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

2,518 reviews and posts

  • I suffered from horrible acne throughout puberty and even in adulthood. The serums helped reduce the amount of breakouts I experienced. My favorite product is the cold pressed rose hip oil👌 I recently began using the lash serum and I’m not disappointed

  • As a skincare enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for effective products that will improve the texture and appearance of my skin. That's why I'm thrilled to have discovered The Ordinary, a brand that has quickly become a staple in my skincare routine. One product in particular that I can't live without is The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Serum. This serum has truly transformed the look and feel of my skin. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling soft, hydrated, and plump. The serum is packed with hyaluronic acid, a powerful ingredient that helps to retain moisture in the skin. I've noticed a significant improvement in the overall texture and tone of my skin since incorporating this serum into my routine.

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    What I appreciate most about this serum is how versatile it is. I use it morning and night after cleansing, and it layers beautifully under my other skincare products. I've also found that it works well as a makeup primer, helping to create a smooth and flawless base. Overall, I can't recommend The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Serum enough. It's an affordable yet effective option for anyone looking to improve the hydration and overall health of their skin. I've repurchased this product multiple times and will continue to do so as long as it's available.

  • Skincare products that work amazingly well and don’t break the bank! I love the lactic acid serum, made a big difference on my aging skin.

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    Definitely worth the purchase for great skincare!

  • great for people looking for a customizable routine but I appreciate innovative formulations to give me the benefit of multiple products in one. Pro is that they're very affordable. The percentages of active ingredients are too high for my liking. The idea is interesting but wasn't for me.

  • affordable, effective skincare. i love the products and only wish i could buy it in bulk lol. the price is what steered me towards the Ordinary shelves at Ulta. some brands charge so much for retinol or hyaluronic acid it's insane. thankful for this brand and how easy it is to find.

  • I've been obsessed with The Ordinary forever. So much that at this point it's replaced all my other skincare products. I'm currently using the Squaline Cleanser, the Niacinamide Serum, Retinol, the Caffeine serum for my under eyes, and the Multi Peptide serum + Salycinic Acid mask on my bad skin days. This routine has helped me fully get rid of my imperfections, my skin's sensitivity reduced drastically and now I don't have to think much about what to put on my face every morning as I know this routine is here to stayyy

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    Honestly everything is perf. the price is okay and all. I only wish that it would say what the product can potentially be used for on the box so I don't have to google it every time

  • Love their serums!

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    Love their serums!

  • Great price for an effective product. So good for my skin 💕

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • Tried so many brands in different price range, this one I find the best. I like their 'no-bullshit' approach and minimalistic ingredients that are actually good for skin

  • HORRIBLE the worst online experience ever snd kept getting worse. They ship horribly everything comes damaged snd then you're basically told it well not our responsibility and cust9ner service is just as nasty and as terrible as the rest of the company!

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    Terrible! Never ever would I ever recommend!!! HORRIBLE the worst online experience ever snd kept getting worse. They ship horribly everything comes damaged snd then you're basically told it well not our responsibility and cust9ner service is just as nasty and as terrible as the rest of the company! In the tags part they should also have terribly packages, nasty customer service, takes no responsibility for their errors!

  • Loved the Glycolic Acid, have used it on my knees and elbows, it has also helped my dandruff. I am now on my second bottle. love that it’s an affordable brand.

  • I love the ordinary! I’ve been buying their products for YEARS and will continue to do so! They are such an affordable brand with simple ingredients. I will always have their glycolic acid toner, “the buffet” (has a new name now), and the aha mask on my beauty shelf!

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    The Ordinary’s website does a great job with mapping out what ingredients should and should not be mixed. Many people miss out on this shopping from a 3rd party website, but this really helped me on the beginning on my skincare journey!

  • The Ordinary hyaluronic acid did wonders for my dry skin. I suffer from moderate to extreme eczema which makes choosing products so hard as most irritate it even more, except this didn't irritate it at all and helped reduce the flakiness or my eczema. Price is a bonus too!

  • Product n4 Amazing against dark circles!!!

  • good products, really great prices, and really potent formulas. packaging is simple and straight forward, gets the job done. tons of products to choose from

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    sometimes the products are way too potent to be effective (ex: niacinamide), and wish there was a bit more research on the products. some of the textures of their creams tend to be interesting… and usually too greasy for my combo skin.

  • Functional and affordable skincare, no frills but you don't have to pay for a brand name

  • Overall, I have seen a significant improvement in my oily skin since incorporating The Ordinary products into my skincare routine and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for affordable yet effective skincare solutions. I also really like the multi peptide serum for hair growth. I have been using it for the past several months and have had noticeable new hair growth since then.

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    As someone with oily skin, I highly recommend The Ordinary skincare products. Their products are effective yet affordable, making them a great option for those on a budget. Their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum is a game-changer for oily skin types as it helps to regulate oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve skin texture. Their Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is also excellent for oily skin as it helps to deeply cleanse and exfoliate, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Additionally, The Ordinary products are easy to incorporate into a skincare routine and can be customized to target specific concerns.