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 use the ordinary niacinamide & hyaluronic acid twice a day & it makes my skin feel so hydrated & smooth!

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • Not happy at all with the customer service

  • Tenho adorado experimentar este produto. Tão cedo não sai da minha rotina de pele.

  • Apaixonada na qualidade destes produtos, simplesmente perfeitos.

  • Amazing price point. Great for trying new ingredients and products. I love the streamlined packaging.

  • I love their facial oils! Always clean and always affordable

  • I’ve been using The Ordinary products for over five years. They’re an incredibly simple and effective brand. I use their alpha albumin and niacinamide daily. It’s fantastic for my oily/combo skin. I recommend doing your research on products because you can mix products together but you just have to be careful of any negative interactions.

  • I have the niacin-amide and zinc serum. Tones down my blemishes and seems to have gotten rid of some little bumps on my face. Makes my skin glow and work great as a primer.

  • I use the this brand everyday, specifically the salicylic acid. I can slowly see my skin being exfoliating and it gives a nice glow!

  • The price point is incredible. The AHA is a holy grail for me I tried the zinc niacinamide and didn't love - it burns my face but I read it's because of the high %.

  • I bought the Glycolic Acid toner by The Ordinary. I had heard about how it exfoliates dead cells, lightens underarms and reduces odour. Firstly, the product is packaged really well. Second, it legit worked for me. I usually use a cotton pad to wipe it on myself, and not even kidding, that the cotton pad actually gets darker, like its removing the dead cells, and all the dirt. I have been using this consistently for almost 6 months now, and I can see visible differences. I don't smell as much, and my underarms are actually a shade lighter. I believe though that it will take slightly long to completely lighten my underarms but consistent use has given me the results as well. It doesn't work super fast, however, instant results aren't always healthy either. But warning, don't use this everyday, or right after shaving. Thrice a week should be fine. Would definitely recommend.

  • 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.

    None
  • 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!