The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is a water-free night serum with 0.5% pure retinol in squalane. It helps fine lines, rough texture and post-acne marks look softer and more even over time. It is a moderate strength, so it suits people who have already used a gentle retinol. We sell it original from The Ordinary in 30ml, shipped from Seoul with Cash on Delivery.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% at a glance
| Brand | The Ordinary |
|---|---|
| Size | 30ml |
| Product type | Water-free retinol night serum (light oil) |
| Key ingredients | Retinol 0.5%, squalane, jojoba seed oil |
| Best for | Fine lines, rough or uneven texture, post-acne marks; people who already tolerate a gentle retinol |
| Texture and finish | Light, slightly oily serum that sinks in; soft, non-sticky finish |
| When to use | Evening only; start 2–3 nights a week |
| Pregnancy | If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor first |
| Sold in Pakistan by | Korean Skincare Pakistan — an authorised seller of The Ordinary in Pakistan |
Is The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% right for your skin?
Best for
- Fine lines and early signs of ageing
- Rough, bumpy texture and enlarged-looking pores
- Post-acne marks and uneven-looking tone, together with daily sunscreen
- Normal, combination and drier skin that likes an oil-based serum
- People who have used a lower-strength or encapsulated retinol and want the next step
Skip it, or patch-test first, if
- You are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding: retinoids are usually avoided, so ask your doctor first
- Your skin is very sensitive, or you have eczema or rosacea: start with a gentler retinol such as CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and patch-test first
- You already use a prescription retinoid: do not add this without your doctor's advice
- You will not wear sunscreen every morning: retinol makes skin more sensitive to the sun
How do you use The Ordinary Retinol 0.5%?
Morning
- Cleanse gently and apply a moisturiser.
- Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen every morning while you use retinol, and reapply if you are outdoors.
Evening
- Cleanse and pat your skin completely dry.
- Apply any water-based serum first and let it absorb.
- Press 2–3 drops of the retinol over the whole face, avoiding the eyes, lips and corners of the nose.
- Follow with a moisturiser once it has absorbed.
Start on 2–3 nights a week, never on back-to-back nights, and build up slowly. Do not use it on the same night as AHA or BHA exfoliants, peels or scrubs. Dryness or light flaking in the first weeks is common; if it stings or burns, stop and let your skin recover.
What are the key ingredients in The Ordinary Retinol 0.5%?
- Retinol (0.5%) — a vitamin A ingredient that speeds up skin renewal, helping fine lines, rough texture and marks look softer over time
- Squalane — a light, skin-friendly oil that carries the retinol and keeps skin soft
- Jojoba seed oil — a nourishing plant oil that helps reduce dryness
- Rosemary leaf extract — a plant antioxidant
Should you start with 0.2% or 0.5% retinol?
If you have never used retinol, a lower strength is the safer start: The Ordinary's 0.2% version or a gentle encapsulated retinol are both beginner options. Choose 0.5% if you have used a mild retinol for a few months without much dryness or peeling. Even then, begin with 2–3 nights a week. A higher strength does not give faster results if your skin is irritated, so build up slowly. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor first.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% vs CeraVe Retinol Serum: which should you choose?
| The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% | CeraVe Retinol Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Water-free, squalane oil | Light water-based serum |
| Retinoid | Retinol 0.5% | Encapsulated retinol |
| Other key ingredients | Squalane, jojoba seed oil | Niacinamide, licorice root extract, 3 ceramides |
| Best for | People who already tolerate retinol | Retinol beginners |
| When to use | Evening only; start 2–3 nights a week | Evening only; start 2–3 nights a week |
Choose the CeraVe Retinol Serum if you are new to retinol or your skin is oily and prefers a light serum. Choose The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% if you have used a gentle retinol before and like an oil texture, especially on normal to dry skin. Use only one retinol product at a time.
How can you tell if your The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% is original?
- The serum should be a clear, pale-yellow, slightly oily liquid with only a faint natural smell; a thick, cloudy, watery or perfumed liquid is a warning sign.
- The box and bottle should show The Ordinary name, Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and the ingredient list in sharp print; blurred printing or spelling mistakes suggest a copy.
- A price far below other trusted sellers usually means old stock or a fake.
- Check the batch code printed on the box and the bottle: the two must match, and the code should look printed, not stuck on. Every unit we sell is batch-code checked on arrival in Seoul, and we verify any code for free — see how to check if Korean skincare is original.
Similar products to consider
- CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 30ml
- celimax The Vita-A Retinol Shot Tightening Serum 30ml
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 + Ceramides Serum
Related guides and collections
- All The Ordinary products in Pakistan
- Is Korean Skincare Pakistan an authorised The Ordinary seller?
- Retinol and retinal skincare in Pakistan
- Best serums and essences in Pakistan
Korean Skincare Pakistan is a Seoul-based authorised seller of major 40+ K-beauty brands and an authorised seller of The Ordinary in Pakistan. Every product is 100% original, batch-code verified on arrival and shipped from our Seoul warehouse, delivered to your door in 5–7 days nationwide with Cash on Delivery.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5%: frequently asked questions
Is The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane at Korean Skincare Pakistan original?
Yes. Korean Skincare Pakistan is an authorised seller of The Ordinary in Pakistan. Every unit is batch-code checked when it arrives at our Seoul warehouse and is shipped to you from there. If a product is ever not original, an old batch or near expiry, you can return it free within 7 days.
What does The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% do?
It is a vitamin A night serum. With steady use over several months, retinol helps fine lines look softer, smooths rough texture and helps post-acne marks and uneven tone look more even, because it speeds up skin renewal. It is not instant; the first weeks are about getting your skin used to it. Wear sunscreen every morning while you use it.
Is The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% good for beginners?
It is a moderate strength rather than a true beginner strength. If you have never used retinol, start with a gentler option such as a 0.2% retinol or the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum. If you go straight to 0.5%, use it only 2–3 nights a week, apply a little moisturiser first to buffer it, and stop if it stings or burns.
Can I use The Ordinary Retinol with niacinamide or vitamin C?
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are fine in the same evening routine: apply water-based serums first, then the retinol. Keep vitamin C for the morning, followed by sunscreen. Do not use retinol on the same night as AHA or BHA exfoliants or strong peels, such as The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.
Can oily or acne-prone skin use a retinol in squalane?
Usually, yes. Squalane is a light oil that most oily skin tolerates, and retinol itself helps keep pores clearer over time. Use only 2–3 drops and follow with a light gel moisturiser. If you dislike any oily feel on your face, a water-based retinol serum such as CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum may feel lighter.
Is The Ordinary Retinol safe in pregnancy?
Retinol and other retinoids are usually avoided during pregnancy, while breastfeeding and when trying to conceive. If any of these applies to you, ask your doctor first before using it. Many people pause retinol during this time and, with their doctor's advice, use gentler ingredients such as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid instead.
Where can I buy the original The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Pakistan?
The original is sold here by Korean Skincare Pakistan, an authorised seller of The Ordinary in Pakistan. The live price and stock of the 30ml bottle show right under the Add to Cart button. Orders ship from our Seoul warehouse and arrive in 5–7 days, with Cash on Delivery nationwide.
