The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective acne-clearing serums
  • Noticeably brighter, smoother skin
  • Minimalist, clinical formulations
  • Clear, straightforward labeling
  • Sticky serum textures
  • Potential irritation from actives
  • Hit-or-miss product efficacy
  • Confusing product naming

The Ordinary earns strong reviews for effective, ingredient-forward skincare that improves texture, hydration, acne, and glow—with standouts 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, can pill or irritate sensitive skin, high actives may overwhelm newbies, results can be hit-or-miss, and product naming/usage can be confusing.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,515 reviews and posts

  • I love using their hyaluronic acid. It absorbs quickly into my skin and keeps my skin hydrated all day long. I love that it’s economical!

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • I love the serums and moisturizers so much! They’ve healed my skin a lot and are definitely my go to skincare products. Are affordable too.

  • I love their products, they're absolutely affordable. I love that I can get ingredients that are in more expensive brands, in a price range that suits my budget. The packaging is great, and looks really nice. The products themselves do work, but they don't feel luxurious - and I can't say I've noticed a big change in my skin after using them, but they do enough that I can justify a repurchase, especially due to the price. Everything is easy to understand, and I feel comfortable experimenting with different products. Their products don't have fragrance, which is a plus for people with sensitive skin, but it means I can't stand the smell of their retinol serum. Overall though, well worth it, and would continue to rebuy.

  • I love this product, it was recommended by my sister who has flawless skin. The product is incredibly affordable, clinically tested with no perfumes which is intrinsically important to me. I love the dark glass apothecary looking glass which looks clean and adorable but also highly important for the product to keep well. i’ve tried several products in this line including the caffeine which seems to do the trick everytime for under eye puffiness - Five stars for me on performance and affordability

    Raving fan🤍
  • I use the Ordinary hyaluronic acid, retinol and rose hip oil regularly and I love these product, I cannot be without them! I also use the glycolic acid and the moisturising cream and while I do feel some benefits I also need to complement them with other products. The only product I had to stop using was the sun cream due to the white cast it was leaving, otherwise my whole feedback would be positive!

  • I stumbled on The Ordinary products as it was suggested on an Instagram page. I love the story of the brand. The founder (who has since passed) wanted to provide Quality products at a price point that allowed anyone to buy them. I have used nearly every product, including The Ordinary’s newest product The Glycolipid Cream Cleanser which is a creamy cleanser. I used just a small pea size for my face and I even used it on my upper arms and my chest. I loved the consistency of the cream cleanser and the results are simply INCREDIBLE! My face felt ultimately CLEAN but not in a drying way. My face felt soft, smooth, and squeaky clean. I have teenagers so I am always looking for something that’s fast and gives great results and The Ordinary line is just that- it’s affordable, it does what it needs to, and the packaging is simple. This is a must have.

  • I can't express how thrilled I am with The Ordinary skincare package! It's truly a game-changer. From the moment I started using these products, I could feel the difference in my skin. Another thing I appreciate is the affordability. It's lovely to have access to such potent and effective skincare without breaking the bank. I feel like I've found a brand that genuinely cares about my skin's well-being, and that means a lot to me.

  • First time using The Ordinary and I just love it! I'm in love with this product and I've seen a difference in my facial skin.

  • I love skincare and the ordinary is one of the best brans for that! If you want to grow you hair faster, they got you. If you want smooth glowy skin, they got you. If you want to look good without paying a lot of money, they got you! I do buy the products over and over again and would recommend it any time, any day. Did i mention the beautiful aesthetic?

  • I loved the Peeling Solution. It helped to clear up any scars on my face and I rarely had any pimples after using it. The moisturizer is wonderful. It doesnt feel like your skin is getting clogged and it can still breathe.

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • I'm absolutely obsessed about the hydraulic acid and B5 serum it works amazingly with my skin feeling so much better you can definitely tell that it works

  • Okay, so picture this: a lightweight, cloud-like moisturizer that's like a big drink of water for your skin. 🌊💦 That's basically what this little gem is all about. First off, major points for being fragrance-free – my sensitive skin is totally doing a happy dance! I've been using this moisturizer for a hot minute now, and let me tell you, it's like a hug for my face every time. It's got this silky texture that melts right in, leaving my skin feeling soft and bouncy. And guess what? No greasy after-party here, folks! 🎉 So, in a nutshell: if your skin is thirsty for some serious hydration, The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factor with HA is your new partner in crime. It's like a refreshing sip of water for your face, and honestly, who could say no to that? Bottom line: 10/10 would recommend to a friend – and I just did!

