https://www.instagram.com/drdavinlim/Instagram- for more SKIN CARE reviiewshttps://www.lasersandlifts.com.auMy guide to aesthetics and procedural dermatologyThe Ordinary Retinol 2%The Ordinary has 6 forms of RETINOL available as of August 2019. This review is based on the 2% emulsion known as the Granactive. Other forms of retinol form the Ordinary include 0.5-1.0% Retinol in Squalene.The Granactive is classed as an emulsion/lotion/serum. This preparation has 2 precursors of retinoic acid including retinol and retinoate. The later only requires one biological conversion step to form all-trans retinoic acid.The majority of ‘over the counter’ retinoids require conversion in the epidermis to become active. The exception is Adapelene or Differin, now available in the United States without a prescription. Granactive is priced at $9 USD, making this one of the most cost-effective retinoids on the market.Now to give this a Dav Score-1. Skin science 5/5. Bearing in mind this is non-prescription, the science behind retinoids are solid. Note however there are no clinical papers comparing retinol/retinoate and biologic conversion.2. Ease of use 3/5Less irritation than first, second and third generation prescription retinoids, this preparation can be incorporated into your skin care routine. Remember, go slowly if you have sensitive skin. My suggestion is apply a small amount every second night and increase as tolerated. Being cost effective, the Granactive can be used in areas such as the neck, décolletage and chest- areas of larger surface in comparison to the face.3. Compatibility with other topicals. 3/5- as mentioned skin irritation is not uncommon with other actives such as ascorbic acid, AHAs, BHAs, hydroquinone etc…test patch, go slow will improve compatibility.4. Subjective feel 2/5. Remember this is subjective. I find the preparation slightly sticky to apply. Additionally, the smell of this preparation is not the best. Note however, this does not contain fragrance. (That is a positive). Many other over the counter retinoid are more cosmetically elegant, hence the price difference.5. Packaging – includes boxing and delivery system 2/5. I am not a fan of dropper delivery- slightly tacky and messy. The upside is that one can see when product is running low. For tight-asses out there, 5-7% of the product can be wasted with the dropper. An easy solution is to turn the bottle upside down and use the last remaining emulsion! Box is simple and clearly marked. Downside is the product is not tamper-proof.6. Price 5/5- The Ordinary under cuts most other preparations in the market by a huge margin. Comparing this to Obaji, Granactive is approximately ¼ the price.Total Dav Score is 20/30.Summary: The Ordinary continues to deliver good products with solid science at an extremely good price point. Not as cosmetically elegant as mid to higher end retinoids may limit use on facial areas. IMO this product sits nicely as an application to large areas of the skin- such as the chest, neck and décolletage.Dr Davin S. LimCutis InternationalBrisbane. Australia.The product description from The Ordinary summaries this preparation-This formulation combines two forms of next-generation retinoid actives in a combined concentration of 2% by weight: These two actives are: a) Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate 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 ageing than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid; b) a sustained-delivery form of pure retinol in a protective capsule system which supports both the delivery and the effect of Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. Both forms of retinoid used avoid the irritation associated with retinoid (including retinol) use while delivering better visible results against signs of ageing.