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

  • I love the Ordinary. I've been using their products for over a month and my skin has never been better!! I love how gentle their products are and how fast you can see the changes if you are consistent with the products! Definitely recommend.

    Received a free product from The Ordinary
  • Love, love, love the Ordinary! I have been using 'the Ordinary' products for at least two years now, and they are my holy grail. Not only are they affordable, but they don't irritate my sensitive skin, which is not an easy task for me. I would definitely recommend!

  • I have recently purchased a product known as Lactic Acid 5% + HA. It helps exfoliate my skin by removing dead skin cells and AIDS to help unclog my pores. Which lead to smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin. This is important because it helped keep my skin one natural color

    Feedback

    At first my skin was a little red due to it being a new product. But after night time use for a CONSISTENT period of time it definitely improved. 2-3 drops and a good rub was what helped make a difference

    New customer
  • I cannot say enough good things about the ordinary. I stumbled onto these products during COVID when I was looking to get more into beauty and skincare. I love that these products are clean beauty, organic, and the ingredients are not harsh to the skin. On top of that, they have an array of products for this by every skin care concern that you can have. And they are extremely affordable.

    Feedback

    I absolutely love the ordinary.

  • Used their glycolic acid and I absolutely loved it.

    Feedback

    With sensitive skin this glycolic acid made my skin glow. Not only it is good for dark spots but it can also be used to clear up acne and other stuff on your face.

  • I consider this brand the best affordable and effective skincare line .Most of their products work with all skin types and they have different products targeted at different skin types or conditions. The products are cheap, accessible and effective. They also contain a good blend of ingredients that aims to help and improve your skin in the long run. In addition to this they have makeup products like foundation, primer, brow products and some others. I would definitely recommend this brand

    Feedback

    Some of the products does make your skin purge , which ultimately is normal however an absence of this would make a drastic difference ,

  • I’ve been using this product since I came in Canada and it really helps my skin to be glowing and fresh.

    Feedback

    Perfect for people starting in their skin care journey.

    No discount
  • Ordinary skincare has been my holygrail since years. I have tried multiple products from this brand but hyaluronic acid is by far the best i have in my collection. I keep going back to it again and again.

    Feedback

    I think that niacinamide serum can be better. When i used it last time it made me hreak out very badly.

  • I use the Retinol 0.2% and the Moroccan Argan Oil for the first time, but I wanted to try these products for a very long time. The oil leaves on my skin a very pleasant and smooth feeling, however I don't know about the hair because mine is quite broken, so it needs something more efficient. The Retinol serum, though, is unique! Even though I use the lightest version of it, I have seen results in less than a month. I'm not talking about miracles, but my skin is shining, is smoother than before and, somehow, I even have mush less pores or small bumps.

    Feedback

    Be careful with the Retinol bottle. You just need a few drops. The oil, on the other side, is easier to run out of.

  • Never found products that did what they claimed to until I finally bought the ordinary products. My dark marks and pores are disappearing asap

  • I have so many products from this brand - mainly the serums and masks like AHA, Multi-peptides and BHA mask. I love the mission and believe that the formulas are efficasious. The no non-sense marketing and accessible price point make this brand an easy decision to pick, along with it's popular online fanbase. However, after months of using many of the serums, I can't see whether I truly see a difference, so I'm not fully convinced, however I will continue to use them due to all the people online who swear by the brand.

    Feedback

    There are A LOT of options to chose from and some of them you need to be careful about how you combine and use them. I was lucky enough to live near a flagship store and had a sales associate who was able to help me select the right products for my skin.

  • I originally bought the serum to make a photo for my portfolio, but after that, I used the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid serum and I would say that is a clear, lightweight gel that has a slightly sticky consistency. It has no scent and absorbs into the skin without leaving behind any residue. It takes a few minutes to dry thoroughly. I found that this serum does leave my combination skin feeling plump and hydrated, is gentle on my skin and doesn’t cause any skin irritation, but I’m not a huge fan of the sticky texture and having to wait for it to absorb. Aniway, I highly reccomend it.

    Feedback

  • The Ordinary products were some of the few products I started with when I was a skincare beginner. I love the fact that they are accessible, affordable, yet effective. The Mandelic Acid and Retinol serums are my faves. Majority of their products are also suitable for sensitive skin types, and they are made with gentle skin loving ingredients.

  • I have used the ordinary skincare brand for over a year and have tried almost all of their serums and creams. Their product packaging is trendy and minimalistic. The Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution are excellent and two of my favorite go-to staples for skin care. Their skincare line is affordable and well worth the money.

  • The first thing that I love about ordinary is that the pricing is very affordable, yet the product still feels luxurious. I tried the hydraulic acid first and it was fantastic. My most recent find was the glycolic acid 7% toning solution, I thought it was only for my face but it worked well for areas that sweat like under my arms. I kept buying different deodorants but using the toning solution helped me so much and made my deodorant last longer. I will continue to use and purchase!

    Feedback

    For anyone considering this brand look at all of the products to find what will work best for your skin.

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • I love The Ordinary! They are such an affordable brand, for amazing quality skincare. I have probably 7 different items I use from this brand, on a weekly basis. Their brand carries everything you need for your skin care routine. a wide range of serums and creams for all different skincare needs. I HIGHLY recommend their lash serum. I've incorporated it into my daily & night routine and in less than a month, I've seen so much growth! items I've used and loved: - squalene cleanser -toning solution -lash & brow serum -eye serum -alpha arbutin -moisturizing factors -vitamin c suspension

    Feedback

    it can be bought at Sephora which I find super helpful.

  • I use multiple ordinary products in my everyday skin care routine. Their products are so cheap and great quality also the size of everything lasts me so long even though I use it everyday. They have a wide range of products that all target different needs you may have. (My favourite is the salicylic acid 2% solution)

  • Every product I've tried so far has helped my skin tremendously and I'm mind blown at the price every time! I just recently started using the 1% retinol and the squalene cleanser and I love them both. I've never had really bad breakouts but I definitely get spots here and there if I don't make a point to have some kind of skincare routine. These products are perfect because it's not a huge financial commitment seeing as how I don't suffer very badly, and I see results where I need them, when I need them.

    Feedback

    I LOVE how they tell us straight up what the main ingredient is, it's very simple to find what you need. I love how they break down the categories when shopping based on different skin/hair concerns because the names are scientific sometimes and may not be understood but you can easily shop based on what your concerns are, both in store and online. The simplicity in the branding overall is what really sells me! It looks so aesthetically pleasing to display :)

  • Love this stuff! It works. I’ve been using The Ordinary brand serums for like 6 months now.. and its really brought my skin back to life. I really like their clean and simple packaging design as well.

  • I love this company! I have tried many different products for my dry sensitive skin, and have never had any issue with irritation. The products i've tested from this company (hyaluronic acid 2% hydrating serum, glycolic acid 7% toning solution, niacinamide serum and current multi-peptide lash and brow serum) have all improved my skin. I love the pricing and accessibility this company offers for such simple, high quality products.

    Feedback

    I would recommend this brand to every person i come across, they have a product for every skin type/need. The Ordinary's website also has very detailed descriptions of their products and what can be used in aid and what should not be paired together. This knowledge can help a lot of newer consumers to find what works for them.