It’s been a hot minute since I last came up with a post! Apologies for the silence – I’ve been awfully overwhelmed with work recently. One of my more analytical projects has been taking up most of my mental energy, so I’m always drained at the end of the day. I was even on sick leave today but had to help finish a presentation… I am not a role model to follow, kids. LOL.
Today I will be sharing my thoughts on The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion [previously known as Advanced Retinoid 2% Emulsion], graciously gifted to me by Beautefully PH. I started using this in late January this year and been using it regularly since then.
Claims
The following information is from Deciem’s website:
This formulation combines two forms of next-generation retinoid actives:
- A 2% concentration of Granactive Retinoid which is a complex of solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate [HPR]. HPR is a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of aging than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid;
- A sustained-delivery form of pure retinol in a protective capsule system which supports both the delivery and the effect of Granactive Retinoid.
Both forms of retinoid used avoid the irritation associated with retinoids [including retinol] use while delivering better visible results against signs of aging.
This product uses next-generation retinoid active technologies which have been shown to achieve better reduction in signs of aging than retinol without irritation. These technologies cannot be compared directly with retinol itself in terms of concentration because they include a different retinoid molecule, in a similar way that Retinol cannot be compared with Retinoic Acid in terms of concentration.
Ingredients
Aqua [Water], Glycerin, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 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, Behentrimonium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Packaging
The product comes in an amber dropper bottle to protect it from UV exposure, which could degrade its effectiveness. The dropper doesn’t fill up all the way – I’d say 3/4s – but I never found myself needing a 100% full dropper’s worth of product. The bottle comes in a simple box and product information is printed in both English and French.
Appearance
The emulsion is creamy but runny and has a very light yellow tint. Don’t be fooled by its thick appearance because the product spreads onto the skin nicely and settles into a nice, light, satiny finish.
Usage
I was able to test this on its own and also alternated it with other retinoids, specifically Epiduo and now 0.05% Retin-A [tretinoin]. I used to use this right after cleansing, treating it like any other active, but I had a hard time layering subsequent products over it when done that way. I learned to apply it after the toner step instead. I did not notice any decrease in efficacy when layered after toners. That’s how Deciem recommends using the product too, after all. I do make sure to wait at least 15 minutes after application, though, just to let the product sink in.
It’s important to note that retinoids and retinols should be used only at night because exposure to UV rays will render them ineffective.
Experience
These are some of the questions that I received while using the Granactive Retinoid, so I thought it would be clearer to do an FAQ-style for sharing my experiences on the product:
Is it gentle enough to be used for beginners? This is a very tricky question to answer because skincare is a very personal and subjective experience. The Granactive Retinoid was gentle for me despite being my first retinoid product, but that might be because my skin is very stubborn and already used to actives/acids. There was no peeling or sensitization with this retinoid. It felt just like any other emulsion, but with more potent effects. It proved to be a gentle retinoid option for me, but I cannot say for sure for others.
Did it help with hormonal cystic acne? Yes, but only to some extent. My hormonal cystic acne has always been tough to fend off by using skincare products so I didn’t really set any high expectations with the Granactive Retinoid. I still heavily rely on Epiduo [then] and Retin-A [now] for my acne.
However, I found the Granactive Retinoid helpful in fighting and healing most of my existing cystic acne – I had a couple of cysts when I started using this and they were living on my face for almost a week then. After a couple of uses of this retinoid emulsion, they began to soften up and gradually deflate.
Now, I didn’t find this very helpful in preventing cysts. I honestly didn’t expect this to do that because my cystic acne are always caused by internal factors like sloppy diet, lack of sleep and stress. However, it helped in keeping minor blemishes at bay and sped up the healing process for cystic acne.
Did it help with fine lines and wrinkles? In my case, it did. I don’t have any serious lines on my face because I’m only in my mid-20s, but I have a frown line on my left eyebrow. Frown lines are the vertical lines found on the inside edges of your eyebrows. Mine was pretty deep, and always has been. But when I used the Granactive Retinoid consistently, the line began to soften up and decrease in length. It’s still there right now, but it’s not as deep and as long as before. I really wish I had taken a before and after picture, I totally forgot. But I hope you guys will take my word for it! 🙂
Did it help with your overall skin texture and appearance? Yes, it performed AMAZINGLY in this area for me. This is the main reason why I liked using this product: it improved my texture and gave an undeniable glow that lasts for a long time, up to a couple of days after applying it. It also helped lighten a lot of my hyperpigmentation, but gradually and with consistent use.
Is it good enough to replace other retinoid products like adapalene and tretinoin? For me, it’s a no. Don’t get me wrong – the Granactive Retinoid is a great product but it’s not potent enough for my very stubborn, acne-prone skin. However, I will definitely keep it in rotation for when I feel like using a gentler retinoid product, when I don’t want to deal with tretinoin peeling or when I’m taking a break from other retinoids. I don’t think the Granactive Retinoid will replace my prescription retinoids, but I will happily continue using it. If you don’t have problematic skin, though, I think this will work just fine.
Final thoughts
For me, it’s a great alternative to the stronger prescription retinoid products from my dermatologist. I do think it’s a good candidate for a “starter” retinoid, but as with any other skincare product, observe how your skin responds to this when you introduce this. Also, don’t forget to wear sunscreen while using this!
I won’t entirely count on this to fight my cystic acne but when I want to minimize minor blemishes and want a lit-from-within glow, I will continue to reach for this product. I will definitely repurchase. My bottle has reached the 6-month recommended shelf life for Granactive Retinoid, so I need to order soon. 🙂 For my PH friends, check out Beautefully PH on Instagram to purchase this product and other Deciem and Korean products – Jackie is a wonderful seller!
What is Granactive Retinoid 2 emulsion good for?
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a potent retinol/retinoid treatment that gives you visible anti-ageing results without irritation. It reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
Is Granactive retinoid as good as retinol?
Overall, both can be effective treatments for improving the overall appearance of the skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, Granactive retinoid may be a better option since it is gentler and less likely to cause irritation.
Can I use Granactive retinoid everyday?
How often can I use Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion? Apply it once a day at night. If your skin is sensitive or you are new to retinoids, you can start by applying it 1-2 times per week to avoid irritation.
What not to use with Granactive Retinoid 2 emulsion?
Contraindications:Do not use in the same routine as other retinoids, direct acids, pure or ethylated vitamin C, or "Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1%.