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The Ordinary · Skin · Retinol and retinal

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

Retinal in a yellow night emulsion, the maker's strongest retinoid and meant for experienced users. Owners' biggest gripe is the color it leaves on their face and pillowcases.

15 mlEmulsionRetinalBisabololErgothioneineFragrance-free
$14.90 MSRPAmazon price not shown
Check price on Amazon →

Amazon link · we earn a commission if you buy · $14.90 MSRP · Amazon price not shown · verified Nov 1, 2026. More stores appear here as each affiliate program approves the site.

Buy it if

  • You already use a retinoid and want the maker's strongest
  • You will start once a week, as the maker directs
  • You want no added fragrance

Walk past if

  • You are new to retinoids; the maker points you to milder ones
  • You own white pillowcases; owners report yellow stains
  • You are fair and would mind a yellow tint overnight

What's in it

The ingredients that do the work, from the maker’s label.

RetinalBisabololErgothioneine

Retinol and retinal guide →Sulfate-free →Fragrance-free →

Not in it: fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohol, sulfates. Nothing on our flag list.

Full ingredient list, from the maker

Aqua (Water), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyapatite, Retinal, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ergothioneine, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Bisabolol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Hexyldecanol, Maltodextrin, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin

Known issue

Owners report the yellow formula tints skin and leaves stains on pillowcases that will not wash out, and some report breakouts or peeling.Ulta and Sephora reviews

What owners say

Filled by the research pass: two or three owner reports from named venues, each linked, each with the date it was read.

If it's not right

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum$21.99 MSRPEncapsulated retinol with niacinamide and ceramides, for night use. Some reviewers call it a gentle first retinol, but the strength is not on the label.CeraVe Moisturizing CreamNo maker list price for this sizeThree ceramides, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid and petrolatum in a thick cream for face and body. The plain standard for dry skin, developed with dermatologists according to the maker.

Sources

  1. Maker's US page: ingredient list, 15 ml list price, experienced-user guidance, weekly start and a note on residual color.
  2. Ulta reviews, about 970: yellow staining of skin and fabric is the leading complaint, followed by breakouts.
  3. Sephora reviews, about 700: ruined white pillowcases, a yellow face, little change in wrinkles and one bad breakout after two months.

Ingredient lists from the maker's label, not our measurements.