The Ordinary

Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Anti-Aging Serum 15ml

Name: The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Anti-Aging Serum 15ml
Brand: The Ordinary

15ml

Quick Summary

Best forNot stated by the brand

Worth notingNo fragrance listed

Key ingredientsRetinol, Ergothioneine, Bisabolol

OverallThe Ordinary's Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Anti-Aging Serum is a serum whose standout ingredients are retinol (anti-ageing), ergothioneine (antioxidant) and bisabolol (soothing). No fragrance is listed in its ingredients. Because it contains a retinoid, wear sunscreen during the day.

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Ingredient Analysis

26 of 32 ingredients identifiedNo fragrance listed

Key ingredients

Retinol Ergothioneine Bisabolol

Full ingredient list (32) — tap a highlighted ingredient to learn more

Aqua (Water) Solvent & base Generally gentle
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Emollient & skin softener Generally gentle
Propanediol Humectant & solvent All skin types
Pentylene Glycol Humectant & solvent All skin types
Hydroxyapatite
Retinal Cell turnover & anti-ageing Sensitive skin caution
Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Ergothioneine Antioxidant Generally gentle

Show the other 22 ingredients · 2 with a caution note

Biosaccharide Gum-1 Thickener & gel former All skin types
Bisabolol Soothing botanical Generally gentle
Brassica Campestris Sterols
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract Plant extracts Generally gentle
Butylene Glycol Humectant & solvent Generally gentle
Isohexadecane Lightweight emollient & spreadability All skin types
Hexyldecanol
Maltodextrin Binders & carriers Generally gentle
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum Natural thickener Generally gentle
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Texture & smoothing agents All skin types
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Thickener & gel former All skin types
Stearic Acid Fatty acid & emollient Generally gentle
Isoceteth-20 Emulsifier & texture aid All skin types
Polysorbate 60 Emulsifier & solubiliser All skin types
Ascorbyl Palmitate Antioxidant & brightening Generally gentle
Tocopherol Antioxidant & conditioning Generally gentle
Lactic Acid Gentle AHA exfoliant Sensitive skin caution
Sodium Lactate Gentle AHA exfoliant Sensitive skin caution
Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster 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 Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Anti-Aging Serum fragrance-free?

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

Does The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Anti-Aging Serum contain alcohol?

No drying alcohol (alcohol denat. or ethanol) is listed.

Is The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Anti-Aging Serum safe for fungal acne?

It contains 3 ingredients that fungal-acne (Malassezia) guides usually avoid: fatty acids (stearic acid); fatty-acid esters & glycerides (ascorbyl palmitate); polysorbates (polysorbate 60). 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.