---
product_id: 617991966
title: "Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, High-Strength Retinoid Serum for Advanced Anti-Aging Support, 0.5 Fl Oz"
brand: "the ordinary"
price: "£17.06"
currency: GBP
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "The Ordinary"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/617991966-retinal-0-2-emulsion-high-strength-retinoid-serum-for-advanced
store_origin: GB
region: United Kingdom
---

# Visible firming & smoothing after just 2 uses 0.2% high-strength retinal concentration Vegan, cruelty-free & clean formula Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, High-Strength Retinoid Serum for Advanced Anti-Aging Support, 0.5 Fl Oz

**Brand:** the ordinary
**Price:** £17.06
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> ✨ Unlock timeless skin with science-backed retinal power!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, High-Strength Retinoid Serum for Advanced Anti-Aging Support, 0.5 Fl Oz by the ordinary
- **How much does it cost?** £17.06 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/617991966-retinal-0-2-emulsion-high-strength-retinoid-serum-for-advanced)

## Best For

- the ordinary enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted the ordinary brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Rapid Skin Renewal:** Noticeably firms and smooths skin texture after only two applications
- • **Vitamin A Efficiency:** Retinaldehyde is one step closer to bioactive Vitamin A than retinol for superior efficacy
- • **Clean Beauty Commitment:** Formulated free from alcohol, oils, silicones, gluten, and cruelty
- • **Beginner-Friendly Potency:** Gentle enough for retinoid newcomers with gradual usage guidance
- • **Power-Packed Retinal 0.2%:** Delivers advanced anti-aging results without irritation

## Overview

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is a high-strength, fragrance-free retinoid serum designed for advanced anti-aging support. It visibly firms and smooths skin, reducing dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles after just two uses. Featuring retinaldehyde, a potent Vitamin A derivative, it offers superior efficacy with a clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formula ideal for all skin types, especially those new to retinoids.

## Description

Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is a very high strength retinoid formula that rapidly firms and smooths skin, while noticeably reducing the appearance of dark spots. It helps refine skin texture, while targeting uneven tone and boosting luminosity for brighter, more even-looking skin. With a high 0.2% concentration of retinal, Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is able to noticeably improve skin firmness and improve the look of lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles. The serum-textured formula is suitable for all skin types, and is recommended for experienced users of retinoids. If you are new to using retinoids, we recommend exploring the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, or the Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, and progressing to higher strengths as your skin builds tolerance. For more tips on how to use Retinoids, be sure to explore our Retinoid Guide. Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) is a well-studied retinoid that offers more efficient delivery of the most direct form of vitamin A molecules than retinol, thanks to being 1 conversion step closer to the bioactive form of vitamin A. The bright yellow hue of the formula comes from the high concentration of retinal, which is naturally yellow. This may leave some residual colour on skin and light coloured fabrics, which can be minimised by allowing the product to fully absorb, and skin to dry before making contact with light-coloured fabrics. This residual colour can be removed by washing skin with water, and washing fabrics with your regular detergent according to their care instructions. This product uses an airless pump, which can sometimes require priming before the product will dispense on first use. If your pump does not dispense product after 10 pumps, turn the product upside down and tap the cap end firmly on a hard surface a few times.

