Beauty Comparison
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Photo and link: Amazon

The Ordinary

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

retinol serum · 30 ml · Skincare

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is free of fragrance, essential oils, labelled fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, sulfates, silicones, parabens and MI / MCI, going by its full 24-ingredient list, with glycerin and retinoids. List checked November 5, 2026.

The catch: brands reformulate, so match this list to the one on your pack.

  • Fragrance-free
  • No essential oils
  • No labelled fragrance allergens
  • No drying alcohol
  • Sulfate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Paraben-free
  • No MI/MCI

Listed on Amazon in: United Kingdom · Germany · France · Italy · Spain · Netherlands · Poland · Sweden

Key ingredients in Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

  • Glycerin

    A classic humectant that keeps skin hydrated.

  • Retinoids

    Vitamin A forms that speed cell turnover for lines, texture and breakouts.

Full ingredient list, decoded

24 ingredients, in label order (highest amount first; below about 1% the order is free).

  1. 1/ Ingrédients: Aqua (Water)
  2. 2GlycerinGlycerin is a clear, thick, odorless liquid that pulls water into the skin and helps…
  3. 3Ethyl Linoleate. Propanediol Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. Dimethyl Isosorbide
  4. 4Cetearyl Isononanoate
  5. 5Bisabolol. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. Retinol
  6. 6Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
  7. 7Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
  8. 8Glyceryl StearateGlyceryl stearate is a waxy blend of glycerin and stearic acid, a fatty acid from plant…
  9. 9Ceteareth - 12. Ceteareth-20
  10. 10Cetearyl AlcoholA waxy fatty alcohol blend that thickens formulas and helps oil and water mix into…
  11. 11CarrageenanCarrageenan is a thickening agent taken from red seaweed. It helps water-based formulas…
  12. 12Xanthan GumXanthan Gum is a thickener and stabilizer made by fermenting sugar with a bacterium. It…
  13. 13Acacia Senegal GumA natural gum from the sap of Acacia trees, mainly grown in Africa. It thickens, binds,…
  14. 14Cetyl PalmitateCetyl Palmitate is a waxy ester made from cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It softens…
  15. 15Sucrose Laurate
  16. 16Polysorbate 20Polysorbate 20 is a mild, water-soluble emulsifier made from sorbitol and a lauric-type…
  17. 17Isoceteth-20
  18. 18Behentrimonium ChlorideBehentrimonium Chloride is a conditioning agent built from a long, fatty behenyl chain…
  19. 19Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate. Disodium EDTA
  20. 20Dehydroacetic AcidDehydroacetic Acid is a synthetic preservative that helps keep water-based products…
  21. 21Benzoic AcidA small, naturally occurring acid that helps keep formulas fresh by slowing the growth…
  22. 22EthylhexylglycerinEthylhexylglycerin is a lab-made, skin-friendly ingredient that boosts the power of…
  23. 23PhenoxyethanolA synthetic preservative that helps stop bacteria, yeast and mold from growing in…
  24. 24ChlorphenesinChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative that mainly keeps mold and yeast from growing…

Source: Open Beauty Facts (ODbL), world.openbeautyfacts.org/product/0769915190045, retrieved November 5, 2026.

Every flag we check

CheckResultIngredients found
FragranceNone listed—
Essential oilsNone listed—
Labelled fragrance allergensNone listed—
Drying alcoholNone listed—
SulfatesNone listed—
SiliconesNone listed—
ParabensNone listed—
MI / MCINone listed—
Formaldehyde releasersNone listed—
Mineral oil & petrolatumNone listed—
LanolinNone listed—
Chemical UV filtersNone listed—

Frequently asked questions

Is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion fragrance-free?

Yes. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion lists no parfum or fragrance and no essential oils. Checked against its full ingredient list on November 5, 2026.

Does The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion contain silicones, sulfates or parabens?

Silicones: none listed. Sulfates: none listed. Parabens: none listed.

What is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion good for?

By its ingredient list it fits sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, contact dermatitis and perfume allergy: it passes every free-from rule we set for those needs. Key ingredients: Glycerin and Retinoids.

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