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 the ordinary. I come back to it frequently as it’s a great price point and i like the streamlined ingredients. The packaging is simple with minimal design and the function of the packaging is not overwrought. I regularly try other things but usually have at least one The Ordinary product in my lineup.

  • The rave was good while it lasted. Not sure if it ever did anything remarkable for my skin. The price was great but if it doesn’t do anything drastic or worthwhile then I prefer to pay a bit more.

  • Definitely worth the price. It feels like a no frills attached skincare brand that actually works. I've used their salicylic acid mask and the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution and would recommend both! Only thing is some of their solutions can be potent and you need to read the directions to use them correctly without damaging your skin.

  • Great quality and value product, but you have to be very intentional about what youre buying. Single ingredient products rely on the fact that you are sure you're using something you are deficient in.

  • I’ve had a great experience with all products I’ve purchased from the ordinary, naicinimide, rose hip oil, vitamin C, AE Ferulic, squalane are all things I’ve purchased more than once!

  • looking back this brand has some major flaws but they are pretty iconic in that their innovative branding and price point changed the beauty landscape forever (and created many copycats along the way). i’ll always be appreciative of them kickstarting my love of skincare and they are a really good brand for a teenager to convince their mom to buy 😅. as for the products i remember using and my experience of them- Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% this serum gets a lot of flack for it’s gritty texture and i admit it’s true but it immensely helped my hyperpigmentation, so i personally could ignore it’s almost physical exfoliation feeling on my skin. Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA i definitely know i used this but don’t remember it doing anything at all. hyaluronic acid is extremely overrated as an ingredient. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution on my skin 7% glycolic is just not strong enough to see results from even though i know this is meant to be a light everyday toner. but the hacks of using it as deodorant is so iconic pretty much every aha deo on the market now is a result of this product going viral. AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution this product did literally nothing for me which is hilarious seeing all of the pearl-clutching controversy surrounding it. like i literally remember taking a three hour nap after putting it on and still not washing it off until i went to bed and it felt like nothing, their vit c tingled my skin more 😆. Lactic Acid 10% + HA it’s a decent exfoliating moisturizing serum, but nothing stood out in particular.

  • I have loved every product I've tried by The Ordinary! The Brow & Lash Serum has been working WONDERS for me. My brows have grown exponentially in the last month. I have also recently been using "The Buffet" every night. It complete has eliminated the lines on my forehead and between my brows. It's Botox in a bottle! I have been telling all my friends about it. I am eager to try more products, but from what I have experience I am impressed. And not to mention, at that price point! It is affordable and accessible, I have purchased from Sephora, Ultra, and Amazon!

  • When their products work, it's amazing because you can see a difference in your skin and the affordability of their products is a big bonus. The problem for me was more often products I tried did not show a difference compared to alternative brands of the same product.

  • These products are great - they are scent-free, efficacious, and value for money. I am addicted to the serums and have converted my son into using these products as well. You feel super clean, with no unnecessary smells, or textures - just simple, products that work.

    Feedback

    Understand your skin type before buying so that you choose the right products

  • I have tried several of their products & liked them. I use the niacinamide daily & love it.

    Feedback

    I use the niacinamide daily & love it. I have tried a few other products & found them to be great for the price point.

  • Good brand overall has a lot of basics that are good for someone trying to build a skincare routine without spending too much money.

  • Used their skincare test to determine a small routine to try, a cleanser, hyaluronic serum, mask and moisturizer. Compared to a lot of other brands the price points were low, and the science behind the products was clear and well described. With all of that I still didn't love any of the products and didn't see results. The cleanser was fine, but not better than what I was already using. The Hyaluronic, which I was most excited about, felt a bit sticky and I didn't see much moisture retention. The mask made my skin reactive and rash-y. The moisturizer was forgettable.

    Feedback

    I continue to appreciate the prices, science, and transparency behind this brand, I just didn't personally enjoy anything I tried.

  • I dabbled with fancy skincare on and off throughout my 20s but having been pretty lucky on that front I can’t attest to any of that stuff working- but The Ordinary absolutely does. When I suddenly developed hormonal spots on my cheeks that resulted in pigmentation a Google hunt led me to, what was at the time still very new to the scene, The Ordinary. Whilst it can be confusing to know what products you should combine for your own skin issues, I got really lucky with my very first order and 3 out of the 4 items that arrived continue to form the basis of my skincare routine.

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    I have tried many of their products but I swear by the Granactive Retinoid 2% emulsion, Vitamin C Suspension and Hyaluronic acid 2%. So much so, I usually buy them in multiples so I am prepared in case I run out! The moisturiser is adequate but I switched to the Plant derived squalane and it is a fuss free, non comodogenic oil perfect for Gua sha. I have been recommending this brand to my friends and family since pretty much the get go as it worked so well on my skin and is incredibly accessible in comparison to many other active skincare brands. I do supplement it with a few other lotions and potions but 6 years on I am still using these products and will continue doing so. Note- their makeup gets a no from me. I have not found a shade that suits my skin tone and I dislike the texture.

  • Dear the Ordinary, please never change. From the moment I heard about this line of products, I knew it was going to be my go to. Not only does it offer amazing skincare solutions, but the price can't be beat!

  • Their products are so incredibly affordable, and they offer such a wide range of products. I'm currently using their Niacinamide + Zinc serum, and love it! It's a great option for blemished and textured skin.

  • I love how affordable The Ordinary products are. The packaging and feel creates such a high end look. I was surprised to find out how much the products were and how convenient it is to get them. I have only used the AHA 30% product and it is a nice peel that makes my skin feel refreshed.

  • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a standout product for those looking to tackle skin concerns like acne, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a well-known powerhouse in skincare for its ability to balance oil production, minimize pores, and brighten the complexion, while zinc helps to regulate sebum production and soothe inflammation.

  • This brand makes skin care accessible on cheap products and many can buy, and there are lots of benefits and options to choose from there. Something for everyone here to pick dermatologist recommended high quality. I trust this friend to offer great results.

  • I am not a big fan of this brand. It is affordable, but none of the skincare items work for my sensitive skin. The AHA peeling serum and azaelic acid serum are too strong that it damaged my skin barrier.

  • Such a great brand - I think this is a gateway brand for many people and it did something that honestly changed the skincare industry forever by focusing on minimalistic, ingredient-forward marketing!