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

  • Love their serums. Worked amazing for my dry skin

  • Tried once, great results just didn’t want to continue to use it with the chemicals switched over to vegan tings, natural remedies

  • I’ve personally tried the ordinary niacinamide and zinc face serum and it has worked wonders for my skin. It leaves my skin feeling amazing and well nourished. So far I have had a good experience with this brand.

  • Love, Love, Love! Can't praise them ENOUGH for their products!

  • The ordinary have very affordable products! I am a fan of their glycolic acid toner which had multi-uses (deodorant, leg exfoliant) and has become a staple in my routine. I have used several of their serums to target fine lines, blemishes and pigmentation and so far I am pleased with the results. Some products don’t work as well for me eg. the hair serum but all in all I would definitely recommend this brand.

  • I have been using several products for months. They are all working very well

    None
  • The Ordinary has its name cut out for it. It's simple, easy to understand. Skincare gets overwhelming when you first start. This is they gateway skincare, this is where I started to learn and how it became easier for me to get into taking care of my skin. I've been using their products for 3 years now.

    Own purchase
  • They have the most reasonable prices and their products work. What more can you ask for?

  • Very affordable and quality products. Have seen an improvement in skin texture and acne.

  • Can’t thank this brand enough! Clear my acne that I was battling with for over 10 years! I used a combination of their products though. The hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, niacinamide with zinc, aha and bha, the buffet, their moisturer and the cleanser. My face didn’t react badly to any of them and they all helped me!! Really grateful for them!

  • I've used so many products, the azelic acid, natural HA moisturizer, niacinamide, AHA peel, hyaluronic acid... I love them all, all are amazing products! Great price ad great products!

  • Pretty good place to get skin care advice and budget products. I bought the hyoluronic acid on the advice of the salesperson. I didn’t end up loving the product as I found it kind of thick but I think the advice I got was spot on. It was great to be able to try a new product without spending a fortune and I like the minimalistic aesthetic.

  • Ordinary made my skin feel amazing again, I highly recommend this product to everyone struggling with their skin.

  • Love this line! Have used multiple products. Work well and best of all is the price! Adore their nonsense approach to beauty!

  • Love these products They are exactly as advertised

    Customer!
  • In total purchased over 20 product. By intensive regular use for over 4 months archived full acne remission and way better skin tone. As well post acne scars and pigmentation less visible. Sun protection I use from another company. I honestly in love and so grateful for such affordable treatment which really works. I was really hopeless. Thank so much!

  • Amazing products at amazing prices. You need to do a little research before purchasing but their website helps with that. Simple yet effective, it makes me think how crazy other brands are for charging the 10x more for the same ingredients all because of a brand name. This is my new go to brand for skincare.

    Individual
  • I have used The Ordinary products for over a year and the results have been outstanding. I use the niacinamide drops, as well as the rosehip oil at night. My skin has improved vastly, and is much more consistent. One thing that could be better about the products is that there is some loss from the bottle onto the lip or the thread of the bottle. This means this can crust over.

    Customer.