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

  • 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.

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    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.

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    Keep up the good work!

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

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    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!

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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

  • Huge fan. Excellent prices, great results 💁🏼‍♀️. I got into skincare in my mid-30's (coincidentally, when stuck at home due to the Pandemic) and I was influenced by a few different skincare accounts on Instagram to try out The Ordinary's products. You really can't beat the price point, so if you want to try out a formula to see how your skin will react to AHA BHA, for instance, this is a great brand to start with. Everyone's skin is different and I totally get that those super high-end super expensive skin care products can't be beat, but for people like me who don't want to be shelling out upwards of $70 on creams, I highly recommend The Ordinary's products. The packaging is also nice and minimal, so I proudly display these products on my skincare shelf :)

  • The niacinamide + zinc OG product is as good as folks say it is. Have been using it for the pats 3 years on the parts of my face susceptible to clogged pores (forehead and chin), and it does a great job at keeping things clear/quickening the lifecycle of a blemish. The 30% AHA peeling solution aka beet juice facial though? Tingles, and borders on burns, more than it exfoliates. Will stick to my beaded scrubs for exfoliation.

  • I’ve been issuing this brand on and off for about 6 years. I love the brand and I love the price point. It’s not often you find a good quality skincare products that’s not breaking the bank.

  • I am obsessed with this brand. I absolutely LOVE all of their products and their price point is INSANE. The quality of their Ingredients is also superb. I have 2 -14 yr old girls and the ordinary is also the basis of their skin care routines. I have zero negative things to say about the ordinary.

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    Loooovvvveeee everything about everything!!!!

  • I use several products by the ordinary. My most favorite is the caffeine under eye.

  • Obsessed. I use their HA moisturizer, retinol, face serum, and hair and scalp serum and love them all. The pricing is top notch, and following along with the instagram always gives insight into up and coming products.

  • Really love the price point of the brand and is a great way to get intro'd into skincare products!

  • Always impressed with how great the products work (big fan of their eye serums with caffeine and their lash growth serum) along with the packaging quality - it's simple but very attractive.

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    Nothing! All great experiences.

  • I absolutely love this brand. They have revolutionized the skin-care game by creating high-level products that actually WORK, and offer them at incredibly affordable prices. Seems almost too good to be true! I love the Glycolic Acid and the AHA peel. Moisturizer is also top notch.

    Feedback

    Just be sure to find out which products you can use with which. You cannot mix some of them. I wish this was more heavily advertised as it can be dangerous for your skin.

  • This skincare brand couldn't be better. First of all, the PRICES are unbeatable. For genuinely good skincare, it's hard to find great prices. I've seen my skin improve after using the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, and I can't wait to continue.

  • The ordinary changed my skin and I’ll never even try anything else now! I tried every single thing for my hormonal acne and nothing worked. I tried the ordinary and now my skin is the best it’s ever been! I tell everyone about it!

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    Not a single thing could be done better!

  • loads of serums that are so useful and actually work