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

  • I generally do really like these products in just not sure if after a relatively short time they stopped being super effective with my skin? Maybe that’s just that I need to switch it up to a different product more frequently… but in general I like their stuff and I love that it comes in glass packaging so I can recycle it! Plus it looks beautiful in my bathroom!

  • I enjoy The Ordinary! As a Sephora employee, I always direct people to this brand when they tell me they’re just starting out in skincare. They make it easy to understand the ingredients with their transparent, easy-to-understand packaging.

  • i have been using the ordinary for years because of its affordable price point, and very easy to use products that always seem to suit my acne prone skin.the rosehip face oil is one of my favourites and i have repurchased it many time.Another one of my face products is the caffiene eye serum, i find most eye serums to get sticky and this one never does.

  • very affortable and good quality skincare. I enjoy their serums the most!

  • Have been buying their face products for some time. Enjoy the packaging & branding, but have since moved to buy certain products in bulk to save on waste.

  • Has a esthetician/skin therapist for over a decade. I can say that The Ordinary skincare line is affordable and uses basic ingredients that are effective.

  • I like many of The Ordinary’s formulas. The matrixyl and argireline serums are fantastic and won’t break the bank. If you enjoy researching skincare ingredients/actives and want to put together your own, specialized routine, The Ordinary is a great choice. They have a vast offering of affordable serums, toners, gels, creams, ect, that you can easily mix and layer together. The only product I haven’t cared for is the hyaluronic serum, which felt lovely, but pilled terribly.,

  • I did really enjoy this brand! It made my skin feel good and not sticky or oily. It gave my face a moisturized feel after washing.

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  • I love this brand, I've been using it for a few years now. My favourite product is the niacinamide serum, for sure! It really clears up my acne scars!

  • I have been using the ordinary products for 5 years now and I am consistently amazed at the quality of their products with such an affordable price! The buffet serum is amazing and has become a staple in my routine- I notice when I’m not using it

  • The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 100ml Was a last minute purchase before a recent holiday. I wanted a super moisturising formula that would leave my skin feeling hydrated but not oily and as someone who suffers from combination skin, this definitely did the trick!! It’s an intuitive product that kept my skin feeling balanced all day, even in the heat! It also worked well with my SPF oil underneath. Travel friendly and reliable, 5 stars from me as I also didn’t break out too 🙌🏻

  • You cannot beat the prices for the quality!

  • My skin is perfect since I use The Ordinary!

    Received a free product from The Ordinary
  • Great product! But I suggest to get the niacinamide as well.

  • The ordinary Azelaic acid is the only thing that has helped my sensitive, acne prone skin during pregnancy and after. 10/10 recommend! Wears well under makeup too.

  • I love ordinary, affordable and to the point! great customer serviced. I have 5 products from them.

  • Very nice to apply with good outcome. Will buy again.

  • Helps so much with my acne and leaves my skin so bright I don’t even need to use foundation anymore

  • I’ve tried several products and can say the price point is great!! I would say definitely read about the products and decide if the % of active ingredients is right for you…I used a retinol that was too aggressive unknowingly