Why I buy The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion via US stores instead of local shops

The Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Hype

I have seen the skincare community buzzing about The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion since it became a staple in 2026. This specific concentration is a significant step up from standard retinol products, offering faster results for skin texture and fine lines. While lower concentrations are widely available in Australia, the 0.2% version often faces stricter shelf-space competition or higher pricing when sold through local specialty beauty boutiques.

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Merchant The Ordinary Ulta Beauty Sephora US

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I prefer this emulsion because it maintains the brand's reputation for high-potency ingredients at a reasonable price point. However, the challenge for us in Australia is often finding it in stock. I realized early on that the US market has a much more consistent supply of this specific strength.

Why I Source My Skincare from the USA

I choose to shop US store options for several reasons. First, the retail price in the United States is frequently lower than what I find in Sydney or Melbourne. Second, US retailers often receive the latest batches directly from the manufacturer first. When I want a fresh bottle of Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, I look toward US-based retailers like Sephora US or the official DECIEM US storefront.

To access these stores, I use a tax-free US address. This allows me to avoid US sales tax on my purchase, which keeps the initial cost as low as possible before I handle the transit to Australia.

My Method for Shipping to Australia

Because many US retailers do not offer direct international shipping to Australia—or if they do, the rates are astronomical—I rely on comGateway. As a reliable freight forwarder, they provide me with a US suite address. I send my skincare hauls there, and they forward packages to my home address in Australia.

I find this international shipping service to be the most efficient way to consolidate multiple skincare items into one box. If you are new to this, you can follow this step-by-step guide on how it works to set up your own account and start shopping.

Shipping Estimates for Your Order

When I plan my purchases, I always consider the weight and size of the package to manage my international shipping rates. Here is my estimate for a typical order containing The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion:

I recommend using the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost for your specific bundle before you checkout at the retailer. You can also view the current shipping fees on the international shipping rates page.

How I Solve Order Cancellations with BuyForMe

I have encountered a common problem when trying to buy from major US retailers like Sephora or Ulta: they often block international credit cards. Even if I use my Australian Visa or Mastercard, the order gets cancelled immediately because the billing address doesn't match a US zip code. Some stores also proactively block shipments to known parcel forwarding service addresses.

I use the "BuyForMe" service to get around this. With this service, comGateway acts as my proxy. I tell them what I want to buy, and they purchase the item using a US domestic credit card. This is the most reliable way I have found to ensure my orders for high-demand items like The Ordinary Retinal are not cancelled by the store's fraud filters. It simplifies the process and guarantees that I get the products I want from difficult-to-access stores.

Australia Import Rules and Considerations

Before I ship anything, I always check the prohibited items list. While skincare is generally safe, there are shipping rules regarding certain flammable liquids (like high-alcohol toners) or pressurized aerosols. The Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is a cream-based emulsion and typically has no issues with restricted goods regulations.

I also keep an eye on the total value of my shipment. In Australia, Goods and Services Tax (GST) may apply to low-value imported goods. I make sure to factor this into my budget when comparing the total cost of my US haul versus buying locally. My experience has shown that even with shipping costs and GST, I often come out ahead when buying in bulk from the US.