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

2,515 reviews and posts

  • 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.

  • I like the ordinary’s brand mission of making skincare easier and letting me find products that work specifically for my concerns without all the fuss. They also have affordable prices and run deals a lot. The quality of their products are also really good and they offer a great customer service experience if you have any questions about their products or if you’re looking for guidance on making your own skincare routine!

  • 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!

  • My sensitive skin makes it difficult to find products that I enjoy using AND help my skin. I have combo skin, with a weak skin barrier and needed to find a gentle cleanser that didn't dry me out further. I've been using this Glucoside Foaming cleanser for multiple years, and I will continue to. The price point is good, and it's similar to Cerave or Cetaphil but less drying (for me) and a lot more foamy. Bonus that I like the packaging better, too. I usually double cleanse with the Squalene cleanser to take off makeup/sunscreen and then use this.

  • 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've been using the ordinary for almost 10 years. I've used many more of their products, but I'm only including the ones currently in my lineup. Their items are no-frill, but they completely changed my skin at a time when my skin was super dry, irritated, and unhealthy looking AND I had no idea how to create a skincare routine. I did go into one of their stores in SF and a sales person helped me build my routine and she was a lifesaver, since they have a HUGE variety of products (the benefit is that you can pick/choose ingredients specifically to target your concerns). The salesperson helped me start on my journey to understanding what ingredients and combination of ingredients work well for my skin, and how to experiment with them. Because of the price point, I don't have to worry about experimenting and the cost. Honestly, other companies that cost more are more likely to break me out because they put so many different ingredients into a single solution or serum. I got my sister to start using the ordinary, and I'd honestly recommend it (especially the AHA + BHA peeling solution) to literally everyone.

  • Amazing product for smoothing skin and brightening dark spots. It was recommended to me, and now it’s part of my daily routine. I even use it once every two weeks on my armpits as a deodorant and it’s been so effective.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • I love this straightforward, effective toner. It's such a good price for the amount of active ingredient! The bottle lasts a looooong time and the tip is perfect for dispensing a small amount onto a cotton round. Will repurchase!

  • I´ve been using The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 for two month now, and I’m more than happy. My skin feels noticeably more hydrated, plump, and smooth. I apply it to damp skin morning and night, and it absorbs quickly without feeling sticky or heavy. I also love the clean the ingredient list is — no fragrance, no nonsense. Overall, a great, affordable staple in any skincare routine.

  • I’ve been using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid for a few weeks, and my skin feels smoother and brighter. It’s gentle enough for regular use, but you do feel the tingling at first. My texture and dullness have improved noticeably, though I always follow with sunscreen. Definitely a simple, effective exfoliator.

  • The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution has been a game-changer for me, but not in the “typical” way. I don’t really use it on my face, instead, I use it behind my arms for bumps and between my legs to help with shaving spots. And it works so well! It’s made my skin a lot smoother and helped cut down on irritation. Honestly such a versatile product. Would definitely recommend if you deal with those little bumps or ingrown-type spots.

  • 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!