.90
Other Customers Bought
Customer Reviews
5 stars rating 125 reviews
4 stars rating 38 reviews
3 stars rating 17 reviews
2 stars rating 8 reviews
1 stars rating 1 reviews
Top Customer Reviews
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Please remember that results will vary from person to person. We're proud to say that all customer reviews are independent, authentic and do not represent the views of Cult Beauty or The Hut Group.
It’s oily. Will break out dehydrated skin.
I have a history of cystic acne and rosacea. It cleared up with medicine, so it made sense to use a retinoid product in high percentage because my skin is already used to it. My skin is no longer oily. It used to be. But it is dehydrated. I haven’t had any luck using rosehip seed oil, oil cleansing or other natural oils that work for acne prone skin. But squalane is an oil also found in skin so I thought this might work. Unfortunately, NO. I broke out around my forehead, mouth, jawline. (I read the same pattern in another review) I know this is not purging because I started breaking out on my neck where I did not even use the product. I’m sure it works for others who may have acne prone skin, which is not dehydrated. Others like me, please stay away.
by Sonam
Was this helpful?
Game changer
This product leaves my skin SO smooth, and the next morning I wake up with baby soft skin and a glowing complexion. (My DREAM skin) Even after one use, my colleagues at work noticed a difference right away. I can’t see myself living without this now!
by Nicola
Was this helpful?
Oooo silky...
This feels so silky on my skin and really helps it feel nourished.
by Moomin7979
Was this helpful?
Fantastic, a 'can’t live without it’ product!
How I love this product. I have never had such good results for so little money. It is moisturising, feels luxurious and has made a visible improvement to my skin. I have had no negative reaction at all. I use it every night, even around my eye area without issue. I would highly recommend. It is often out of stock though, in fact I have been waiting for two months as of today which is annoying. If you like it buy more than one.
by Mrs B’
Was this helpful?
Surprised how good this is.
Amazing product for the price. Used to pay a fortune for a very well known night serum, well not any more, this is just as good. My skin glows, and I'm convinced is has helped with lines/firmness. I haven't had any irritation/break outs and I don't mind the oily texture.
by Beckie
Was this helpful?
I really like it!
First I tried Granactive Retiniod 2% Emulsion, then I decided to try in Squalane and I can say both really helped my skin!
by Noori
Was this helpful?
Feel luxe
Despite being retinol, this is somewhat soothing, especially for dryer skin types. I am acne prone and this hasn’t given me any breakouts at all. I feel my skin looks slightly brighter with this but after 3 uses it’s too soon to see any real results.
by Soph345
Was this helpful?
Very oily
I've just bought the 5% retinol and after reading the reviews I thought I'd give it a try... I find that it's very oily/greasy and after 2 hours it didn't seem to absorb into my skin, it just sat on top leaving me wondering if there is any way I could make it absorb?? I currently used the 2% and found it to absorbs right away, I just wish it was the same consistency as their 2%. Quite disappointed, not sure if I'd purchase again because of this.
by Sparkle69
Was this helpful?
Best retinoid ever!
I have been using tretinoin for years; first the low strength, then the high... I have been struggling with dryness for years. Since using Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane for the past two weeks, I've found it to be high strength with little to no irritation. My skin looks beautiful and I will continue to use it for the rest of my life. Best product ever!
by Mignon
Was this helpful?
Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
I started off using Retinol 0.2% in Squalane for a couple of weeks and then moved on to Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane and I'm loving it! It's been a long long time since my skin looked this good. It's clearer, firmer and lines/wrinkles have definitely reduced. I'm 65 years old and will be using The Ordinary products from now on.
by Casebag
Was this helpful?