The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective acne-clearing serums
  • Straightforward ingredient labeling
  • Noticeably smoothing exfoliants
  • Gentle, hydrating cleansers
  • Occasional sticky serum texture
  • Irritating high-strength acids
  • Pilling under makeup layers
  • Confusing ingredient naming

The Ordinary earns strong reviews for effective, ingredient-forward skincare that improves texture, acne, oil control, and hydration—standouts include Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Squalane Cleanser, and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. However, reviews also flag weaknesses: some formulas feel sticky or pill, certain actives (retinol, high-percentage acids/niacinamide) can irritate or dry skin if misused, results vary by product, and the technical lineup can overwhelm beginners.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,517 reviews and posts

  • I find the products inconsistent

  • Love this brand and how reasonable the prices are.

  • I’ve been using ordinary products for about a year now and it has changed my life. I used to struggle with acne and pigmentation but after adding Ordinary into my routine it’s really changed my skin for good.

  • Great price, whenever I feel a pimple coming on I put a little drops of niacinimde and the pimple will stop and not break out. Love the no frills packaging. The buffet was one of the very first products I brought from the ordinary in a little box called the “no brainer” it also included the moisturiser and EmulsionGranactive. Please bring back this set, it gave me a great price and it was easier than buying the products individually.

  • I like this toner but it can be harsh. If you use it correctly and make sure to not ruin ur skin barrier it works great at getting black head and texture to disappear

  • The ordinary are probably the hottest skincare brand right now, the product design and of course technology within the product are amazing, I’ve never used skincare I’ve been a coconut butter guy all my life and recent I’ve been offered the chance to use ordinary and I’d never turn back!

  • I was scared at first to try the product. But The Ordinary's glycolic acid works like magic! It evenly toned my dark underarms, knees, neck and elbows. I recommended it to mother and sister and they too loved it. I have been using it over 8 months now haven't experienced any side effects.

  • Love their products! Have not used all of them yet but the new soothing serum is the best I have had so far.

  • I have been using this product for about three years now. It made me the cool aunt since I knew about it before my nieces. Love this product very light and the price is great.

  • I’ve been using the hyaluronic acid and have been impressed with how clear my skin has been. My skin is usually oily and prone to breakouts but had fewer since I’ve been more consistent.

  • Its a good brand. Its affordable but I don’t really see that much of a result do I don’t know if the products are worth it. And it’s not that all products are affordable. Some are $25 which is like other brands. So I guess it is affordable but I don’t really see the results so it’s kind of a meh. Also the sizes are pretty small.

  • Minimalistic skincare line with clean aesthetics. Their packaging is great for the price. I would say their products are pretty targeted, so you have to know specifically what you're using it for and how to use it to get best results. The lash serum is amazing bang for bucks - I've seen some lash growth and thickening with consistent results. It doesn't give me incredible lengths but with the price I really can't complain.

  • Fantastic brand with a large variety or products and ingredients for a low price. The peeling solution is a great dupe for the baby facial by drunk elephant.

  • Mine + my husband's go to moisturizer. We wanted a really no-frills moisturizer that just did the job. I love the price point, feel on my skin, and the fact that it's unscented.

  • This brand has everything, and I mean everything. The ability to build your regime with what you need versus buying brands that have 15 different things crammed into 1 bottle. As a person with chemical allergies, I'm unable to use a lot of products. With The Ordinary, I build my regimen. Also , their team is incredibly helpful and responsive to requests for help and on social too.

  • There are better products out there. The ordinary products are either too strong or else it doesnt do anything. So far, it's a meh.

  • I love their price and the products. Not every product has worked the best for me, but the ones that do are winners, and the cost is so reasonable that I feel okay even when one doesn't work. I love their AHA peel and their niacinamide.

  • I've been using The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, and I'm quite impressed with the results. After consistent use, I've noticed a significant improvement in the clarity of my skin. It's not overly drying, but it's essential to use it in moderation to prevent any potential dryness. This product has become a must-have in my skincare routine, particularly for controlling breakouts and improving overall skin texture. Love it!

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