Review: Takes a little time, like any OTC retinoid, but it's incredible. - I was a retinoid latecomer, in fact a latecomer to skincare as a whole, not doing anything special until I was 40. By then some damage had already appeared in the form of noticeably thinning skin (I saw capillaries scattered around my face, and this made me look older than any other sign of aging I was experiencing), fine lines, and discolored spots. I wanted to get on the strongest things I could as soon as possible. I began with The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% emulsion, because I'd read it was a beginner-friendly gentle option, but I had the goal of jumping to this retinaldehyde emulsion all along. I'm not 28, after all! (I need to emphasize that middle-aged and older women will see more benefits from strong retinoids like this than younger women, like under 35. Y'all have good enough skin that the changes you'll see are less extreme than what we'll see.) My skin is not sensitive, so I was able to upgrade to this retinal just 6 months after using the granactive. I now use it 6 nights out of 7 with no irritation. The 7th night is exfoliation. I'm not saying everyone will be able to do that, but this is gentle enough - in contrast with conventional retinol - that you might. I have somewhat oily skin, which helps; I expect it'd be drying otherwise, and I do have to put on extra moisturizer in the winter. (But don't we all?) I also apply sunscreen to my face every single day without exception. If you use retinoids and you don't do that, you'll regret it and you won't see the benefits of the retinaldehyde because the sun's radiation will undo them. Yes, the product is yellow. Yes, it leaves a faint cast behind. But that's another reason to apply it at night. It may stain your pillows; I haven't really looked at that, but they get stained with sebum, hair product, and sweat anyway... and they're pillows. You rest your head on them for 8 hours. They're not going to be pristine forever. ...In any case, I apply this directly after cleansing, and it takes about a minute to dry on my face. After that I can apply my moisturizer. I have not found that this retinal causes pimples for me at all. I've been a little afraid of TO's squalane retinoid formulations for that reason. This one doesn't cause breakouts for me. In fact, I had a pimple pop up more frequently with the granactive emulsion. I basically have none with this retinal. After not quite a year, it has begun to noticeably smooth the fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes. Honestly, I have to look to even see them now. My skin's texture is smoother, it's thickened enough that I no longer see capillaries scattered on my face, I have hardly any discoloration, it feels silkier, and I can tell the skin is turning over faster, as it should be. If I do develop a bump or blemish of some kind, it's gone within 24 hours, no exceptions. This selfie is what I look like without any makeup, filters, or photo retouching. Yes, I'm 42. Yes, I get unsolicited compliments, for the first time in years. This is a fantastic product, and if you're in the age group of needing it, you have the patience to wait for results, AND you use it correctly (SPF, people, SPF), you should see your face change markedly. I hope The Ordinary never discontinues this, unless it's to introduce a new retinal formula, because I don't want to shell out 5-10 times this price for someone else's retinal.
Review: I am blown away - I've used The Ordinary products for years. Mostly just the basic skin care like for cleanser, serum and moisturizer, and Ive always loved it. Everything is great and its always reliable. And affordable! I am 39 with skin thats starting to show signs of aging but still a pretty prevalent acne issue. Its hard dealing with both because different areas of my face needed vastly different things. I was on trentinoin for years. While it worked excellent, its expensive. $65/m for just the trentinoin, not including all the other skincare. I have been trying to cut my budget down (who isnt?), and it had to go. Some retinol formulations I have tried are extremely expensive and really honestly not effective. I figured that The Ordinary has been a mainstay in my skincare for years now, so I may as well try it and if it doesnt work it's not like I wasted a ton of money. This stuff is AMAZING. I mean... I really want to say it's more effective than my trentinoin. I have been using retinol and trentinoin for about 12 years now. The formulation of this is excellent. It will purge your skin when you start. That's how you know its working. Once the initial phase works through, and with consistent application, you WILL see a massive difference. Even instantly after application it improve the look and feel of my skin, but the lasting effects come with consistent use. However they formulate this makes is so effective but also makes your skin look and feel great after just applying it. It isn't over-drying to my skin personally but like I said I suffer from a lot of breakouts still, and I also have been using very high rx levels of trentinoin amd retinol for over a decade. They also have a retinol in squalane oil and it's amazing for if your skin is feeling dry. I live in a very cold, windy and dry climate most of the year and was still able to use this and the retinol in squalane all winter without overdrying. But I do also follow with Orindays rich moisturizer and will use different serums for whether my skin feels dry or not. I am so wildly impressed by the results I got with this for the price!!!!! Even other drugstore brand retinol skincare costs much more and isn't a fraction of as effective as this. I never thought id find a replacement for trentinoin until I was able to afford ro restart my prescription again. Not only did I find it but it's unbelievably affordable and on desertcart. I cannot recommend this enough for acne prone or aging skin. If theres one skincare item I'd make sure everyone over 30-35 years old had access to, it would be this. I am SO grateful for The Ordinary for making excellent quality and reliable products for years that are so extremely affordable. They changed the game. Even when I am in the best spot financially, spending that much on luxury skincare can be incredibly hard. The Ordinary makes incredible skincare accessible to so many more people and I am genuinely grateful for them never having raised their prices dramatically, if at all.

## Features

- HIGH-STRENGTH RETINOID FORMULA: Retinal 0.2% Emulsion firms and smooths skin after 2 uses, reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- ADVANCED AGE SUPPORT: Targets common signs of aging, including crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
- EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF VITAMIN A: Retinaldehyde, is 1 step closer to the bioactive form of Vitamin A than retinol, making it ideal for experienced retinoid users.
- APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry face and neck in the evening. Start with weekly use, increasing frequency as skin tolerates. Avoid contact with eyes.
- FREE FROM: Cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, alcohol-free, oil-free, and silicone-free formulation.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0CZ5VG3L1 |
| Active Ingredients | Retinol, lactic_acid |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,256 in Beauty & Personal Care ( See Top 100 in Beauty & Personal Care ) #72 in Facial Serums |
| Brand | The Ordinary |
| Brand Name | The Ordinary |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,616 Reviews |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00769915233353 |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Volume | 0.5 Fluid Ounces |
| Item Weight | 14 Grams |
| Manufacturer | DECIEM |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 769915233353 |
| Material Features | Cruelty Free, Vegan |
| Material Type Free | Aluminum Free, Coaltar Free, Silicone Free, Sulfate Free |
| Model Number | 769915233353 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Product Benefits | Firms and smooths skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Anti-aging |
| Scent | Fragrance Free |
| Scent Name | Fragrance Free |
| Skin Tone | All |
| Skin Type | All |
| Special Ingredients | Retinol |
| Target Use Body Part | Face |
| UPC | 769915233353 |
| Use for | Face |

