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

2,522 reviews and posts

  • 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!

  • I use the niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for my serums and the moisturizer which have been a game changer in my skincare routine. My skin feels instantly hydrated and moisturized. It doesn't leave me oily at all. The texture on my skin has only gotten better overtime. Bonus? It works super well with my other skincare and makeup!

  • One of the skincare brands that I trust!!! I had cystic acne during the pandemic and it was one of the worst acne I’ve ever had eventhough I am acne prone. Using some of their products helped clear my acne and I will forever be grateful to this brand bec not only that they are affordable but they are very very effective! I love the ordinary and until now, even though I have a much clearer skin now, I still continue to buy their products bec I just trust their products so much and I know that my skin won’t get irritated.

    Feedback

    Effective and yet so affordable!!!! I know I will never go wrong buying anything from this brand and will continue to buy them cause they are so effective in resolving making my skin concerns like my acne and my hyperpigmentations. Definitely worth trying if you haven’t even tried it!!!!🫶🏻🤍 Take it from me!

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • I first started using the ordinary in 2018 when my teenage acne was at its worse. I’ve used various products, and I’ve seen amazing results from all of them. Over the past few years of me, using the products, I’ve settled on some go-tos that I will always have for my skin, and I’m always interested in trying new products from them.

    Feedback

    I think the brand is amazing! Specifically the niacinamide and the natural moisturizing factors + HA moisturizer, they have helped my skin so much, and are staples in my skin care routine.

  • Love this brand! Super inexpensive and high quality products.

    Feedback

    My favorite products from them are the hydrolonic acid and niacinamide. They work so well for my skin and have helped with my uneven skin tone.

  • This brand has many beneficial products for affordable prices! I really like the ordinary toning acid solution it has been a MAJOR help in my under arm (NO ODOR). I also use the Niacinamide 10% zinc on my face it has become a regular product in my routine. If I had to recommend this brand to anyone I definitely would!

    Feedback

    The glycolic acid toning solution has been known to lighten and even skin tone on the body, I added it to my oil and has also been using it other places on my body other than my face and it’s just left to see the other benefits this product has!

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • Prodotti fantastici per la skincare! Mi hanno davvero aiutata con i miei problemi dovuti all'acne e macchie in viso.

    Feedback

    Ottimo rapporto qualità-prezzo, meglio che spendere centinaia di euro tra dermatologo e farmacia per prodotti che non fanno la differenza!!

    Sale or special offer
  • 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