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 applaud The Ordinary for democratizing skincare. Because of them, there are a slew of brands today that offer affordable skincare that is more exciting and slickly branded than run-of-the-mill drugstore brands. However, now that the novelty of this brand and its price points have worn off, I definitely think there are much better brands out there (like The Inkey List). The paradox is, the prices are great for beginners, but the products themselves are too confusing to navigate for skincare novices. Trying to build a routine using this brand is a challenge as well because it’s too easy to overdo it on the acids and actives. The formulas are not elegant and some of them are so strong that I would caution against them. But they will get the job done if you know what you’re doing. Bottom line is, proceed with caution.

  • Are use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. My skin is naturally oily, so I really don’t need a moisturizer, but I use the niacinamide after a shower and the hyaluronic acid at night. These products are light weight and I like how they feel on my skin. Unsure if they’ve given me any benefit, but I have used them for about two years and probably will continue. The price is fair.

  • The best skincare line for affordable yet super effective skincare. Simple and dumbed down so that it’s fool proof to use. I specifically love their Hyaluronic acid, the buffet, vitamin C and peel. The products are effective and a fabulous intro to medical grade skincare without the hefty price tag

  • The Ordinary is all about quality and affordability, which I really appreciate as a consumer. I use their rose hip seed oil on my face daily, and it helps with redness and blemish control. When used correctly, these products are super easy and great for a skincare routine.

  • Go in my bathroom and you'd think I'd got shares in this brand... I love it so much! The products are all brilliant and have completely transformed my skin. They're not quite as purse friendly as they used to be but they still deliver great results without too much outlay. I repeat buy a whole load of products, including the amazing Resveratrol, which I combine with the Vitamin C Suspension + HA Spheres to give me glowy skin and even out blemishes. I'm a complete convert, and so too is my partner. Ultimately, The Ordinary proves that you don't need to buy high end to get excellent results.

  • I've loved some of the ordinary products I have tried and have repurchased them. The only thing that I sometimes find a little confusing is translating how the ingredients work to solve a concern that I have. The website is super helpful, but if you are shopping in store it can be difficult to determine which product you need without referring to the website or asking a store associate for help. The products are effective and affordable and I really like the aesthetic of the packaging.

  • Oh my god I keep trying their products because the price point is so good and they have so many that works. I love all of the uses for the glycolic acid toner, the niacinamide is great, I love all of the oils and hydrators. I have tried the sunscreen and make up, and the weren't for me but for the price ~$10 I feel confident trying anything because for everything I don't like, there are 9 that I love. If I could only buy one brand of skincare, it would definitely be the ordinary

  • Nice face wash! I feel like I have had like higher quality stuff and this is like in the middle, but it is also inexpensive for a more premium product, so this is a good one for keeping in the dopp kit or somethin ya know?

  • I've tried many products from The Ordinary and have purchased from them before they became "big". I liked what the brand was about and the affordable prices, but I can't say that I will continue buying from them. The excitement is gone and the company may not product the best products anymore, due to all that I've read the past few years. Fun products, affordable, but can't say if they are effective. I've bought lots of the skincare and a few makeup items, including the Coverage Foundation, that did not offer coverage for my skin discoloration and made my face very oily while wearing it (thought it claimed to be oil-free).

  • I use three product twice a day and have the best skin of my life, plus it is ridiculously inexpensive

  • Great brand if you’re seasoned in reading/understanding product ingredients and what they can do. Took off 1 star because of the names for certain products. Might not be as “user friendly” for some people who are just getting into skin care, but overall they have a great price point for their efficacy!

  • Excellent price-point and entry to affordable skincare. I've used a range of products from Hylauronic Acid, Niacinamide, Buffet, Salicylic Mask - they all work well and are great products to have on the go if you're travelling.

  • Dermatologist recommended and products are well made with nice ingredients. I liked this skin care product.

  • I like that everything is affordable and you can purchase individual ingredients. Cons is that you have to research each item you purchase and figure out what you can use it with since it's not formulated with other ingredients. However, for the price tag I think the extra work is worth the effort!

  • The ordinary is my favorite brand for skincare! All of their products are affordable and very straight forward. The hyaluronic acid is one of my favorites!

    Feedback

    Love that most products are fragrance free!

  • I love that this brand has a wide range of products and makes skincare accessible to all. The brand has good stand alone products like the AHA BHA exfoliating peeling solution. Unfortunately I find most of the products just aren’t that great in terms of providing results. The scalp treatment and caffeine serum did not deliver.

  • An affordable skincare brand, but honestly, I've tried better products. I've used their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5; both products are alright. It didn't break me out (I have acne prone and oily skin) but they didn't improve my skin.

  • The pricing and quality seem to match up nicely. It’s a great option for ease of use and affordablility. I appreciate that they do not use too much plastic in their packaging.

    Feedback

    More options of moisturizers would be great

  • I absolutely love The Ordinary! The products are high-quality, affordable, and I love the simple packaging.

    Feedback

    The products are pretty simple (in design, branding, name, etc) and scientific-sounding so I would just encourage anyone looking to purchase to do their research on which products are best for them and line up with what they typically use outside of The Ordinary.