  • 9/10 • Affordable: One of the standout features of The Ordinary is its affordability. The products are reasonably priced, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers. • Transparency: The brand takes pride in its transparency, providing detailed information about the ingredients used in their products. This allows customers to make informed choices based on their specific skincare needs. • Effectiveness: The Ordinary offers a wide range of lotions and serums targeting various skin concerns. I had natural moisturizing factored + HA and Galac Niacin Essence. It really improved hydration, reduced fine lines, and overall healthier skin. • Personalization: The Ordinary gives individuals the chance to customize their skincare routine by offering single-ingredient products that can be mixed and matched according to individual needs.

  • I just love the brand! My favorite is the natural moisturizing factors + HA, it is the white t-shirt from face creams, you have to have it.

  • I love their niacinamide – my skin is literally glowing! I use it every day for 2+ years and would recommend everyone who has sensitive skin or acne.

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • The Ordinary is the ultimate destination for all your skincare, makeup, hair, and body solutions. With a wide range of clinical formulations, this brand has won hearts across the globe. Their commitment to integrity in their products shines through, making them a reliable choice for any beauty enthusiast. I've tried azelaic acid and some other acids to help me get rid of acne scars. Azelaic acid, in particular, has been known for its remarkable ability to improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and fade post-acne marks. Its gentle yet effective exfoliating properties have made a noticeable difference in my skin's appearance over time. MT FAVOURITE! Apart from azelaic acid, I explored other acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, both of which have been praised for their exfoliating and brightening effects. Regularly incorporating these acids into my skincare routine has contributed to a gradual fading of acne scars and a more even complexion. With the combination of The Ordinary's reliable skincare solutions and the incorporation of targeted acids, I have experienced significant progress in my journey towards achieving smoother, scar-free skin. Remember, consistency and patience are key when dealing with acne scars, and with the right products and dedication, you can achieve remarkable results.

  • Fantastic! Their online questionnaire helped me to find the routine and products that are best for me. Their very simple, high-quality products that WORK! No scents, no gimmicks, just skincare that does exactly what you need them to do, and they do them WELL. I appreciate that they keep users informed every step of the way about what's in the products, which order you should use them, which products to avoid using together, and even what time of day they should be used. They often have great deals going on, but are affordable without the deals, and are easily accessible at Sephora. I've been using it for a year, and my skin looks fantastic! My routine with The Ordinary include: Morning: Squalene Cleanser Niacinimide 10% + Zinc 1% Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Night: Squalene Cleanser AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (1x/Week) Glycolic Toner Lactic Acid 10% + HA Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

  • I use the Originary's hydraulic acid, nicotinamide and retinol. I love the way these products settle gently on my skin, they do not irritate or cause my skin to inflame like other problems. I especially love howvto retinol helps me get rid of milia, these products are part of my everyday skin care routine. I also love how they are natural and cruellty free

  • I can’t say enough good things about this brand. They hit every mark from product to customer service to their mission and beliefs. When you first go to the site, you have the option to take an assessment quiz to match you with products. I like that it allows you to rank by concern or preference rather than only selecting one. It also asks about your familiarity with applying different skincare as some of their products are meant to be layered in certain ways and folks who are new to skincare might want a simpler routine. I felt the products it matched me with were perfect. In a week my skin cleared up and was noticeably more hydrated. After trying multiple products, I was also happy to find this not only worked but also happened to be affordable. The unboxing is simple but I like that it’s keeping the cost low and investing more into the product than the presentation. I’ve also traveled multiple times with these (both serum and cream) without issue in my carry on, although some products are offered in larger quantities. They don’t have a scent which I also enjoy as someone with sensitive skin. Customer service is great. When a package was stolen, they replaced it quickly. It was easy to find their email and get in touch. Last, this company sticks to their values and as a customer, I feel secure knowing their ingredients are transparent and traceable.

  • I love the Ordinary! My daughter and I have been using their products for about 8 years. She's 29, and I'm 66. Their packaging is sensible and easy to read. The products are pure, easy to make your own customized mixture that suits your skin. And the price point is easy on the pocket. Love them!