The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, previously known as Advanced Retinoid 2%, is one the most-popular Retinoid-based products from the skincare experts at The Ordinary. Known for being one of the most effective ingredients for anti-ageing, Retinoids come in different potencies and varying formulations to reduce sensitivity.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a lightweight, moderate-strength emulsion with low irritation levels. The product’s active ingredient, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR), a less abrasive alternative to retinoic acid, or Retin-A, to accelerate skin cell turnover and reverse the signs of ageing and acne.

Key benefits of The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

• -Moderate-strength Retinoid
• -Low risk of irritation for Retinol skincare
• -Lightweight, creamy emulsion
• -Can treat a variety of skin conditions, including pigmentation, ageing, and acne
• -Helps prevent the formation of wrinkles
• -30ml

What is Retinoid?

‘Retinoid’ is a broad name for any product that contains a derivative of Vitamin A. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% contains two different forms of Retinoids that are easily absorbed by the skin. This product causes less irritation than traditional forms of Retinoid.

The main active Retinoid is Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR), a specific and advanced form of Retinoid that works harder to diminish signs of ageing whilst being more gentle on skin. This is blended with a form of pure Retinol in a protective capsule system, which aids the delivery of the HPR.

How does The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion work?

This anti-ageing serum from The Ordinary works by accelerating the rate of skin cell turnover, making way for newer, fresher, and healthier cell growth underneath. It also helps to slow down the degeneration of collagen in the skin, the main protein for youthful-looking skin, and helps to prevent the formation of dynamic facial folds and wrinkles. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion can help with pigmentation, dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, and active breakouts.

How to use The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Introducing Retinoids into your skincare routine slowly is important to prevent irritation and sensitivity. Start with just once a week, and then slowly increase usage up to a maximum of four times a week. The emulsion should only be applied at night, because Retinol can heighten skin sensitivity to UVA and UVB rays. A daytime sunscreen is always recommended when using this product.

Apply the emulsion after water-based serums and before oils and heavier creams. Do not use this product along with other Retinoid treatments.

Who should use The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion?

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is suitable for anyone who is concerned about skin texture, acne breakouts, ageing skin, or pigmentation. Retinoids should be avoided when pregnant or breastfeeding and should not be used on very sensitive, damaged, or compromised skin.

How does Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion compare to other The Ordinary skincare products?

In 2017, The Ordinary expanded its collection of Retinoid products to introduce new formulations and strengths. Advanced Retinoid 2% was renamed to Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion to fit in with the new naming conventions of the extended range.

Here is a breakdown of the different Retinoid formulas The Ordinary currently makes:

Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane (Moderate Strength, No Irritation)

Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane (High Strength, No to Low Irritation)

Retinol 0.2% in Squalane (Low Strength, Moderate Irritation)

Retinol 0.5% in Squalane (Moderate Strength, High Irritation)

Retinol 1% in Squalane (High Strength, Very High Irritation)

The Granactive Retinoid collection uses the same delivery system for the same active ingredient, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR), a less harsh alternative to retinoic acid but a relatively new creation in the skincare world. The remaining three products use pure Retinol, a tried and tested ingredient, which, once applied, needs to be converted by the body in order to deliver benefits. Retinol can cause irritation, so it is important to introduce it slowly into your skincare routine.

Does The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion help with acne?

Retinol for acne is a great way to both minimise active breakouts and prevent future breakouts from occurring. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion helps to accelerate skin cell turnover to minimise the longevity of acne whilst promoting healthier skin cell growth for a clearer complexion.

Is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion good for scars and pigmentation?

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a great product to include in a routine for treating scarring and pigmentation, as it helps to speed up skin cell turnover for newer and fresher skin. The emulsion works particularly well for fading scars and pigmentation when used in conjunction with a vitamin C product.

Is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion good for rosacea?

When looking for new methods and products to minimise and treat rosacea, it is always recommended that you consult a doctor first. Whilst the emulsion can help with the symptoms and appearance of rosacea, it may further irritation, particularly on those who have extremely dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin.

Is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion comedogenic?

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion contains acne-reducing ingredients, so despite its light oil base, it is non-comedogenic and suitable for those with congested skin.

Is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion good for wrinkles?

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion has anti-ageing properties, making it an excellent product for treating and minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoids are known as being one of the only ingredients to not only prevent premature ageing but actively reverse it too.

Is good for dark spots?

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a great product to assist in treating dark spots, especially when used in conjunction with a vitamin C serum.