The Ordinary

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Name: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Brand: The Ordinary

Quick Summary

Best forNot stated by the brand

Worth notingNo fragrance listed

Key ingredientsRetinol, Bisabolol, Glycerin

OverallThe Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a moisturiser whose standout ingredients are retinol (anti-ageing), bisabolol (soothing) and glycerin (hydrating). No fragrance is listed in its ingredients. Because it contains a retinoid, wear sunscreen during the day.

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Ingredient Analysis

23 of 28 ingredients identifiedNo fragrance listed

Key ingredients

Retinol Bisabolol Glycerin

Full ingredient list (28) — tap a highlighted ingredient to learn more

Aqua (Water) Solvent & base Generally gentle
Ethyl Linoleate
Propanediol Humectant & solvent All skin types
Glycerin Humectant & moisturiser Generally gentle
Cetearyl Isononanoate Emollient & skin softener Generally gentle
Bisabolol Soothing botanical Generally gentle
Retinol Cell turnover & anti-ageing Sensitive skin caution
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate Cell turnover & anti-ageing Sensitive skin caution
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract Plant extracts Generally gentle
Dimethyl Isosorbide Humectant & solvent All skin types

Show the other 18 ingredients

Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier & emollient Generally gentle
Ceteareth-12 Emulsifier & texture aid All skin types
Ceteareth-20 Emulsifier & texture aid All skin types
Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient & thickener Generally gentle
Carrageenan
Acacia Senegal Gum Natural thickener Generally gentle
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Emollient & skin softener Generally gentle
Cetyl Palmitate Emollient & skin softener Generally gentle
Sucrose Laurate
Polysorbate 20 Emulsifier & solubiliser All skin types
Behentrimonium Chloride
Disodium EDTA Chelator & stabiliser All skin types
Dehydroacetic Acid Preservative All skin types
Benzoic Acid Preservative All skin types
Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative All skin types
Phenoxyethanol Preservative All skin types
Chlorphenesin Preservative All skin types

Ingredients from the Boots.com listing, checked 19 Oct 2026, in INCI order. Brands reformulate, so check the pack if you react to an ingredient. Highlighted ingredients link to our guide. Informational only — not medical advice.

Common questions

Is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion fragrance-free?

Yes. No fragrance, essential oils or fragrance allergens are listed in its ingredients.

Does The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion contain alcohol?

No drying alcohol (alcohol denat. or ethanol) is listed. It does contain cetearyl alcohol: a fatty alcohol that softens and thickens the formula and isn't drying.

Is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion safe for fungal acne?

It contains 5 ingredients that fungal-acne (Malassezia) guides usually avoid: fatty-acid esters & glycerides (ethyl linoleate, glyceryl stearate, cetyl palmitate, sucrose laurate); polysorbates (polysorbate 20). How much they matter depends on the amount and the rest of the formula. The evidence comes mainly from lab studies of yeast growth, and fungal acne needs a diagnosis from a GP or dermatologist.