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

  • One of the best sunscreen I've ever try! It feels like a milky toner, so refreshing while protecting your skin. Also it goes well for under makeup. Doesn't sting your eyes, also no white cast at all, your skin looks glowy

    Received a free product from The Ordinary
  • I love how this feels immediately after application, my face looked more firm and plump and overall fresher. Honestly cannot recommend this enough - non-irritating, no side effects, truly a holy grail in my skincare

  • I’ve been using a combination of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glycolic Acid, and it’s completely elevated my skincare routine. The Niacinamide + Zinc serum has been amazing for keeping my oil production in check and minimizing the appearance of pores. My skin looks noticeably clearer and more balanced, especially in areas where I used to get frequent breakouts. It gives that smooth, refined look without feeling heavy. Adding Hyaluronic Acid into the routine made a huge difference in hydration. My skin feels plumper, softer, and more refreshed throughout the day. It pairs perfectly with niacinamide because it prevents any dryness and keeps everything looking healthy and dewy. The real game changer, though, has been Glycolic Acid. Using it a few times a week has helped gently exfoliate my skin, fade dullness, and improve overall tone. I’ve noticed my complexion looks brighter and more even, and it’s helped reduce the appearance of old acne marks over time. Together, this combination feels like a complete system-balancing oil, boosting hydration, and improving texture all at once. My skin looks clearer, smoother, and more radiant than it has in a long time. Just be mindful to introduce glycolic acid slowly and always use sunscreen, since it increases sensitivity to the sun.

  • Love this product! I tend to have hyperpigmentation and find this is a great step in my skincare routine to add more moisture into my skins to combat the darkness. I’ll either add a few drops to my creams or occasionally do a full face of oil as an overnight mask

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • Used this to help fade dark spots and control acne/milia spots. Have seen a noticeable difference even with a short usage time. I prefer to use it during the day after cleansing and toning and sitting just under my moisturizer. I tend to use it every second day and that seems to work fine. It’s a nice affordable price point as well!

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • Worked wonders for my skin! I use it as hoc when it starts to look a little dull and I feel like it brightens up skin, makes it look a little more plump and helped fade some acne scars! I don't have very sensitive skin but It does cause a burning sensation when you put it on but I think that's expected! Would recommend !

  • If you're looking for a "one-and-done" treatment that doesn't break the bank, this serum (formerly known as "Buffet") is arguably the most versatile bottle in The Ordinary's lineup. It's designed to be a universal anti-aging and hydration powerhouse. This serum doesn't focus on just one issue; it offers a comprehensive approach to skin health. Using a heavy-hitting blend of peptides like Matrixyl 3000 and Synthe'6, it works over time to make skin feel more resilient and "bouncy. It includes Argirelox, a peptide technology often used to target dynamic expression lines (like crow's feet or forehead lines). It delivers deep hydration with multiple weights of Hyaluronic Acid. It plumps the skin surface

  • I was so pleased to find this brand - loved it's ethos, simple packaging and price points that don't bloat because of their marketing budget or fancy celebrity endorsements. I've tried several products and have turned my son on to them as well - we like them, but do miss the richness of a luxury product.

  • Do not sleep on this. It tackles uneven skin tone, texture, and redness all in one step. The suspension formula is thicker than expected but blends out well and layers fine under moisturizer. My skin looks more even and calm with regular use. Incredible value for what it actually does.

  • I like this vitamin C serum. it actually does what it promises and is very affordable. The texture is quite liquid and slightly sticky, but that doesn’t bother me. Just make sure to follow up with a good moisturizer, since my skin feels a bit dry afterward. Overall, I’d definitely repurchase it because it works well and is worth the price.

  • The cheapest option so far but it doesn't mean the quality is worse. After committing to it for a couple of months, I've experienced remarkable improvement.

  • I started noticing less shedding after about three weeks of daily use, and by the second month my hair felt noticeably fuller and stronger at the roots. Love their brand too, you know what you are buying and they do not disappoint.

  • This eye serum has made a visible difference in my under-eye area. It helps reduce puffiness in the morning and makes me look more awake almost instantly. With consistent use, I’ve also noticed my dark circles look lighter and less tired. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly, so it’s perfect under concealer. A little goes a long way, and it’s become one of my go-to products for a refreshed look.

  • I’ve been really impressed with this serum. It noticeably helped balance my skin and reduce excess oil without making me feel dry or tight. After a couple of weeks, my pores looked smaller and my skin tone appeared more even. It layers well with other products and doesn’t pill under makeup, which is a huge plus. For the price, the results are honestly amazing—definitely a staple in my routine now.

  • I grabbed this product after a TikTok review sold me on it! My hair is thin from birth, but having babies and losing weight with a GLP-1 really made it lose density and I was starting to have shedding too! This has caffeine which made a big difference at my roots and didn’t leave my scalp greasy at all!

  • I admit the look is a bit intimidating at first, but the results are unmatched. As someone who takes skincare seriously, I look for products that deliver true renewal. I use this peeling once a week (never more than 10 minutes!) and it feels like it’s wiped away years of dullness. My 40+ skin loves the glow and the ultra-smooth texture it leaves behind. It’s the best value for anyone wanting a "new skin" effect at home.

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • I used the ordinary throughout the years and they truly have some hits or misses. I went crazy over the acid peel as did everyone else but felt meh about the squalene cleanser. It was fine to take off makeup but not for the cleansing part. I might check out some other products from them once I understand more about curating skincare.

  • I didn't notice it do anything necessarily. My skin wasn't particularly moisturized. However, it is fairly cheap in comparison to other products and I don't know that I would be able to tell the difference between it and something at a slightly higher price point. It doesn't irritate my skin. It doesn't leave a white cast. It can be layered on top of other products. This is my second or third time purchasing it. I would purchase it again. Unlike the caffeine where I couldn't tell a difference at all and wouldn't purchase again, the moisturizer may make a difference.

  • My skincare routine doesn’t involve many steps so I haven’t used many Ordinary products like serums or to remove makeup. I tried this powder and maybe it’s working okay, but it’s mostly not turning into cream when I rub it in.

  • I love the Ordinary Rose Hip Oil! This is the real deal, I tried before the handmade ones and this one has good quality. Even the smells is exactly like the handmade ones. It’s super hydrating and the texture is exactly like the original ones. I tried some online that was not like it was supposed to be and many things added to it but the Ordinary one kept it real. I love using this oil on my hair ends and sometimes in my skin. The texture is thick so just a little amount is enough. The smell is unique so it takes a while to get used to it if you haven’t tried the real deal before. Some brands oils out there put fragrance to make it better, but also other oils too which is less real. I wish the bottle was a little big bigger but this size is also great for traveling without taking much space. I will definitely purchase this oil again.