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

  • The ordinary makes great products. I love their 30% aha peeling solution. I bought it because I loved the drunk elephant baby facial that has the same stats. It works just as well for a quarter of the price!

    Feedback

    I don’t think anything could be improved. The packaging is very utilitarian but I think people buying the brand realize their money is going toward the ingredients not the packaging.

  • One of my favorite affordable skincare brands. I've used over 6 of their products

  • This is a great brand for skincare when you’re on a budget. Simple ingredients that get the job done. High end brands can do the same, but cost more because of the brand name, packaging, etc. While The Ordinary can save the bucks, sometimes I feel like it doesn’t always perform as well as I wish. I do use their Rosehip Oil religiously though!!

  • it's my everyday skincare, I really find them perfect for my skin. I feel it so soft and fresh after applying them.

    Feedback

    the best thing about this brand is that on their website there is an easy guide to discover which products is better for your skin and your skincare routine.

    An happy customer
  • Affordable skincare that actually works? Enough said.

    Feedback

    Just wish your products came in larger options!

  • I've been using The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid on my finger tips and heels all winter and it's making such a difference for the dryness/peeling that I normally experience during cold weather.

  • Had a facial by an amazing estiticion and we spoke about different products and she said her fav brand for hyaluronic acid and niacinamide was Ordinary. I had already bought several skin care products from her location that she worked spending well over $400. She told me the price of The Ordinary so I bought those two products along with a toner and a moisturizer and wow I bought a full line and will always use this product.

    Feedback

    Extremely effective and unbelievable price.

  • For me some products work while some don’t, but I use one of their exfoliaters which is something I always buy from them.

  • One of the best skincare lines I’ve ever tried

    Feedback

    I love this brand

  • I've been buying The Ordinary products for approximately a year now. I discovered their Caffeine solution that helps with puffiness under the eyes (I have a small spot under my eyes that are a bit puffy some mornings). So I ordered some. Well, I've been using it night and mornings, right after I cleanse, for two weeks. Nothing. Doesn't even help a little bit. Which is making me seriously doubt their other serums. It's difficult to know if their hyaluronic acid, retinol and other serums I buy from them are helping, because the differences I see with skin brightening and reduced lines could be due to my more higher-end creams. I think I'll be buying serums elsewhere for now on.

  • I purchased a few ordinary products at target. I like their masks and caffeine eye serum.

    Feedback

    Affordable but I wasn’t wowed by the formula. Packaging is kind of boring.

  • I have tried quite a few products from the Ordinary, over a period of two years. While I love the facial serum, I find that overall these products didn't work for me. The price point is a huge plus and with the price I really don't think you can go wrong even if the products don't work for you. I have tried their multi-peptide hair serum (moisturised my hair and made it look shiny but after a couple of weeks of regular use, I noticed no difference in my overall hair density and I was still experiencing hair fall. I have had better results with other hair oils) , their sunscreen (too thick and left a horrible white cast and oil sheen on my skin) , their foundation serum (its okay but if you are looking for medium to high coverage its not for you- I ended up binning mine), Their squalane serum (this was actually pretty decent and something I would repurchase again), their ascorbic acid oil (too oily and again no difference- there are better vitamin c serums out there in the market), their Niacinamide serum (saw some decent results over a short period of time but didn't work for me long term, their hyaluronic acid ( This is quite good and again is something I would repurchase) and their retinol serum (again too oily and after about 4 months of regular use I didn't notice any difference in my fine lines. Its nice as a moisturising agent though!) Unfortunately apart from their squalane & hyaluronic acid serum, their other products just didn't work for me. I brought different products at different times and tried to incorporate the ordinary products into my skincare regime as so many people rave on about the results.

    Feedback

    Some of the products are good but I found the other products to be quite oily.

    Customer
  • 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.