## Product Details

- **Product Benefits:** Firms and smooths skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- **Scent:** Fragrance Free
- **Skin Type:** All
- **Special Ingredients:** Retinol
- **Use for:** Face

## Images

![Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, High-Strength Retinoid Serum for Advanced Anti-Aging Support, 0.5 Fl Oz - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kkknfTLIL.jpg)
![Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, High-Strength Retinoid Serum for Advanced Anti-Aging Support, 0.5 Fl Oz - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71QFUcR3qsL.jpg)
![Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, High-Strength Retinoid Serum for Advanced Anti-Aging Support, 0.5 Fl Oz - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/612m5PySmFL.jpg)
![Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, High-Strength Retinoid Serum for Advanced Anti-Aging Support, 0.5 Fl Oz - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/9175DsQK5wL.jpg)
![Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, High-Strength Retinoid Serum for Advanced Anti-Aging Support, 0.5 Fl Oz - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/719ffcmaCgL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: How does Retinal 0.2% Emulsion support skin concerns?**
A: The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion targets signs of aging, uneven skin tone, and textural irregularities. This high-strength retinoid formulation helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while smoothing the skin’s texture.

**Q: When should I use Retinal 0.2% Emulsion?**
A: We recommend applying The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion in the Treat stage of your PM routine—after water-based serums and before heavier creams.

**Q: Can I use Retinal 0.2% Emulsion with other ingredients?**
A: The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion should not be used with other retinoids, direct acids, or vitamin C.

**Q: Is Retinal 0.2% Emulsion suitable for sensitive skin?**
A: Advanced retinoid formulations may cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin. We recommend performing a patch test before full application to rule out sensitivity.

**Q: Does Retinal 0.2% Emulsion increase sun sensitivity?**
A: Yes, this formulation can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun so we recommend it for PM use only. We strongly advise wearing sunscreen if using this product during the day.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Takes a little time, like any OTC retinoid, but it's incredible.
*by A***. on May 16, 2026*

I was a retinoid latecomer, in fact a latecomer to skincare as a whole, not doing anything special until I was 40. By then some damage had already appeared in the form of noticeably thinning skin (I saw capillaries scattered around my face, and this made me look older than any other sign of aging I was experiencing), fine lines, and discolored spots. I wanted to get on the strongest things I could as soon as possible. I began with The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% emulsion, because I'd read it was a beginner-friendly gentle option, but I had the goal of jumping to this retinaldehyde emulsion all along. I'm not 28, after all! (I need to emphasize that middle-aged and older women will see more benefits from strong retinoids like this than younger women, like under 35. Y'all have good enough skin that the changes you'll see are less extreme than what we'll see.) My skin is not sensitive, so I was able to upgrade to this retinal just 6 months after using the granactive. I now use it 6 nights out of 7 with no irritation. The 7th night is exfoliation. I'm not saying everyone will be able to do that, but this is gentle enough - in contrast with conventional retinol - that you might. I have somewhat oily skin, which helps; I expect it'd be drying otherwise, and I do have to put on extra moisturizer in the winter. (But don't we all?) I also apply sunscreen to my face every single day without exception. If you use retinoids and you don't do that, you'll regret it and you won't see the benefits of the retinaldehyde because the sun's radiation will undo them. Yes, the product is yellow. Yes, it leaves a faint cast behind. But that's another reason to apply it at night. It may stain your pillows; I haven't really looked at that, but they get stained with sebum, hair product, and sweat anyway... and they're pillows. You rest your head on them for 8 hours. They're not going to be pristine forever. ...In any case, I apply this directly after cleansing, and it takes about a minute to dry on my face. After that I can apply my moisturizer. I have not found that this retinal causes pimples for me at all. I've been a little afraid of TO's squalane retinoid formulations for that reason. This one doesn't cause breakouts for me. In fact, I had a pimple pop up more frequently with the granactive emulsion. I basically have none with this retinal. After not quite a year, it has begun to noticeably smooth the fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes. Honestly, I have to look to even see them now. My skin's texture is smoother, it's thickened enough that I no longer see capillaries scattered on my face, I have hardly any discoloration, it feels silkier, and I can tell the skin is turning over faster, as it should be. If I do develop a bump or blemish of some kind, it's gone within 24 hours, no exceptions. This selfie is what I look like without any makeup, filters, or photo retouching. Yes, I'm 42. Yes, I get unsolicited compliments, for the first time in years. This is a fantastic product, and if you're in the age group of needing it, you have the patience to wait for results, AND you use it correctly (SPF, people, SPF), you should see your face change markedly. I hope The Ordinary never discontinues this, unless it's to introduce a new retinal formula, because I don't want to shell out 5-10 times this price for someone else's retinal.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am blown away
*by R***O on April 13, 2026*

