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 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.

  • Cheapest and most effective face wash I have found after years and years of trials and tribulations. Feels like it never runs out, gives me a SPA-like experience on a daily basis, and most importantly NEVER IRRITATES!

  • I find The Ordinary products to be quite hit or miss. The quality definitely varies from product to product.

  • Some products are good. Others not so much. Some products (like the niacinamide) everyone breaks out from. The aha/bha peel is great. Love the glycolic acid & recommended it to people frequently. It has so many uses & is very affordable. I am wary of trying new products unless I have heard multiple people recommend that product.

  • They have good products for acne skin. I have tried their cleanser and the only problem is it is quite dry for my skin so I just recommended normal to oily skin.

  • I have used a lot of their products... I feel that the squalene products are great - not too oily. The price point is amazing too. Good for people who have a planned and detailed skincare routine, but hard for people who want a few products. Often have to stack them into your existing routine and try to work out what they do (gets to hard to work out where to add what).

  • These are pretty good for the price. These products are gentle on my sensitive skin.

  • I appreciate how pure the products are at such a low cost. Probably could be higher quality, but you can spend a lot more at many popular brands and get lower quality than you do with The Ordinary. Definitely a great option for simple ingredients at an accessible price.

  • Love the simplicity and accessibility. A little tough to figure out the right products/routines and would love if there was a quiz or something to help you find the right products for you, though!