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 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 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.

  • This makes a huge difference in texture with consistent use. It’s strong, so I use it just a few times a week. Super affordable for how effective it is—definitely a staple in my routine in order to keep my legs smooth.

  • Really great line if you’re looking for affordable, basic skincare essentials to build a larger collection with. I keep the Salicylic and Glycolic Acids in my routine for clear and smooth skin, and the Soothing Barrier Support Serum is great for my damaged spots and eczema. I’ve even used the glycolic acid to help heal my cracked heels (TMI, but it helps!). Simple, effective, and priced right.

  • Extremely affordable and great starter products if you want to test adding something to your routine. I've tried their hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin C serums. They're all good and very affordable. I find layering products to be annoying however, so typically once I decide an ingredient is working well for my skin, I will look at a product I'm already using and if I can "upgrade" it to include the ingredient I'm testing.

  • I absolutely loved ordinary products! They are highly effective and very affordable. Simple and right to the point ingredients! Love that the products come in glass bottles. Been using it for years because they actually work!

  • Although simple, the products offered are in the most part effective and affordable. As a brand, they completely made skincare more accesible. Many of their products are great and are backed with real science behind it.

  • The Ordinary is one of my favorite skincare brands because it really delivers on being affordable and effective without all the extra fluff. I have tried several of their products including the Azelaic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and the BHA mask, and I have loved them all. Each one does exactly what it says it will do, which makes it easy to build a routine around specific concerns. What I appreciate most is that it is a no frills line. The packaging is simple, the formulas are straightforward, and the price point makes it accessible to experiment with different actives. I think the key is knowing your skin and what ingredients work for you, but once you figure that out The Ordinary is a really solid way to get results without overspending.

  • I love that this lash serum skips prostaglandins—no weird eye darkening or irritation over time. The formula feels gentle overall, and I’ve definitely seen visible lash growth and fullness, especially after consistent use. That said, I’ve noticed some mild eyelid irritation on occasion (nothing major, but worth mentioning). For a clean, effective option that boosts lashes without harsh ingredients, this one’s a win for me.

  • I love the ordinary products and price point. This brand offers simple and effective skincare for a great price with no unnecessary ingredients. Cost effective and great brand mission!

  • This serum is affordable and works well for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps reduce shine and calm breakouts without irritation. A great budget-friendly option for daily use. 🫧☁️✨ recommended ☁️☁️🥥

  • Used it consistently for a few weeks—this is actually my second bottle. Best for oily, acne-prone, or combination skin types. Not fungal acne safe (contains niacinamide and zinc, which can trigger it for some). Helps control oil and fade dark spots, but can feel tacky on the skin.

  • One of my favorite toners, this is great for occasional refresher on your scalps, or including anywhere that needs that brightened effect. Including, great to remove under arm order. This is so versatile to use!

  • I've been reading reviews and feedback on The Ordinary, and I finally decided to try one of their products. I bought the squalane+amino acids lip balm since my lips are always in desperate need of attention. For lip balm, it was not cheap; however, I've spent twice as much for a product that absolutely didn't work, so I feel it was fair. However, I did notice their price point for other products was extremely decent and much lower than many other brands. So far, the lip balm feels wonderful. It's silky smooth with no burn or irritation whatsoever, and it's not leaving my lips drier than before I put it on. I'm hoping there will be long-term benefits to daily usage, but thankfully it feels great enough to keep using.

  • A++ to this product! I had some zits pop up 2 days before a wedding and I ran to this stuff and within one hour the redness had gone down significantly. I made my sister get it and we are both fully on board now. It works.

  • Currently loving two of their serums so I thought I'd share. Just turned 40 and haven't ventured into the wonderful world of Botox yet so serums for now. I've had good luck with the Multi-Peptide and Copper Peptides 1% Serum and the Argireline Solution 10%. Been using for a few months now and I swear they make a difference in my forehead lines.

  • As someone with dry skin, i’m always looking for moisturizers and products with hyaluronic acid to help keep my skin nice and juicy. This serum helps so much to assure I get that hydration my skin needs no matter what other products I use. This is definitely something I’ve repurchased over and over again (I’m sure I’m on at least bottle number 5 or 6 at this point)

  • This is a great product for its price point. Some users might interpret the tingling and “pain” (mild stinging) as beneficial (“it’s working!”) and push past safe limits. That’s why I gave it a 4 star rating because I believe there are times I am unsure when to remove it (and I have been getting professional skin treatments for over 30 years). I believe with guidance, this can be an effective and useful product.

  • My skin: Combination dehydrated. I am focused on hydration and hyperpigmentation. I don't have reactive skin unless I exfoliate twice in one night. I'm really enjoying all four items I've purchased from The Ordinary. Essence: I only use the essence in my day routine because I usually use actives at night. It's hydrating and my skin doesn't get tight throughout the day. Amino acid serum: This is a holy grail product for me. I highly recommend if you have dry skin, dry scalp, or dry hair. It's a very thin and runny consistency and I use this after toner/essence and it instantly pumps and smooth my skin. I love it do much! I then put on my vitamin C serum and rest of routine. Bonus tip: add a few drops to your hair oil or leave in condition and your hair will be hydrated for days! Retinal: I really like this! I was previously using Maelove's retinal and found that I wanted something a little strong and less thick and this is great. I still need to wait a few minutes before doing the rest of my routine but it's thinner and more potent. Marula oil: This oil is sooo good for dry hair! It's a bit thick and I love that because it really stay in the locks. I have thick 4C hair.

  • In general, the serums are great! This one can be a bit tricky during winter due to the cold and dry weather. it helps me control oily skin, but my skin is mix so during winter it gets super dry. it pinches a little, so wouldn't recommend for sensitive skin. 1 every 15 days helps with the pores and blackheads too