The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective acne-clearing serums
  • Hydrating, lightweight hyaluronic serum
  • Powerful exfoliating acid treatments
  • Minimalist, reliable packaging
  • Occasional sticky serum textures
  • Harsh actives for sensitive skin
  • Pilling under makeup occurs
  • Inconsistent retinol performance

The Ordinary earns strong reviews as effective, ingredient-forward skincare that improves texture, hydration, acne, and clarity—standouts include Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, and Squalane Cleanser—while minimalist packaging appeals. Reviews also flag downsides: some formulas feel sticky or pill, actives can be harsh or confusing to layer, certain products (retinols, vitamin C, hair care) underperform for some, and a few report irritation or breakouts.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,522 reviews and posts

  • I've been using The Ordinary Serums for months, I feel that my skin is better. They are very affordable and I can recommend them to someone who doesn't want to spend lots of money on skincare but needs some valuable products. It's a 5-star for me. The only exception is "Niacimenide Serums". I don't know honestly how this is supposed to work, but I didn't feel any different from before, so I will not repurchase it when I finish it. Reminder: Your skin is unlike mine, so your experience may be different.

  • I've been using The Ordinary's products for years - two that are a part of my daily routine would have to be the HA Serum and the Daily Moisturizer. Both are an award-winning combo for my skin! My holy grail!

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • Very nice if you have specific needs. Inexpensive and easy to understand! It was a great way to get started in skincare for me

  • Price point is excellent, especially for those who are figuring out what their skin needs are. Huge fan of the Ordinary brand. The reason I give 4 stars and not 5 is the ability to access help customizing what your skin needs. They have 4 prescriptive plans, but that cannot cover all of our needs.

  • Cleanser is very nice. I have used a lot of their products. Great price point. A little confusing deciding which product you need. But overall nice skin care

  • Love how my skin feels while using the ordinary! I always look and feel great!

  • What a waste of money. It looks and feels like water and does the same effect which is nothing! Ive very little lines fortunately but those I have under eye and forehead are very fine and I wanted to improve them This ive been using for 5 weeks twice daily and absolutely no difference at all Dont waste your money

  • In love with this product!!

  • Quality ingredients at great prices for new or expert level knowledge. I’ve use the cleanser which goes on dry face and the squalene melts in to cleanses and moisturizes the skin, Great for really dry skin. The HA serum goes on a wet face then allow it to air dry, adding additional water if it feels sticky at all during drying. I use these 2 products in the evenings prior to applying tretinion or retinol then moisturize after 30 minutes or so as not to dilute your tretinion/or retinol. I use the multi-peptide serum HA serum on wet skin in my morning routine after cleansing and prior to SPF. I like the multi peptide serum because it keeps the skin plump and helps retain elasticity. Always check ingredients prior to adding something new.

  • I have only tried one product I did like it. Do you have others that I can try?

    No discount
  • Such affordable skin-care which has a product for everyone. Most of their products like the glycolic acid are also hormone-safe safe, which is a huge win if you want to keep your endocrine disruptors down!!

  • Love them ! Super gentle on my face and affordable

  • The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution worked for me. It's this red face mask and it really helps smooth out my skin. Sometimes it tingles a little and i'm not a fan of that

  • I swear by The Ordinary! Having very sensitive and picky skin is a real pain these days with all the chemical laden products. The Ordinary is the top amongst the 3 brands which I have stood by for years. The everyday cleanser has been a staple in my Sephora cart for the past two years. It removes makeup (sometimes better than Micellar water) without irritating the skin or leaving an oily film (bye bye acne). I use it in the AM and PM as it is the only cleanser which has my skin can tolerate. In the past 6 months I have also become a fan of the Hyaluronic Acid Serum and the Azelaic Acid Serum. Meanwhile the first provides hydration and is the only product which got rid of my dry-scaly skin, the second is an amazing spot treatment for whenever small breakouts pop up. What stands out with the Ordinary is definitely the cheaper than average price and the different sizes offered. As a frequent traveller, the smaller versions of the products (<100mL) are needed, but usually can't be found with other companies I use (and we all know that transferring products to different containers is not a good idea). Overall, I can wholehearted say that the Ordinary is a staple that won't be leaving mine, or many of my friends, skin care routines anytime soon.

  • Love how affordable these products are

  • I loved it! The mineral sunblock is just amazing..

  • Love all these products that are affordable and they work very well

  • The last two years I've struggled badly with acne for the first time in my life. This stuff is amazing!!!

  • I have bought the Hyaluronic Acid several times now. For the price, there is no comparison! I use it in the AM and PM and I definitely feel like my face is getting moisturized from it. However, because of the price I really question the quality. Regardless, I keep coming back!