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

  • I really enjoyed using azelaic acid and was pleasantly surprised by its texture and performance. It spreads very easily on the skin, absorbs well, and feels lightweight without leaving any greasy or heavy residue. The texture is smooth and comfortable, making it easy to layer with other skincare products. What stood out the most to me was how quickly I noticed results. My skin looked more even, calmer, and less irritated in a short period of time. It also helped reduce redness and improved overall skin texture without causing sensitivity. Overall, it’s a gentle yet effective product that delivers visible results and fits perfectly into a daily skincare routine.

    Invested in The Ordinary
  • I really like this toner. It is refreshing, gentle, and leaves my skin feeling clean and hydrated. I’ve noticed my complexion looks more balanced since I started using it, and it works well with the rest of my morning routine. The only thing I don’t love is that my skin can feel a little sticky right after applying it. Once it fully absorbs, it’s fine, but that initial stickiness is something to be aware of. On the plus size I love that I can squirt it onto the cotton ball, no lid to fuss with. Overall, it’s a great product with just one small drawback.

  • As someone who’s new to the world of retinol this product has been the perfect introduction. I’ve noticed improvement to my skin texture and haven’t experienced any irritation. Its light and absorbs quickly.

  • Clean simple ingredients, what’s not to love? this brand requires a lot of existing knowledge of skincare ingredients and what they do and how they can be combined and what works best for your skin. I have very few of these attributes and so I only have used one product from this brand, their caffeine eye serum and it works for me in the sense that I don’t use any other eye creams or had any issues however, I also must say that I don’t see a dramatic effect. This is unfortunately a common scenario for me and skincare products with a lot of hype.

  • A great, inexpensive way to buy quality skincare chemicals. I have used many different formulas and I have been buying from them for years! Their formulas are great and easy to purchase. My only issue is that some of the formulas are too strong. People with sensitive skin should be careful and do a lot of research.

  • Trustworthy skincare brand, I just recently got into purchasing their products. Their niacinamide products work wonders on dark spots and irritation. My sister has eczema and was the one who put me on to their products. Looking forward to trying out other things by them.

  • I’m picky with my 5 star reviews because 5 star means something is the BEST (to me). The Ordinary is a home run, sustainable products, for a fraction of the cost of other brands. Sometimes (not all the time, don’t come for me) you’re just paying for packaging that you literally throw in the garbage after the products use.

  • 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.

  • I like the lactic acid plus HA. I didn’t at first but I changed my mind. I feel like my skin is smoother when I use it and I’ve finished the bottle. Would recommend to a friend. And it’s pretty cheap, too

  • Incredible, science-backed skincare - unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. The targeted formulas, like their Multi-Peptide Hair Serum and Hyaluronic Acid, deliver results without breaking the bank. Love the minimalist formulas and real results. A powerhouse brand for anyone serious about skincare or haircare.

  • Affordable and their products work!! I was recommended the hyaluronic serum by a skin therapist and I can't believe I wasn't using the product earlier. Whilst I was in the store, I also picked up their Caffeine Solution, as an eye treatment, and their Niacinamide, their blemish formula. All I can say is RUN don't walk! The products have made a HUGE difference to my skin in it's hydration, reducing my eye bags, and reducing blemishes.

  • I bought this lash & brow serum because it's from the ordinary skincare line and I love their products. I use this mostly on my eyebrows. I've been using it for a couple of months now. The reason I started using it is because I had one eyebrow that the tail was a little bit shorter than the other. Within a couple weeks of using this serum I could tell a difference and now they are even., which I love. I would definitely recommend this to someone trying to grow out their eyebrows. Plus it's affordable $14.50.

  • Overall, The Ordinary has some excellent products for the price-point. I use Caroline Hirons (check out her excellent blog and skincare suggestions) as a guide on which of their products to buy/use. I love the peels and Squalene products. I have not found the washes to be as effective and they run out too quickly for me. But love the brand!

  • I love using their Hyaluronic Acid serum for added hydration. under my daily moisturizer - it leaves my skin feeling super plump and moisturized! I also love their Zinc serum - this stuff is amazing! Not only does it help with discolouration/dark spots, it also works REALLY well under makeup to keep oily skin at bay! Love using this daily followed by a topical sunscreen. Holy grails in my skincare routine!

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • Ordinary products are the best! Great quality affordable price! I love them all! Especially the squalane! It delivers amazing hydration to my parched skin.

  • Love the Ordinary as a company with their fuss free packaging and fantastic value for money. AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution is one of my most favourite products from the brand. My skin literally glows after using it.

    Customer
  • This company has had an interesting journey as far as founding/social media. The products are all incredibly solid and this is a concept that is absolutely necessary in the skincare/beauty realm. I had the best experience with color matched foundation in the NYC store ever! The rosacea creams are legendary. Aside from the innovative approach, the prices are wildly fair.

  • I tried The Ordinary High Adherence Silicone Primer and it definitely does what it says it does. My makeup stays on longer whenever I use this product. I love the price point and the fact that it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin.

  • I’ve used this a couple of times over the years and as of recent I’ve been using it to minimize sweating. I also apply it to my armpits to help balance my ph, even out the skin tone, remove bacteria and odor. It helped a lot when I decided to transitioning to a aluminum free deodorant. The smell of built up sweat and whatever the heck else my previous deodorant was masking, smelt horrid. This helped reduce the smell and need for reapplying my new deodorant throughout the day. Definitely worked for me.

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  • This stuff is no joke 🔥✨ The Ordinary Glycolic Acid really helped smooth my skin and fade texture over time. I use it 2–3 times a week max — it’s strong, so go easy! Gives that glow but can be too much if you overdo it.