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

  • AHA+BHA chemical peel is great for oily skin and anyone with acne prone skin. Does wonders to lighten acne scars on back.

  • One of my all-time favorite skincare brands! Their unique approach to skincare by selling isolated ingredients helps you to better understand what you actually need for your skin. The price is hard to beat for the results and quality as well. They are my go-to brand whenever I want to try something new!

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    I did find understanding what products I need to be a bit difficult at first. If you don't already have a good understanding of skincare and common skincare ingredients, it can be a bit overwhelming. Their quiz helps you to find good product recommendations, but I would recommend taking it a few different times to compare results.

  • You really can't beat the quality/price combo. I've tried a bunch of their serums and some work better than others (I've had the best experience with the niacinamide) but I love that the price point lets you experiment with new actives without spending a ton of money.

  • I really love how affordable these products are. I always go back to repurchase because the products are effective and simple. The website gives you in-depth instructions on how to use each product, the ingredients, and sensitivities. Of course, not every product works for every skin type but when you find the products that work for you, you can really stick to them. I use the niacinamide serum, retinol in 0.5% squalene, face lotion, and the AHA/BHA peel.

  • This stuff is excellent. The price is perfect. I love all of the products. I have the cleanser, face lotion and wrinkle lotion. All of the products make my skin look and feel great.

    Feedback

    The products are perfect.

  • My skin decided to mutiny in my late 30s. Fun. I desperately searched for products that would calm and soothe- I have fair and very sensitive and very dry skin. I tried so many brands and spent so much money. Cue The Ordinary. Their products helped my skin come back to "base" and years later, I still use their products daily. The prices are unbeatable and the quality for the price is borderline insane. And if you're looking for a very specific serum- they've probably got it. I will be a customer of The Ordinary for life.

    Feedback

    Simple and wonderful. I use literally 3 products; a toner of a different brand (only because the only toner The Ordinary has is not for sensitive skin), Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and Natural Moisturizing Factors +HA - the latter two are from The Ordinary. I also use their cold-pressed Moroccan Argan oil on my cuticles- which should be illegal for how cheap it is. The quality is amazing and exactly how it should be and my nail tech is always amazed how good my cuticles look during the winter months. Everything I've used from The Ordinary has been a win.

  • The Ordinary is the OG of the ultra affordable skincare companies, bringing basic formulas and simple quality skincare to the masses. I remember when they launched and were ALL the hype. Some of their products are still worth it imo (rosehip oil, squalane, maybe 2 or 3 others) and I like to keep up with their releases. Are they the best formulations in skincare? Definitely not. For the price though, you really can not complain.

  • I love how all of these products are affordable and effective! I recommend them to anyone who is looking for products that are affordable and work! I started off my skincare routine using all of these products!

  • The Ordinary is a great brand with a mission to offer skincare at an affordable price for everyone. I really resonate with this mission. The first product I bought from them was the lactic acid chemical exfoliant, which worked well the first few months I had it. I am open to trying many more products from their brand, but in my experience, not everything they offer is very effective.

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    I would do some research before you order from the Ordinary so you know what's worth it and exactly what products have worked for other people with your skin type. On the other hand, most everything is inexpensive, so it won't be too much of a dent in your wallet if you decide to try something without looking it up first.

  • I really love The Ordinary products. I find that most of the products I used were very effective and were extremely reasonably priced. Some of my favorite products are the Hyaluronic Acid Serum, the Glycolic Acid, and the AHA peel. While you have to be cautious with the AHA peel, given it's a strong chemical peel, if used properly, it is one of the best at-home chemical exfoliators I have tried. Once I work through some of my backstock of skincare products, I can't wait to try other products from The Ordinary.

  • I will say I love this brand. The Ordinary has practically replaced my entire skincare regimen. It is affordable and sustainable. My skin always feels clean and light.

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  • I use the retinol and moisturizer every day and rave about this product!

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    My favorite skin care brand!

  • I absolutely love all of the products I’ve gotten from the ordinary! I have combination skin, am I found that pretty much all the products I’ve got, have worked wonders.

  • Really affordable skincare system with clinical ingredients in an approachable way. Iconic branding, minimal, neutral and inclusive.

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    Really love their products, affordable and effective. Great way to get into skincare through their products. Also like that their small bottles are travel friendly size.

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  • The Ordinary was one of my first steps into a skincare routine outside of cleanser and moisturizer. Their products are very inexpensive compared to most other things on the market, which makes them a good place to get started if you don't want to drop a ton of money very quickly!

    Feedback

    The tough thing for me with the Ordinary was trying to figure out what I actually needed and what to do with it once I had it. They have a few quizzes that will help put together a routine, but my skin does a few different things, which made it hard to pick just one type of routine and actually feel like I was doing something. The products I've stuck with the longest our their Hyaluronic Acid and Caffeine under eye serum. Would definitely recommend those!

  • Science and skin care, what's not to love? The best way to find out what ingredients you're allergic or sensitive. Solid no-frills products that don't have a crazy markup.

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    My absolute go to for simple face and hair oil. Hemi-squalane is hard to find anywhere else and this way I can control the ratios depending on my travel destination.

  • The Ordinary is one of my favorite skin care brands!! I have been using their serums and moisturizer for years and love how cheap the products are for how great they work! I just got the lash and brown growth serum and have been obsessed with the results!!

  • My Ordinary routine has kept my skin so hydrated and glowy, even in the winter. I have naturally dry skin so this is huge for me. Basically exclusively use these products now!

  • I tried their Lash serum and I can say i's a game change. After two months my lashes were longer and fuller. I use it also on my airbrow since sometimes I have hairless area due to the stress

  • I love the ordinary! As a skincare fanatic I love how extensive their collection is and how affordable! I think it’s a great brand to start building your skincare routine! I will always keep their squalane and glycolic acid as part of my life essential routine!!!