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

2,516 reviews and posts

  • I've been using the Soothing & Barrier Support Serum from the Ordinary for about a month now. I wanted to add a product to my routine that would provided extra moisture during the winter months because my moisturizer alone wasn't cutting it. So far so good! It's very gentle and adds that extra moisture soothing boost my skin needs after a wash. I appreciate that the smell is subtle. It's a bright pink color but I don't notice the color on my skin after applying.

  • The Ordinary offers high quality, solution based products at a very affordable price. Rather than buying an expensive product they claims to address a variety of issues, The Ordinary has products that focus on one treatment, with high quality ingredients. It's possible to buy an entire line form them for what you would pay for one product from a luxury brand.

  • Love the idea of the ordinary more than actually using it. I feel like you sometimes need to have a lot more skincare knowledge than I do in order to be able to get the most out of it.

  • The Ordinary has quickly become a favorite in the skincare community for its no-frills approach and effective products. Their focus on transparency and using high-quality ingredients at affordable prices is impressive. Each product is clearly labeled with its active ingredients, making it easy to tailor a skincare routine to your specific needs. I’ve found that the Niacinamide Serum and the Hyaluronic Acid are standout products that deliver noticeable results. Overall, The Ordinary is a game-changer for anyone looking to enhance their skincare routine without breaking the bank. Highly recommended!

  • I love love love both the Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% and the Hyaluronic Acid 2%. Using them for years now. The Granactive Retinoid is a perfect dupe of Sunday Riley's Good Genes but a mere fraction of the price. Use the retinoid 1 to 2 times a week at night and your skin will be softer, smoother and more even toned. The hyaluronic acid is also much cheaper and just as effective as compared to other brands. If you are using another brand, stop and switch to The Ordinary!

  • The Ordinary has completely transformed my skincare routine! Their no-nonsense approach to effective ingredients at affordable prices is unmatched. I’ve seen amazing results with their Niacinamide serum—it’s reduced my redness and improved my skin texture in just weeks. The clear instructions make it easy for beginners, and the minimalist packaging feels so chic. If you’re looking for quality skincare without breaking the bank, The Ordinary is a must-try! 🧴✨

  • I adore this brand. Each product is better than the last. They are affordable and really work great for my skin. No issues at all.

  • I LOVE The Ordinary. I can't believe it took so long for someone to make (nearly) at-cost skincare products. These are no fluff, seriously just products that work.

  • I like the price point on these products. It makes it a lot less painful to the pocket to be able to try a variety of different lotions and serums. I have found that the products themselves are very nice and I appreciate that there are ways to recycle the packaging.

  • I'm obsessed with this brand. They make a variety of products at an awesome price point, making skincare affordable for all. I especially love their skin barrier repair serum and azelic acid serum.

  • Not Ordinary, Extraordinary. I tried the glycolic acid only once at a friends place. Very expensive so haven’t splurged yet. It was great.

  • I love the simple and concentrated products. Especially when skin care products can be so complicated.

  • I've been a fan of The Ordinary for years and have used a few of their products. The one product that really stands out, however, is the multi-peptide + copper peptides 1% serum. It is dreamy. Paired with the plant squalane, my skin is GLOWING. I will say that the multi-peptide lash and brow serum caused some irritation along my upper eyelid, which I was not expecting since their products are usually great for sensitive skin like mine. My review would be 5/5 otherwise.

  • The products are so detailed and specific that I always end up doing 30 mins of research at home before I head to the store to pick anything up. The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is my go-to peel -- I'll use it 2x a week for a few weeks whenever I feel like my skin needs a pick me up!

  • The Rosehip oil is one of my all-time favorite products. I use it every single day. I love the affordability and the accessibility (since it is now in Sephora). It works wonders for me in the winter when my skin struggles and is super dry. The brand, overall, is great. I've reached out several times for a customized skincare routine

  • I use the glycolic acid religiously. It is so good and so affordable !!

  • my favorite ordinary products are their hyaluronic acid and their niacinamide! they are a part of my daily am routine and it does wonders on my skin for brightness and texture. they are INCREDIBLY affordable, almost to the point where can believe it is a scam. even if this brand does not work out for you in the long run, at least the ability to try different products won't break the bank. my tip: ease into applications. i wanted to like the glycolic acid and aha serum but i was careless and integrated them at the same time. as a result, my skin broke out and was painful for weeks. that is 100% user error and i will try them again in the future but currently a little scarred (literally and figuratively).

  • I could be a little more consistent with the product, however, the affordability is spectacular!