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The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion bottle and box
The Ordinary

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Retinoid Serum 30 ml
7.9OUT OF 10
Great formula

Formula has a high safety profile. Suitable for most skin types.

24
Safe
5
Caution
0
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety10/10
Barrier support7.1/10
Acne-safe7.3/10
Active treatment2.2/10

Our verdict

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is The Ordinary's answer to the perennial complaint about retinoids — that the results come bundled with weeks of peeling and redness. It uses a 2% blend of hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR, the 'Granactive' ester) with a little encapsulated retinol, delivered in a soothing, glycerin-rich emulsion with bisabolol to calm. HPR is a newer-generation retinoid that binds retinoic acid receptors directly and is notably gentler than classic retinol, so this is one of the easiest ways to start a retinoid: most people can use it with minimal irritation. The trade-off is the honest one for the whole HPR category — the gentleness comes with less robust long-term clinical evidence than well-studied retinol and prescription retinoids. Realistically, expect gradual improvements in smoothness, tone and fine lines over months, not the transformative results of tretinoin. It is an excellent beginner and sensitive-skin retinoid, and a sensible nightly step, but seasoned users chasing maximum anti-aging payoff may eventually want a stronger retinol or a prescription option. As always with retinoids, pair it with diligent daytime sunscreen.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationsoothingbarrier supportanti-aging
Best for
dry and dehydrated skinmost skin types
Not enough for
visible hyperpigmentation

Key ingredients

Glycerinattracts and retains moistureCetearyl Isononanoatesupports skin comfortBisabololsupports skin comfortHydroxypinacolone Retinoatesupports skin comfort

Full ingredient list (31)

Aqua/waterGlycerinEthyl LinoleatePropanediolCaprylic/capric TriglycerideCetearyl IsononanoateBisabololHydroxypinacolone RetinoateRetinolTasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/leaf ExtractDimethyl IsosorbideInulin Lauryl CarbamateGlyceryl StearateCeteareth-12Ceteareth-20Cetearyl AlcoholCarrageenanXanthan GumAcacia Senegal GumCetyl PalmitateSucrose LauratePolysorbate 20Behentrimonium ChloridePotassium CitrateTrisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateDisodium EDTADehydroacetic AcidBenzoic AcidEthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanolChlorphenesin

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Frequently asked

Is Granactive Retinoid gentler than retinol?
Generally yes. Hydroxypinacolone retinoate (the 'Granactive' retinoid) tends to cause less peeling, redness and irritation than an equivalent retinol, which makes this a good entry point for beginners and sensitive skin. The gentler action is also why its long-term evidence base is smaller than retinol's.
How do I use it and do I still need sunscreen?
Apply a small amount to dry skin at night, after cleansing and before heavier moisturizers. Start two to three nights a week and build up. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential with any retinoid — they increase sun sensitivity and UV also degrades your results.
Will it give the same results as prescription retinoids?
No. It is meaningfully gentler, and correspondingly less potent than tretinoin or high-strength retinol. Expect gradual improvement in tone, smoothness and fine lines over months. If you want maximum anti-aging results and your skin tolerates it, a stronger retinoid is the more powerful choice.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

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