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

  • great price straightforward. only for if you know exactly what ingredients you need. great packaging

  • I’ve used their light foundation and it’s wonderful. Light and liquidy. It goes on easily and makes skin look more even toned yet not like you are wearing makeup.

    Feedback

    Very nice product. Lightweight. Skin looks great.

  • I really feel like these products offered no benefit. I tried all three cleansers and they all smelled like leather polish to me. The vitamin C gel didn't do anything either. Have found brands that work much better for me. Good pricing though.

  • Great packing. High quality skincare at an affordable price. My favorite product is the aha 30 % bha 2 % peeling solution. Marked difference in dullness and and exfoliating the dry skin off of my face. Only have to use once a week.

    Feedback

    The words on the bottle are tiny!!!

  • The ordinary products are great quality for a good price. I have their hyaluronic acid serum and niacinamine. They have great serums

  • I absolutely love the ordinary! I love that they're so affordable and their products also work really well.

  • The Ordinary makes pretty straightforward skincare and I love it!! Their Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid are my favorite!!

    Feedback

    I recommend the use for people who knows at least the basic of skincare because reading out only the ingredients might be intimidating plus you might ended up using the wrong products for your skin type/condition.

  • burns - don't know whether to attribute it to product quality or my skin's reaction to the critical ingredient.

  • Prices are amazing; ingredients are simple and straightforward. The Ordinary appeals to this Child of a Chemist. It’s super great for those sensitive to many ingredients. The Ordinary products just have the active components you are looking for, with as little additional stuff as possible.

  • I've been using the Ordinary for a few years now, and even though I've tried multiple other products (I'm a licensed aesthetician so it comes with the job) I've got to say, I keep going back to the Ordinary for my personal skincare!

    Feedback

    I've got no complaints. Honestly just try it! It's got a great price point and it compares to professional grade products.

  • Io amo questo prodotto, da quando lo utilizzo ho la pelle super morbida e luminosa!

    Feedback

    Super consigliato, da quando lo uso ho la pelle del viso luminosa e morbida!

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • it takes a while to see results and sometimes I feel like the product is too strong to use on my skin sometimes. I do love the price point though

    Feedback

    Maybe if the chemicals weren't too harsh to use?

  • The Ordinary products are amazing, they are the first products Ive used on my skin that deliver the promised results. After a month of using the Vitamin C extract I was receiving constant complements on the new glow on my skin!

    Feedback

    I honestly wouldnt change a thing, apart from them being more accesible in Spain!

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • Great no fuss products at a really good price. The squalene cleanser and azelic acid are staples in my face routine and have helped keen my skin bump free without dryness.

    Feedback

    Look up your ingredients in your favourite products - the ordinary likely have a cheaper alternative

  • Affordable and highly effective. Have tried different products and none have disappointed.

    Feedback

    Keep up the good work!

  • product are cheap but the quality is not there. They sell water and alcohol.

    Feedback

    You feel like you're making a deal but it's false economy as they supercharge productswith water and alcohol and unless you have oily skin it does more harm than good.

  • Love their products! My favorite is the silicone primer - makes the makeup looks amazing! Most of their skincare products like Niacinamide & Retinol are my go to! Affordable prices for great quality!

    Feedback

    Test out to make sure if something suits your skin but that goes for any skincare product!

  • I loved using the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum but I stopped using it because I need a product that could combine niacinamide and retinol. Over all, I loved it not only because it was affordable but also because my pores were less visible and my skin was plumping however, I need a good layer of hydration cream particularly in winter.

    Feedback

    I always bought it from Sephora because it was cheaper but I need to buy more than one bottle or something else because it was only sold online and the shipping cost something under $50

    Consummer
  • Amazing products. The texture and discoloration of my skin completely changed when I started consistently using these products in my daily routine.

    Feedback

    Very affordable skincare brand that gives real results.

  • If there’s one thing, I consistently buy is the ordinary products. They’re simplistic and clean. I can combine or use solo which I prefer. They’re return policy is also flexible which allows for a trial of the product and that can be helpful for someone who want to see how their skin will do.

    Feedback

    For people considering this brand, I would just be sure to read that the ingredients.