Image: theordinary.com
The Ordinary
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
A serum built around Retinoid, for barrier repair and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 10.89 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · on the brand's site
From the brand
What the brand says about this product. Our ingredient analysis follows below.
The brand recommends it for
- Dry skin
- Oily skin
- Combination skin
- Normal skin
- Sensitive skin
- Dark spots & pigmentation
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Uneven texture
How to use
Shake well before use. Apply a few drops to the face in the evening. Do not use with other retinoid products. Use sun protection during the day. Refrigerate after opening. If irritation occurs, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. Keep out of reach of children.
Caution
Sun Sensitivity: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. Product Pairing: This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids, including retinol or retinoic acid. This product is not a treatment for acne. When pregnant or breastfeeding , it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol. Storage: Once opened, this formulation should be refrigerated and used within a three-month period.
What's inside
Ingredients List
12 trigger at least one check · 21 trigger none
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Retinoid
- Acne Fighting
- Anti-Aging
- Oil Control
- Smoothing
- Retinoid
- Acne Fighting
- Anti-Aging
- Dark Spots
- Firming
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Smoothing
Key Ingredients
Fatty alcohol1
Waxy fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners; unrelated to drying alcohol.
Benefits
Hydrating3
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Barrier Repair8
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Ethyl Linoleate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Sucrose Laurate
Smoothing8
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Ethyl Linoleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Sucrose Laurate
Anti-Pollution2
Helps defend against airborne pollutants.
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis12
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Behentrimonium Chloride, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Ethyl Linoleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 20, Sucrose Laurate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris2
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Ingredients Explained
Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
Aqua
Solvent
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Fragrance, Perfuming, Occlusive, Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is the mixed triester of glycerin and caprylic and capric acids.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →Ethyl Linoleate
Perfuming, Emollient
Ethyl Linoleate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Ethyl Linoleate →Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →Dimethyl Isosorbide
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
1,4:3,6-Dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol
Learn more about Dimethyl Isosorbide →Cetearyl Isononanoate
Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient
Cetearyl Isononanoate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl Isononanoate →Bisabolol
Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
(R*,R*)-.alpha.,4-dimethyl-.alpha.-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-methanol; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (theta,theta)-(+/-)-; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (S-(theta,theta))- (levomenol)
Learn more about Bisabolol →Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a retinoid.
Learn more about Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate →Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Retinol is a retinoid.
Learn more about Retinol →
Dupes
- No7 Pure Retinol 0.3% Retinol Night Concentrate67% match
- No7 Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate64% match
- The Inkey List Starter Retinol Serum60% match