# The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

> The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, launched in March 2024, delivers 0.2% retinaldehyde with a synthetic oat analogue and hydroxyapatite for experienced retinoid users. The brand directs evening use starting once a week and building to twice a week. It cost £15.20 for 15ml on The Ordinary UK on 25 September 2026.

- Canonical: https://thecastindex.com/beauty/the-ordinary-retinal-02-emulsion
- Category: Skin prep
- Format: Retinal serum emulsion
- Finish: Light emulsion
- Best for: Experienced retinoid users
- Official: https://theordinary.com/en-gb/retinal-02-emulsion-100646.html
- Reviewed: 2026-09-25
- Method: evidence-led desk review of official specifications — not an implied hands-on test

## Should you buy this?

High-strength retinal at a modest price — £15.20 for 15ml — for readers already used to retinoids. The Ordinary directs a once-weekly start, building only to twice a week. It is not a first retinoid.

Skip this if you are new to retinoids, pregnant or breastfeeding, or already using another retinoid.

A high-strength evening step for experienced users — not a product to introduce in the week before a shoot.

## The formula

The Ordinary’s Retinal 0.2% Emulsion delivers retinaldehyde at 0.2% in a serum emulsion, with a synthetic oat analogue and hydroxyapatite in the supporting formula. The brand launched it in March 2024 for users already accustomed to retinoids.

The direction to start once a week and build only to twice a week reflects its strength. Frequency, not quantity, is the lever.

## Who it’s for

Experienced retinoid users who want retinal at a modest price. It is not a starting point for someone new to vitamin A.

## What should you check before buying?

Follow the brand’s low-frequency schedule and do not layer it with another retinoid. The Ordinary notes its products have not been tested on people who are pregnant or breastfeeding; speak to a doctor. At 15ml, the bottle is half the size of most serums in this category.

## How to use it

1. Apply a pea-sized amount in the evening, after cleansing
2. Start once a week and build gradually to twice a week, a few days apart
3. Do not combine with other retinoids
4. Use sun protection during the day

## Questions and answers

### Is The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion suitable for beginners?

The brand positions it for experienced retinoid users, with a once-weekly start. A lower-strength retinol or retinal is the more usual first step.

### How often should I use The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion?

The Ordinary directs a pea-sized amount in the evening, starting weekly and building to twice a week, a few days apart.

### Can I use Retinal 0.2% Emulsion with vitamin C?

Keep them apart. The Ordinary advises against combining its 23% vitamin C suspension with retinoids; vitamin C in the morning and retinal in the evening keeps the steps separate.

## Explore the category

https://thecastindex.com/beauty/category/skin-prep