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

2,516 reviews and posts

  • My go-to skincare company. I use The Ordinary for just about every product I use on my face. I love their simple no-BS style of marketing, packaging, explaining benefits, etc... It's the way skincare should be done, instead of the smoke and mirrors other brands try to shove down your throat. I use... Natural Moisturizing Factors + Ha "Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1% AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Squalene Cleanser Their prices are amazing. Their products work. I don't know what else someone would need.

  • Love the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. I use it every morning before my sunscreen/makeup routine and it works as a great primer! Very lightweight and I think it has brightened my skin over time – would love to try other products from the brand...

  • I love the ordinary skin care line. I use most of it. I personally love a science backed up skin care line that truly works. My personal favorite is the amino acids, glycolic 8%, lactic acid 5%. As someone who is acne prone and had a lot of work to do on my skin, it's truly a skin care like that has helped me. Highly recommend for you to try this science backed up skin care line!

    Works for The Ordinary
  • Great, affordable product. I noticed a difference in my skin! So much softer and fewer lines

  • I have discover The Ordinary a long time ago now and bought many times on their website before it was in Sephora Canada. My cabinet is still fulllll of them so I can't tell I'm not a fan of the brand. I like buying on their website to have the opportunity to try the other brands they have, but I also like to complete my Sephora's orders with a The Ordinary product! With no surprise, the brand's biggest draw is those low prices. But I also appreciate the education surrounding their products and the fact that they lead us to learn about what we put on our bodies. I've always bought facial products, so I can't say for the other product categories, but I'd say for the price, I came away with some great finds. Duds are less disappointing when they cost so little.

    Feedback

    The two products that I have bought multiple times are the Niaciamide and Hyalurolic Acid. I also liked the Rose oil for a long time. For the two first products, I now buy the biggest bottle option, because I'm sure of my shot, but it's nice to try out products with a smaller version. Also nice to have makeup that are not in a big container just for giving the impression you have lots. Finally, you can chat with the customer service for advise, which is super nice!

  • I LOVE THIS BRAND!! I love the clear ingredients! They make skincare feel obtainable to all budgets and don't seem to overcomplicate things.

  • Love the brow and lash serum, it's not too expensive, and I have seen a change in my brows since using, which seeing any growth at all has been a struggle for years. I really like how simple their products and packaging is, you know exactly what you are getting.

  • Their product line has been a great go to for a alternative to the pricier stuff.

  • I use the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide every day! These products have completely changed my skin for the better! Cannot go without these two products

    Feedback

    Great products and pricing!

  • For the price, the niaciamide serum actually minimized my very large pores after 2 months of daily use.

  • I use the skin peel mask religiously and it does wonders for my skin. I really appreciate the ingredients first approach of the ordinary and they have a huge range of products. There’s really something for everything.

    Feedback

    I think that the more travel size of everything, the better.

  • 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!

    Feedback

    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!