The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Ingredient-transparent formulations
  • Clinically effective actives
  • Minimalist, fragrance-free options
  • Wide, customizable range
  • Occasional sticky textures
  • Potential irritation from actives
  • Hit-or-miss product efficacy
  • Confusing layering for beginners

The Ordinary earns strong reviews for being effective and ingredient-focused: many users report clearer, smoother, more hydrated skin from staples like Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, and the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. Reviews also flag weaknesses: some formulas feel sticky or pill, certain actives (retinoids, vitamin C, high-percentage acids) can irritate or be too harsh, results can be hit-or-miss by product or skin type, and the range can be confusing without research.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,506 reviews and posts

  • Great products at a very affordable price point. I love that I can get a product that works well without the fuss. My skin looks noticeably better in the morning after using the Glycolic Acid before bed. I also appreciate that the product lasts for a long time. I'm still on my first bottle.

  • I’ve been using The Ordinary’s 0.2% retinol for a while: excellent product. I’ve tried others, but this works as well as many other higher priced brands. I bought the moisturizer as a travel (body) cream as I am tired of decanting body lotions into mini containers (first world problems 🙄) and this is 100 mL in a slim container, suitable for 2 weeks . Trial run looks promising - I wouldn’t bother but my skin is arid like the Sahara. Squalene cleanser for the same reason (travel) - not as nice as my all time favorite from Drunk Elephant, but very good all the same. I suspect the multi peptide stuff is nonsense but I fell for it anyway. Will report back later. Got a free water bottle made from glass. Utility questionable. But it looks pretty.

  • So I’ve used grande lash before and it is out of my price range so after seeing reviews, I decided to try the ordinary multi peptide, lash and brow serum and overall I do notice a thickness and just more healthy lashes and browse I can’t say that there’s a ton of new growth, but from someone that curls, her eyelashes every day and uses mascara. I have noticed less fallout, but it does make around my eyes dark darker which I don’t love and does hold me back from using it more often.

  • I've always had thin hair that looks limp and needs more volume.After applying The Ordinary serum before bed I noticed that my hair got more volume and density, it looks healthier and smoother. I love that it's lightweight and doesn't feel greasy or leaves any residue.

    Received a free product from The Ordinary
  • I really like The Ordinary overall. Products are generally affordable in travel-friendly sizes, with the flexibility to choose different concentrations of many popular skincare ingredients. I don’t know that the volufiline works much more than basic moisturizer.

  • I typically enjoy products from The Ordinary but was not impressed by this serum. I don’t really notice a difference in puffiness or dark circles when I apply it. I think I just would prefer a moisturizing eye cream instead!

  • I bought this serum during the winter when my usual serum/moisturizer combo wasn't cutting it. I was still experiencing dryness and got a rare facial. When the aesthetician made a hyaluronic acid serum suggestion, I bought The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum frankly because of the price and online reviews. I'm so happy I did! I have not gone a day without using this serum since. I use it after cleansing and toning, as the third step in my skincare routine. I use it morning and night and have not experienced any dryness at all regardless of season/being outside, etc. I also love The Ordinary's Retinol 1% in Squalane and use that every other night or so. I look forward to trying many more products in their range because the prices are great and they deliver real results.

  • Amazing value for the price! I picked this up to try after being underwhelmed with another affordable retinol. I love the liquid/serum texture and apply it after applying The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum. They layer beautifully and I feel like over time my skin texture has improved: less texture, more even complexion, smaller pores. What I love most is that I experience no irritation, sensitivity, redness, dryness. And did I mention the price?!

  • Holy grail product for years. There's nothing it can't do, detox your scalp, exfoliate dry feet, and exfoliate before shaving legs. I always hold at least one bottle. It's a cheap and hard-working product. Love it

  • I’ve been using this product for a little over a week now and am happy to report that it is so delightful to work with. It is fragrance free and does so quickly. I’m hopeful to see increased hair density, based on my experience with other The Ordinary products.

