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

  • Sorry but nothing beats The Ordinary when it comes to price-to-quality ratio for basic skin care (especially for those of us who do not identify as skin care nerds).

  • If you are between the ages of 20 and 35, I expect at least one thing from The Ordinary to be in your medicine cabinet with the rest of your skincare. It's a staple! The products are crafted well, cheap as hell, and provide amazing results! I'm a big believer in switching up brands and products often to find the best but even compared to larger, much more expensive brands, I find myself returning back to what I know in this line. Even if you don't know what you're looking for, their website has a tool where you can provide what your goals are, and what you're using now, and you'll get a personalized recommendation from the team! My go-to's over the last few years have been the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum, and the Serum Foundation.

    Feedback

    Not necessarily related to The Ordinary, but more to DECIEM as a brand - I will miss The Chemistry Brand and Hylamide! I really hope these products find their way back into NIOD and The Ordinary.

  • There's absolutely something to be said about how brands utilize minimalism, neutral colors, and sans serif fonts to market skincare brands as more clinical-- but The Ordinary truly IS the embodiment of clinical grade skincare. Super affordable, incredibly effective, and provides new skincare gurus a great "intro" to understand all the different products and what they do with zero frills.

  • I really liked how it felt like a luxury skin care brand but was very affordable.

    Feedback

    Because of what they sell, some of their products are not entirely clear. It's often hard to know what acids to use and where

  • Best skin care products out on the market.

  • I decided to get a set that comes with a big size version and travel size one, The set is perfect because if I don’t want to travel with a big bottle, to the airport, I can bring the little one instead. If you're looking for a reliable exfoliating solution and don’t have very sensitive skin, The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid Set is worth trying. Just be sure to follow up with sunscreen during the day, as glycolic acid can increase sun sensitivity. The only negative thing about the product is the smell. I know some people might not like it, but I was fine with is the scent. The product has a distinct vinegar-like smell, which may be off-putting to some. I put it underneath my armpit, which might sound strange but it’s perfect at also removing odor. I will say be careful if you shave and then instantly apply right after the toner because it could sting or tingle the area if by accident you made an open wound.

    Received a free product from The Ordinary
  • No frills, solid skincare. Not such great packaging, but does the job. Not the best on the market, but certainly not the worst.

  • My daughter absolutely loves The Ordinary products and I love the price! They work really well, are easy to use and so affordable!

  • I've tried a few serums from The Ordinary and loved them all. I like the transparency with ingredients, ability to have fragrance-free and dye-free products through them. Ordering online was easy and quick

  • I have tried may different products from this brand. The price is the most affordable skincare that provides results. I have loved every single product I have tried by The Ordinary. FOLLOW MY TIKTOK @maddiediaries to see me try this product and more products like this.

  • I love this brand. They are clean, affordable, and effective for my dry skin type!

  • The Ordinary has been a solid brand for "foundational" skincare that I've used — the Oat cleansing balm, glycolic acid and caffeine (eye) serum. Extremely well priced basics, and so I find myself reaching for the balm and glycolic acid regularly. Observed little-to-no impact with the eye serum, but the texture was pleasing and I would repurchase if I felt like the serum would fit my current routine. Minimal, well-designed packaging which is great for every day use or travel (bar: the caffeine eye serum, which has a dropper and can be polarising for skincare aficionados like myself).

  • I loved the caffeine eye serum. The serum absorbed fully into the skin and left the under eye hydrated, smooth, and brightened. Very awakening for my eyes.

  • Very affordable skincare. Unfortunately, the products didn’t work for my skin but I do think this is a great company with a stellar product line. I love how simple the packaging is and how accessible the products are.

  • I am sure all their products work. However, I don’t trust myself to layer the products on the right way. I found myself breaking out with some of their products. Once I stripped my routine back to just a cleanser and sunscreen, my skin cleared up.

  • Hits and misses! I think their products, like the red peel and the hyaluronic acid, are good, but I haven't found any that I've kept in my skincare routine permanently.

  • Ive been given The Ordinary skincare line multiple chances, and my experience was a bit mixed. While I appreciated the affordability and simplicity of the brand, there were some aspects I didn't quite enjoy. The scent wasn't particularly pleasant, and the texture felt somewhat off-putting. It's important to note that personal preferences for scents and textures can vary widely, so others might not find these issues as bothersome. Another concern I had was regarding the results. After using the product, I wasn't entirely sure about the impact it had on my skin. It didn't provide the noticeable improvements I was hoping for, and this might be due to differences in individual skin types and needs. While The Ordinary offers an affordable and straightforward approach to skincare, my personal experience was somewhat underwhelming due to the smell, texture, and uncertainty about the results. It's important to remember that skincare is super personnal, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's worth exploring the brand for sure :)

  • At my dermatologist’s recommendation to integrate Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide into my skincare routine for hydrated, healthy skin, I was drawn to the Ordinary doe it’s fairly priced products and focus on active ingredients (without all of the fillers). I am pleased with the results, especially for the Hyaluronic Acid. It’s hydrating and compliments any moisturizer well. Each bottle lasts at least 2 months with daily use, making it good value for the price. When looking for introductory products, The Ordinary is a great option.