I've used The Ordinary products for years. Mostly just the basic skin care like for cleanser, serum and moisturizer, and Ive always loved it. Everything is great and its always reliable. And affordable! I am 39 with skin thats starting to show signs of aging but still a pretty prevalent acne issue. Its hard dealing with both because different areas of my face needed vastly different things. I was on trentinoin for years. While it worked excellent, its expensive. $65/m for just the trentinoin, not including all the other skincare. I have been trying to cut my budget down (who isnt?), and it had to go. Some retinol formulations I have tried are extremely expensive and really honestly not effective. I figured that The Ordinary has been a mainstay in my skincare for years now, so I may as well try it and if it doesnt work it's not like I wasted a ton of money. This stuff is AMAZING. I mean... I really want to say it's more effective than my trentinoin. I have been using retinol and trentinoin for about 12 years now. The formulation of this is excellent. It will purge your skin when you start. That's how you know its working. Once the initial phase works through, and with consistent application, you WILL see a massive difference. Even instantly after application it improve the look and feel of my skin, but the lasting effects come with consistent use. However they formulate this makes is so effective but also makes your skin look and feel great after just applying it. It isn't over-drying to my skin personally but like I said I suffer from a lot of breakouts still, and I also have been using very high rx levels of trentinoin amd retinol for over a decade. They also have a retinol in squalane oil and it's amazing for if your skin is feeling dry. I live in a very cold, windy and dry climate most of the year and was still able to use this and the retinol in squalane all winter without overdrying. But I do also follow with Orindays rich moisturizer and will use different serums for whether my skin feels dry or not. I am so wildly impressed by the results I got with this for the price!!!!! Even other drugstore brand retinol skincare costs much more and isn't a fraction of as effective as this. I never thought id find a replacement for trentinoin until I was able to afford ro restart my prescription again. Not only did I find it but it's unbelievably affordable and on Amazon. I cannot recommend this enough for acne prone or aging skin. If theres one skincare item I'd make sure everyone over 30-35 years old had access to, it would be this. I am SO grateful for The Ordinary for making excellent quality and reliable products for years that are so extremely affordable. They changed the game. Even when I am in the best spot financially, spending that much on luxury skincare can be incredibly hard. The Ordinary makes incredible skincare accessible to so many more people and I am genuinely grateful for them never having raised their prices dramatically, if at all.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great for Cell Turnover and Smoother Under-Eye Texture
*by K***E on April 24, 2026*

I have been very pleased with this retinal emulsion so far. It has made a noticeable difference in my skin’s overall texture and has especially helped with cell turnover, leaving my complexion looking smoother and more refined. One area where I have seen the biggest improvement is the tiny milia under my eyes, which appear less prominent with continued use. This is definitely a stronger formula, so a little goes a long way. I have noticed it can create a temporary tightening or slightly dry feeling after application, so following with a rich moisturizer is essential. Layering moisturizer on top also helps offset the slight yellow tint this product can leave on the skin immediately after use. Thankfully my skin seems to tolerate it very well with no major irritation, but as with any retinal product, daily SPF is non-negotiable while using it. Overall, this is an effective anti-aging and resurfacing treatment at a very reasonable price point. If you are looking to improve texture, encourage faster skin renewal, and target small stubborn bumps like milia, this is a great addition to a nighttime routine.

## Frequently Bought Together

- The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, High-Strength Retinoid Serum for Advanced Anti-Aging Support, 0.5 Fl Oz
- The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, Depuffing Eye Serum for Dark Circles and Tired Eyes
- The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%, Serum Good for Reducing the Appearance of Fine Lines, 1 Fl Oz

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/617991966-retinal-0-2-emulsion-high-strength-retinoid-serum-for-advanced](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/617991966-retinal-0-2-emulsion-high-strength-retinoid-serum-for-advanced)

---

*Product available on Desertcart United Kingdom*
*Store origin: GB*
*Last updated: 2026-05-29*