The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Ingredient-transparent formulations
  • Clinically effective actives
  • Minimalist, fragrance-free options
  • Wide, customizable range
  • Occasional sticky textures
  • Potential irritation from actives
  • Hit-or-miss product efficacy
  • Confusing layering for beginners

The Ordinary earns strong reviews for being effective and ingredient-focused: many users report clearer, smoother, more hydrated skin from staples like Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, and the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. Reviews also flag weaknesses: some formulas feel sticky or pill, certain actives (retinoids, vitamin C, high-percentage acids) can irritate or be too harsh, results can be hit-or-miss by product or skin type, and the range can be confusing without research.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,506 reviews and posts

  • have tried this product multiple times and really tried to like it… everytime it made me breakout! i have very sensitive skin but it is suppose to be for people who do have that skin type.

    Feedback

    I think overall this product just doesn’t work for me…

  • I tested several types od The Ordinary products and I can say that they impressed me.The products helped me improve the texture of my skin and ecouraged me to experiment with new substances and formulas offered by The Ordinary. I'm really thankfull for finding out about them! My favourite product is the Squalane Cleanser!

    Feedback

    I love the price range of these products in relation to the quality of them.

    No relationship
  • I recently bought the hylaronic acid and I love it!

  • Some of these products have changed my skin! Absolute staples in my skincare routine. Great customer service and you get a good amount for what you’re paying for. I especially recommend the glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and toner.

    Feedback

    Maybe offering some travel size products or different size variations but not necessary!

  • Love every single product I’ve tried!

  • I have been using Direct AcidsThe Daily Set of the brand "The Ordinary" for several months. Тhe products were easy to apply on the face. They are in a compact package perfect for traveling and as a gift

    Feedback

    I think that the price of products is perfekt. The quality is good and matches the price completely.

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • Adoro qualsiasi prodotto The Ordinary faccia, è economico e funziona davvero a differenza di molti altri prodotti sul mercato, sono super soddisfatta e continuerò ad acquistare i loro prodotti! La qualità e il packaging sono unici! Consiglio a tutti di provarli!

  • Has made my skin look great. Easy to use, affordable, and the website is incredibly informative, helps me know when to use which product. Huge for me as I've always been intimidated by skincare products. Plus, all their products I've used can be put in my carry on. Huge plus for me as I travel a lot.

  • I love the Ordinary and have tried several products of there’s out during my journey towards clearer, healthier skin. I love what they’re doing for the skincare industry by being transparent with ingredients. There’s no guesswork with what you’re getting and you can easily tell if there’s an ingredient that could potentially irritate your specific skin type since everything is listed right there on the bottle and is a quick google search away, which is super helpful since the words can be a bit confusing at first glance! They also have a wide range of products from skincare to haircare and have all proven to be effective. Everything is also at a super affordable price point which makes it a no brainer for me.

    Feedback

    I found that some of the products have kind of a strong scent which doesn’t necessarily bother me but could be an irritant for others.

  • I use Hyaluronic serum and retinol. Affordable and beneficial

    Feedback

    I use Hyaluronic serum and retinol. Affordable and beneficial

  • I love these products they are so affordable and cleared out my skin like no other brand has ever ! I specifically used the coffe serum for eyes and it does WONDERS I love !

  • Absolutely love ordinary this brand helped me with my skin a lot especially due to me have sensitive skin ! I absolutely love their serum very light weight and keeps your skin glowing for 24 hours !

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • Love the simplicity of the products as well as the affordability. The brand also helps with better understanding the ingredients present in other skincare as well, which I appreciate.

    Feedback

    Great for testing out an ingredient and figuring out what works best for you.

  • I have a number of The Ordinary products. I personally think it's impossible for any one person to say a particular product makes an enormous difference, unless it's a prescription product of some sort. But I recently went for a facial and was told that whatever I was using was doing a great job on my ... ahem, on the older side skin. And that was coming from a person who represents a brand and might have had an interest in telling me that I had problems that could be fixed by her products. So I credit The Ordinary's reasonably priced, easily used line of lotions and potions for that compliment. Just for specifics, I especially like the Vitamin C powder, which I mix on an as-needed basis (since Vit C degrades quickly) with a few drops of niacinimide serum and a small amount of moisturizer, then layer on more moisture and a sun screen.

    Feedback

    No complaints. I like the products and, whenever I go into the store, I get good advice on how to use them, without being pushed towards anything extra.

  • I love using the ordinary! I usually use these products right before bed, Especially the rose hip seed oil. It softens my skin and makes my face feel hydrated.

    Feedback

    I do think it could be more clear to see which product from the ordinary you are buying. It all looks the same so it is hard to know which bottle your grabbing.

  • My three step skin care routine constisted of the ordinary retinol, hyaluronic acid eye serum and moisturizer and it completely changed my everyday life. Now I’m feeling comfortable in my own skin and I definitely do not feel the urge to put makeup on whenever I go out. When I do wear makeup it’s sits perfectly on my skin due to the fact that it’s prepped the way it should be!!!

    Feedback

    Vitamin c can be used during night time too!!!

  • I've had a great experience with The Ordinary products, they really suit my needs and they carry a lot of value. I have oily skin and the products I've enjoyed the most are the Salicylic Acid 2% Masque (although it's a little harder to find in shops here in Europe) and the caffeine eye cream. I would only recommend to keep an eye on the instructions on the label, because some of the products can make your skin photosensitive

  • I absolutely swear by The Ordinary Hydroluronic Acid - I have struggled with super dry skin my whole life and nothing helped at all. Until the Ordinary. I also love that their products are so affordable and they do what they say they are going to do.

    Feedback

    I have always been completely satisfied with any product purchased from them!

  • I love the ease of using The Ordinary products. They are super accessible with regards to both costs and knowledge. I have learned so much about how to care for my skin in the best ways! Definitely recommend!

    Feedback

    The products are super easy to use, but make sure you read all of the labels/packaging before using the products. Due to the ingredients that are used, some of the product require refrigeration.

  • Accessible skincare for those on a budget. This was the first skincare brand I used and it worked great for basic skin hydration. However, I would recommend that you invest a couple dollars more in skincare that has multiple ingredients in each package vs. only one so you don't have to figure out which ingredients will go together best.

    Feedback

    Having markers on the packaging itself that tells you what ingredients not to mix it with would help. It would also be great if you added some color to products that were meant for daytime or night time.