Skincare can often come with a hefty price tag, but The Ordinary has earned a spot on beauty editors' watch lists with its affordable, no-frills formulas. The brand's retinal 0.2% emulsion, now priced at £13.68 on Amazon, is a potent, pocket-sized serum that promises to firm and fill lacklustre skin thanks to its vitamin A-derived formula.
The key difference between retinol and retinal lies in the vitamin A cycle: retinal is further along, meaning it works faster on fine lines and boosts cell turnover. While competitors like Medik8, Kate Somerville and Naturium charge around £50 for similar products, The Ordinary offers a more affordable—and, in some cases, more effective—alternative.
Beauty editor Lucy Partington tested the product for a review of the best retinol creams and found it 'the most affordable and effective retinal formula'. She praised the addition of calming oats to combat potential irritation and noted that it is suitable for all skin types. Partington added that only a pea-sized amount is needed a couple of times a week, meaning a tube should last several months.
Experts recommend introducing the retinal gradually into your nightly routine, increasing and decreasing use at your skin's pace to minimise any reactions. With its solid, fragrance-free formula and budget-friendly price, The Ordinary's retinal is a standout choice for those seeking effective anti-ageing skincare without the bells and whistles.
