The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion: Dermatocare review
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, formulated with Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol (combined concentration 2%), is for advanced users, is aligned to Oily, Combination/Normal and Dry skin, and best suited for Fine lines/Wrinkles.
Overview
Skin type Oily, Combination/Normal, Dry
Skin concern Fine lines/Wrinkles
Specs Premium, Fragrance Free, Silicone free, INCI Listed on Website
Life stage
Formula highlight
- Retinoid type: Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol (combined concentration 2%)
- Hydrating ingredients - Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Glycerin
- Soothing ingredients - Bisabolol, Inulin
- Antioxidant ingredient - Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Keep in mind
- Dropper/open jar packaging can reduce retinoid efficacy; airtight packing is preferred.
People also ask
This product complies with all applicable cosmetic safety regulations. Evaluations provided are based on Dermatocare's independent database criteria, which apply stricter benchmarks than standard regulatory guidelines.
No because it contains Retinaldehyde / Granactive Retinoid/Retinol >0.2% which is intended for advanced users with skin already acclimated to retinoids.
Sensitive skin Cautious use: Contains ingredients flagged in our database as common contact sensitizers. Performing a 24-hour patch test is recommended prior to use.
Pregnancy: Avoid retinol and all prescription retinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Refer to our Pregnancy Ingredient Database for full details.
Teens: Avoid retinol because its primary purpose is anti-aging which is unnecessary for young skin and can damage a healthy skin barrier. Refer to Teen Skincare Guide for full details.
No. It does not contain any ingredients currently flagged under Dermatocare's internal evaluation criteria. Refer to our Ingredients Under Review Guide for full database benchmarks.
No. It does not contain ingredients currently flagged for environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, or aquatic toxicity under Dermatocare's database criteria. Refer to our Environmental Screening Guide for full evaluation benchmarks.
Ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Isoceteth-20, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Behentrimonium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Source: https://theordinary.com/en-us/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion-serum-100419.html
Date: 14 September 2026
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Disclaimer
The information, ratings, and recommendations provided on Dermatocare — including ingredient safety scoring, suitability tags, and dermatologist insights — are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical diagnosis, treatment, or a doctor-patient relationship. Product assessments are based on publicly available ingredient lists and scientific literature; formulations may change without notice, and Dermatocare does not assume liability for inaccuracies, adverse reactions, or product misuse.
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