    Verified purchase

  • The Ordinary is my new favorite skincare. The quality is excellent and amazing for the price. I particularly love that they help you build a regimen on the site and explain when to use the products as I'm a novice in this area and always end up googling the steps when I get new products. The sunscreen in particular is a favorite, because it goes on so nicely without leaving a greasy cast or having an overpowering fragrance.

  • The Ordinary is one brand that I've been constantly & consistently purchasing over & over for the past decade & more! I use their serums, boosters, masks, moisturizers & have tried most of their their products & I definitely have my all time favs, such as their AHA + BHA Peeling solution, which works better for me than the huge brand names that cost a fortune & their glycolic acid toning solution, which is one of the best toners I've ever tried! Their products work, period & their prices are extremely low considering how well they actually work, plus there are no bad side effects nor purging for me! Mostly all are effective & give me no purging or problems! Other favs are their niacinamide serum, hyaluronic acid serum & moisturizer, rose hip oil, moisturizers, face masks, ALL of these products have thoroughly worked for me, with no irritation & because of the consistent results & their consistently lower prices, I ALWAYS go back to these! It's simple for me because overall their products work amazingly well for me & you can't beat their prices!

  • The glycolic acid is fantastic for clearing up my dandruff and the strawberry skin on my arms and legs. The hyaluronic acid helps protect and moisturize my face after using my retinol. The pricing is perfect the only downside was shipping took a little while but that could have been the winter storm that hit right after I placed the order.

    Verified purchase

  • I’ve been using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid for a few weeks, and my skin feels smoother and brighter. It’s gentle enough for regular use, but you do feel the tingling at first. My texture and dullness have improved noticeably, though I always follow with sunscreen. Definitely a simple, effective exfoliator.

  • I love how this feels immediately after application, my face looked more firm and plump and overall fresher. Honestly cannot recommend this enough - non-irritating, no side effects, truly a holy grail in my skincare

  • I’ve been using a combination of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glycolic Acid, and it’s completely elevated my skincare routine. The Niacinamide + Zinc serum has been amazing for keeping my oil production in check and minimizing the appearance of pores. My skin looks noticeably clearer and more balanced, especially in areas where I used to get frequent breakouts. It gives that smooth, refined look without feeling heavy. Adding Hyaluronic Acid into the routine made a huge difference in hydration. My skin feels plumper, softer, and more refreshed throughout the day. It pairs perfectly with niacinamide because it prevents any dryness and keeps everything looking healthy and dewy. The real game changer, though, has been Glycolic Acid. Using it a few times a week has helped gently exfoliate my skin, fade dullness, and improve overall tone. I’ve noticed my complexion looks brighter and more even, and it’s helped reduce the appearance of old acne marks over time. Together, this combination feels like a complete system-balancing oil, boosting hydration, and improving texture all at once. My skin looks clearer, smoother, and more radiant than it has in a long time. Just be mindful to introduce glycolic acid slowly and always use sunscreen, since it increases sensitivity to the sun.

  • Love this product! I tend to have hyperpigmentation and find this is a great step in my skincare routine to add more moisture into my skins to combat the darkness. I’ll either add a few drops to my creams or occasionally do a full face of oil as an overnight mask

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • Used this to help fade dark spots and control acne/milia spots. Have seen a noticeable difference even with a short usage time. I prefer to use it during the day after cleansing and toning and sitting just under my moisturizer. I tend to use it every second day and that seems to work fine. It’s a nice affordable price point as well!

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • Worked wonders for my skin! I use it as hoc when it starts to look a little dull and I feel like it brightens up skin, makes it look a little more plump and helped fade some acne scars! I don't have very sensitive skin but It does cause a burning sensation when you put it on but I think that's expected! Would recommend !

  • Works amazing for acne prone skin. Dries the areas that are built up and causing acne. The product lasts a long time. Cleared my skin, and I will continue to buy and use this product daily. I highly recommend!