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 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 !

  • Works amazing for acne prone skin. Dries the areas that are built up and causing acne. The product lasts a long time. Cleared my skin, and I will continue to buy and use this product daily. I highly recommend!

  • I really enjoyed using azelaic acid and was pleasantly surprised by its texture and performance. It spreads very easily on the skin, absorbs well, and feels lightweight without leaving any greasy or heavy residue. The texture is smooth and comfortable, making it easy to layer with other skincare products. What stood out the most to me was how quickly I noticed results. My skin looked more even, calmer, and less irritated in a short period of time. It also helped reduce redness and improved overall skin texture without causing sensitivity. Overall, it’s a gentle yet effective product that delivers visible results and fits perfectly into a daily skincare routine.

    Invested in The Ordinary
  • I really like this toner. It is refreshing, gentle, and leaves my skin feeling clean and hydrated. I’ve noticed my complexion looks more balanced since I started using it, and it works well with the rest of my morning routine. The only thing I don’t love is that my skin can feel a little sticky right after applying it. Once it fully absorbs, it’s fine, but that initial stickiness is something to be aware of. On the plus size I love that I can squirt it onto the cotton ball, no lid to fuss with. Overall, it’s a great product with just one small drawback.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Produto eficiente, com proposta clara e entrega real. A combinação de niacinamida a 10% com zinco 1% ajuda visivelmente no controle da oleosidade, na redução da aparência dos poros e na melhora da textura da pele. A absorção é rápida, não deixa sensação pegajosa e funciona bem tanto na rotina da manhã quanto da noite. Fórmula direta, sem firulas — skincare raiz, do jeito que tem que ser. Ponto forte: ótimo custo-benefício e resultados consistentes com uso contínuo. Produto democrático, conversa com diferentes tipos de pele, especialmente mistas e oleosas. Observação estratégica: Sou criadora de conteúdo UGC e avalio produtos com foco em performance real, usabilidade e percepção do consumidor final. Este sérum tem excelente potencial para conteúdos educativos, reviews e vídeos de rotina, porque o resultado é visível e a proposta é fácil de comunicar. Resumo executivo: entrega o que promete, sem hype vazio. Produto sólido, confiável e com alto potencial de conversão em conteúdo.

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • I know a lot of people love how accessible this brand is. I was excited when it came out and bought 10 different products and liked some of them well enough but didn't end up re-purchasing. Not sure if I used it incorrectly or just got tired of the endless layering of products which starts to feel like a bit absurd at times.

  • 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
  • 5/5 I’ve been using The Ordinary Niacinamide for a while now and it’s genuinely helped control oil and minimize the look of my pores. My skin looks more balanced and less shiny without feeling stripped. I also love the ordinary in general and how they create great skincare at accessible price points

  • The Ordinary propose des produits au rapport qualité-prix très intéressant, ce qui explique son succès. Cependant, la marque n’est pas exceptionnelle et ne bluffe pas vraiment. Certaines formules sont efficaces, mais d’autres peuvent être décevantes, voire inadaptées selon les peaux. C’est une marque correcte pour débuter, mais limitée en termes d’innovation et de résultats visibles à long terme.