The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion High-Strength Retinoid Nighttime Treatment - 0.507 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Vegan, Mature Skin, Unscented

Common questions

Is The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion High-Strength Retinoid Nighttime Treatment - 0.507 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Vegan, Mature Skin, Unscented healthy?

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion High-Strength Retinoid Nighttime Treatment - 0.507 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Vegan, Mature Skin, Unscented scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product contains several beneficial ingredients such as Retinal, Ergothioneine, and Bisabolol, which are known for their anti-aging, antioxidant, and soothing properties.

How processed is The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion High-Strength Retinoid Nighttime Treatment - 0.507 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Vegan, Mature Skin, Unscented?

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion High-Strength Retinoid Nighttime Treatment - 0.507 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Vegan, Mature Skin, Unscented is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion High-Strength Retinoid Nighttime Treatment - 0.507 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Vegan, Mature Skin, Unscented's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Retinal, Ergothioneine count in its favor; Polysorbate 60, Phenoxyethanol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion High-Strength Retinoid Nighttime Treatment - 0.507 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Vegan, Mature Skin, Unscented

Ordinary
70 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$14.90 · 0.5 fl oz
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 7
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Estee Lauder
Category Face Wash
Summary

This product contains several beneficial ingredients such as Retinal, Ergothioneine, and Bisabolol, which are known for their anti-aging, antioxidant, and soothing properties. However, the presence of Phenoxyethanol, a preservative with potential for irritation, slightly detracts from its overall safety profile. The formulation is processed but maintains a generally clean ingredient list, contributing to a favorable score.

Key ingredients 32

Retinal
Very Good

Retinal is a form of Vitamin A known for its anti-aging properties. It helps to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and promote cell turnover. It is highly effective but can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Risks

It may cause irritation, redness, or peeling, especially in sensitive skin or when used in high concentrations.

Benefits

It significantly improves skin appearance by reducing signs of aging and enhancing skin renewal.

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Good

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is an emollient derived from coconut oil and caprylic/capric fatty acids. It is known for its ability to provide a silky, smooth feel to the skin. It is considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though very sensitive skin may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It helps to moisturize and soften the skin, improving texture and appearance.

See more about Coco-Caprylate/Caprate →
Ergothioneine
Good

Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid with antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage. It is considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides strong antioxidant protection, helping to maintain youthful and healthy skin.

Bisabolol
Good

Bisabolol is a natural compound known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It is considered safe and beneficial for sensitive skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It soothes and calms the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

See more about Bisabolol →
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Good

Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, or ginger root extract, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and soothe irritation. It is considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and soothes the skin, enhancing overall skin health.

Ascorbyl Palmitate
Good

Ascorbyl Palmitate is a stable form of Vitamin C used for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and improve skin tone. It is considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps to brighten the skin, improving overall skin health.

See more about Ascorbyl Palmitate →
Tocopherol
Good

Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant used in cosmetics. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage. It is considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps to moisturize the skin, improving overall skin health.

See more about Tocopherol →
Aqua (Water)
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps in hydrating the skin and acts as a carrier for other beneficial ingredients.

See more about Aqua (Water) →
Propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is a glycol that acts as a solvent and humectant in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to hydrate the skin and enhance the penetration of other active ingredients.

See more about Propanediol →
Pentylene Glycol
Neutral

Pentylene Glycol is a synthetic humectant and solvent used in cosmetics. It helps to retain moisture in the skin and improve product stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It enhances skin hydration and helps to improve the texture of the product.

See more about Pentylene Glycol →
Hydroxyapatite
Neutral

Hydroxyapatite is a mineral form of calcium apatite used in cosmetics for its texturizing properties. It is considered safe and non-irritating. It is often used in dental products for remineralization.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with its use in cosmetics.

Benefits

It can help to improve the texture and feel of the product on the skin.

See more about Hydroxyapatite →
Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
Neutral

Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide is a synthetic lipid used for its emollient properties. It helps to improve skin feel and texture. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to moisturize and condition the skin, improving its overall texture.

4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Neutral

4-T-Butylcyclohexanol is used in cosmetics for its soothing properties. It helps to reduce skin discomfort and irritation. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to soothe the skin and reduce irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Neutral

Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid is used for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection, helping to maintain skin health.

Biosaccharide Gum-1
Neutral

Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a polysaccharide used for its moisturizing and soothing properties. It helps to improve skin hydration and comfort. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to hydrate and soothe the skin, improving overall skin comfort.

Brassica Campestris Sterols
Neutral

Brassica Campestris Sterols are plant-derived sterols used for their emollient properties. They help to improve skin barrier function and hydration. They are considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with their use.

Benefits

They help to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier, improving skin resilience.

Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene Glycol is a common solvent and humectant used in cosmetics. It helps to improve product texture and enhance skin hydration. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of the product.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Isohexadecane
Neutral

Isohexadecane is a synthetic emollient used for its lightweight and non-greasy feel. It helps to improve product spreadability and skin feel. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides a smooth, silky feel to the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

See more about Isohexadecane →
Hexyldecanol
Neutral

Hexyldecanol is an alcohol used for its emollient and skin-conditioning properties. It helps to improve skin texture and hydration. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to moisturize and condition the skin, improving its overall texture.

Maltodextrin
Neutral

Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide used as a binding and film-forming agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve product texture and stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize the product and improve its texture.

See more about Maltodextrin →
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Neutral

Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum is a natural gum used for its thickening and stabilizing properties. It helps to improve product texture and consistency. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize and thicken the product, improving its application.

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Neutral

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic polymer used for its thickening and stabilizing properties. It helps to improve product texture and consistency. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize and thicken the product, improving its application.

See more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 →
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Neutral

This copolymer is used for its thickening and stabilizing properties in cosmetics. It helps to improve product texture and consistency. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize and thicken the product, improving its application.

See more about Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer →
Stearic Acid
Neutral

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used for its emollient and thickening properties. It helps to improve product texture and skin feel. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to moisturize and condition the skin, improving its overall texture.

See more about Stearic Acid →
Isoceteth-20
Neutral

Isoceteth-20 is a polyethylene glycol ether used as an emulsifier in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve product texture. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize emulsions, improving product consistency and application.

See more about Isoceteth-20 →
Lactic Acid
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

It may cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in high concentrations or sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to exfoliate and hydrate the skin, improving texture and appearance.

See more about Lactic Acid →
Sodium Lactate
Neutral

Sodium Lactate is a salt of lactic acid used for its humectant properties. It helps to improve skin hydration and product stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to hydrate the skin and improve product stability.

See more about Sodium Lactate →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain product stability and effectiveness. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics when used in small amounts.

Risks

In high concentrations, it can be irritating or corrosive, but it is typically used in very low concentrations in cosmetics.

Benefits

It helps to maintain the desired pH of the product, ensuring stability and effectiveness.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a preservative and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve product stability and skin feel. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and improve skin feel, enhancing overall product performance.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Chlorphenesin
Neutral

Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It helps to maintain product stability and safety. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product, ensuring safety and extending shelf life.

See more about Chlorphenesin →
Polysorbate 60
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize emulsions, improving product consistency and application.

See more about Polysorbate 60 →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can be irritating to the skin and eyes. It is considered safe in low concentrations but has potential for irritation.

Risks

It may cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product, preventing microbial contamination and extending shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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