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The Ordinary – Retinol 1% in Squalane
The Ordinary – Retinol 1% in Squalane
The Ordinary – Retinol 1% in Squalane

Clinical Selection

The Ordinary – Retinol 1% in Squalane

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Targets:

agingdullnesstexture

An uncompromising clinical suspension formulated entirely without water to shield high-potency pure retinol from hydrolytic degradation. The active molecule is stabilized within a pure, plant-derived squalane matrix—a biocompatible lipid identical to human sebum—which buffers the…

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EGP1,100.00


Direct Clinical Origin: Seoul

Composition

Ingredients

Pure Retinol 1%, Plant-Derived Squalane, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Clinical Focus

Targets Concerns

aging
dullness
texture

Routine & Selection Guide
Routine step

Treat

When to use

PM

Best suited to

Dry, Normal, Combination

Texture & finish

Velvet Matte

Fragrance

100% Fragrance-Free

Avoid in the same routine

Concurrent co-administration of 1.0% high-potency pure retinol with pure L-Ascorbic Acid or direct AHA/BHA chemical exfoliants induces severe cumulative epidermal trauma, provoking acute stratum corneum barrier collapse, chemical stinging, and retinoid contact dermatitis. Benzoyl Peroxide exerts potent oxidative action that chemically destabilizes and inactivates retinol while drastically escalating cutaneous inflammation. Additionally, direct retinoids structurally disrupt copper peptides, rendering their wound-healing and matrix-repair efficacy inert. Retinol must be cycled strictly on alternate evenings from direct acids, while pure Vitamin C should be reserved exclusively for morning photoprotective routines.

Pairs well with

Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide (2% – 5% Physiological Concentration), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Centella Asiatica Extract (Madecassoside), Plant-Derived Squalane, Glycerin, Colloidal Oatmeal

Application note

Apply only to completely dry skin.

The Story Behind the Science

Why This Formula

An uncompromising clinical suspension formulated entirely without water to shield high-potency pure retinol from hydrolytic degradation. The active molecule is stabilized within a pure, plant-derived squalane matrix—a biocompatible lipid identical to human sebum—which buffers the delivery of vitamin A, replenishes the skin barrier, and prevents trans-epidermal moisture loss during cellular turnover.

Key Ingredients

Features high-strength 1% pure Retinol to stimulate deep fibroblast activity, upregulate neocollagenesis, and accelerate epidermal renewal for attenuated fine lines and refined skin architecture. Supported by sustainably sourced plant-derived Squalane for lipid restorative nourishment, and Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract as a potent botanical antioxidant that maintains molecular integrity.

Sensorial Profile & Finish

A weightless, micro-silky lipid elixir that glides across the skin with refined fluidity. It absorbs without tackiness or heavy occlusive weight, leaving an instantaneous velvety cushion and a supple, satin-smooth finish suited for evening restoration.

How to Use

Integrate exclusively into your evening ritual. After thorough cleansing, allow skin to rest and achieve 100% desiccation (wait 3–5 minutes post-wash). Dispense 2–3 drops across fingertips and gently press into the face and neck, maintaining a strict safety margin around the orbital bone and lip contours. Titrate cautiously: initiate use 1–2 nights per week for the first month, gradually escalating frequency only as skin tolerance solidifies. Always seal with a barrier-repair ceramide cream. Crucial: Store refrigerated (2°C–8°C) immediately after opening. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ every morning.

Good to Know

Clinical safeguards and climate intelligence: Never apply to damp or wet skin; ambient moisture accelerates trans-epidermal flux, precipitating chemical irritation and intense erythema. Avoid aggressive escalation schedules to prevent barrier disruption. Do not layer concurrently with direct exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA), pure Vitamin C, or Benzoyl Peroxide. Never breach the orbital rim to avoid eyelid dermatitis and meibomian gland dysfunction. In hot, humid Egyptian summer conditions, apply strictly in an air-conditioned room and limit dosage to 2 drops to avoid lipid over-saturation.

Ritual

1

Gentle Evening Cleansing & Complete Desiccation

Cleanse with a mild, non-stripping cleanser and pat dry. Allow skin to rest for 3 to 5 minutes until fully dry. Applying high-strength retinol to damp skin causes rapid cutaneous penetration, leading to acute irritation and chemical stinging.

2

Precision Micro-Dose Application

Dispense 2 to 3 drops onto the fingertips. Gently press and smooth across the forehead, cheeks, and jawline. Strictly respect the periorbital safety border by keeping well outside the orbital bone margin.

3

Lipid Absorption & Settling Window

Wait 3 to 5 minutes in a cool or air-conditioned environment to let the anhydrous squalane base absorb naturally into the lipid matrix before layering subsequent steps.

4

Physiological Ceramide Sealing

Apply a restorative barrier cream rich in ceramides, fatty acids, and soothing panthenol over the entire face to lock in hydration, prevent flaking, and fortify the stratum corneum overnight.

5

Mandatory Morning Broad-Spectrum Photoprotection

Every morning, gently cleanse and apply a high-protection broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen. Retinol accelerates epidermal cell turnover, making newly exposed skin exquisitely vulnerable to Egypt's intense UV index (10–12).

FAQ

How do I differentiate between normal retinoid purging and a damaged skin barrier?
Normal retinoid purging occurs when accelerated cellular turnover brings existing sub-clinical microcomedones to the surface, presenting as small whiteheads strictly within your usual breakout zones; this typically resolves within 2 to 4 weeks. Conversely, a damaged skin barrier or contact dermatitis presents as persistent erythema, rough patchy peeling, tiny rash-like bumps across new areas, and a sharp stinging sensation when applying even basic gentle moisturizers. If barrier breakdown occurs, immediately halt retinol usage and transition into an intensive ceramide and lipid repair regimen.
Will the squalane lipid base clog my pores or feel heavy in the Egyptian summer?
Pure plant-derived squalane is a biomimetic lipid that mimics natural skin sebum and is clinically certified as non-comedogenic. However, during scorching Egyptian summers (38–42°C) coupled with high humidity in Cairo and Alexandria, rich lipids can feel occlusive if over-applied. To maintain effortless elegance, apply only 2 drops exclusively in an air-conditioned PM setting onto completely dry skin, allowing it to sink in fully before resting.
Why is refrigeration mandatory after opening, and what indicates product degradation?
Pure retinol is a highly delicate molecule vulnerable to oxidative degradation when exposed to heat, atmospheric oxygen, and ambient light. Storing the bottle tightly sealed in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) immediately after first use is mandatory to preserve clinical potency and prevent irritating breakdown byproducts. If the serum darkens from its characteristic pale translucent yellow to a deep amber or brown hue, or develops an acrid, oxidized scent, the formula has degraded and must be responsibly retired.
Can I layer Retinol 1% with Vitamin C, Benzoyl Peroxide, or Exfoliating Acids?
Never combine them within the same evening application. Pure L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) operates at a low pH which drastically heightens irritation when paired with retinol, while Benzoyl Peroxide chemically oxidizes retinol, neutralizing both molecules and potentially causing severe irritation. Similarly, strong exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) layered with 1% retinol rapidly compromise the epidermal barrier. Reserve pure Vitamin C for morning antioxidant defense beneath sunscreen, and reserve direct acids for alternate non-retinoid evenings.
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