The Ordinary

Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 30ml

Name: The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 30ml
Brand: The Ordinary

30ml

Quick Summary

Best forNot stated by the brand

Worth notingNo fragrance listed

Key ingredientsRetinol, Bisabolol, Glycerin

OverallRetinol 0.2% in Squalane is a skincare product from The Ordinary built around 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

25 of 31 ingredients identifiedNo fragrance listed

Key ingredients

Retinol Bisabolol Glycerin

Full ingredient list (31) — tap a highlighted ingredient to learn more

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

Show the other 21 ingredients

Dimethyl Isosorbide Humectant & solvent All skin types
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
Xanthan Gum Natural thickener Generally gentle
Acacia Senegal Gum Natural thickener Generally gentle
Cetyl Palmitate Emollient & skin softener Generally gentle
Sucrose Laurate
Polysorbate 20 Emulsifier & solubiliser All skin types
Behentrimonium Chloride
Potassium Citrate
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Chelator & stabiliser All skin types
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 Retinol 0.2% in Squalane fragrance-free?

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

Does The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 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 Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 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.