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

  • This should be recommended for everything but the face. I use this on my underarms for my odor & inner thighs for my dark pigmentation & they have both been working wonders.

  • The hyaluronic acid serum and niacinamide serum have been staples in my skincare routine for years. The hyaluronic acid makes my skin feel deeply moisturized, especially during the dry winter season. I struggle with redness in my skin, and the niacinamide serum has helped sooth my skin significantly. I have also used the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution for a long time, which always leaves my skin looking visibly smoother and brighter. I am still amazed by how affordable The Ordinary's products are in comparison to how well they work. Additionally, I really appreciate the brand's transparency in regards to their formulations and ingredients; as a chemist, I value the descriptions of each chemical in individual products which are listed on The Ordinary's website. The website is very user friendly, and easy to navigate if one would like to formulate a new skincare routine based on specific skin concerns. I have ordered products directly from The Ordinary's website multiple times, and have never had shipping issues.

  • Love this brand,eveything they make is not just quality but also safe. Really have no complaints with this brand!

  • Amazing face and skin products without the insane price tag. I’ve tried a silly amount of beauty products over the years and most don’t live up to the hype or price tag. But The Ordinary’s products do!! My skin looks amazing, their branding is simply divine and I don’t have a pang of anxiety when purchasing. I cannot recommend their products enough!

  • I've used a couple of their products- the eye serum helps with puffiness, and I've been using that for a while now. However, not sure if the eyebrow/ eyelash serum actually works, or if its placebo. Granted, I used it once a day instead of twice so that could've been the problem, but didn't see a massive growth in my eyelashes. Really love the ingredients they use in the ordinary though.

  • Love their products. Simple and affordable. It also is a great way to help teens learn about skincare and what ingredients to look for based on skincare need.

  • I wanted to love it but maybe it wasn't for me. I was using The Ordinary Retinol and used it for almost 3.5 months, couldn't really see any change on my skin. I love their brand mission to make skincare products that are high-quality and affordable, but maybe it wasn't for my skin

  • The ordinary is an affordable skincare brand with a wide variety of products, from skincare to hair serums. These products are comparable to many pricier brands out there but still deliver strong results. I highly recommend checking out their products. I loved there niacinamide to fade my acne marks and control my acne breakouts. The glycolic acid always leaves my face leaving super clean with ought stripping it.

  • A great place to hone in on specific ingredients for your skincare routine. This brand is great for if you know what you want and you want it in an affordable and reasonable method. Nothing crazy with mixed bag products or formulations that try to sell you into them. Just time-tested skincare ingredients that help you build exactly what you need.

  • I typically love all product from the Ordinary - in particular the "Mandelic Acid 10% + HA" and "Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum," however I would recommend avoiding the "Mineral UV Filters SPF 30" sunscreen as it smells weird and leave a significantly noticeable white cast.

  • I love this brand, very hydrating and just makes my skin feel radiant!

  • Simple, effective and affordable skincare, available in a range of bottle sizes. The only problem is it is often sold out everywhere!

  • Love the ordinary products. Simple, effective, cheap.

  • Excellent product for the price. I have been ordering this Niacinamide for months now and it has worked just fine, it controls my face’s oil production and I can tell it minimizes the appearance of my pores. I’ve recently had people ask what I’m using and I truly feel like this product has made the visible differences.

  • Quality products at an affordable price point. The lash serum is great.

  • I love the ordinary they are reliable brand when ever I have a skincare related concern. I have been using the nianacinide and aha bha products for a year and loved the way it has rejuvenated my skin. Now using their retinol and have been loving this product so much! It’s cheap and affordable and really works!

  • Ho avuto modo di provare vari prodotti del marchio e mi sono sempre trovata molto bene, nessun prodotto è mai stato troppo aggressivo con la mia pelle. L’unica pecca è che mi piacerebbe che lasciassero una leggera profumazione che invece non c’è.

    Received a free product from The Ordinary
  • I tried the Ordinary retinol eye cream. It works great. Just as well or better than anything else that is really expensive.