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

  • 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!

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    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!!!

  • This price point and these products are a match made in skincare heaven. I've recently tried the shampoo and conditioner and have seen great results.

  • LOVE The Ordinary. I want to get into skincare more, but sometimes it's so expensive! I personally love the hyaluronic acid and the chemical peel.

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    It's a great place to expand your skincare routine. Try a set for best bang for your buck!

  • Great price point & skincare newbies - but once you get more into skincare routines, you realize that having so many active ingredients isn't always the best.

  • Started off my skincare journey with The Ordinary, and highly recommend it to anyone who's looking to really hone their skincare routine and figure out what the best products are for their skin. It's reliable, consistent, and most of all, affordable. I've tried various products out—some were not great for my skin (ex. glycolic acid) while others were fantastic (ex. buffet). They ship quickly and can be found in numerous stores!

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    I love that they have guides on the website for what each product/chemical is targeting as well as instructions for layering, so I highly recommend going through those pages. It's a lot of reading and research, but worth it. Some times, I do wish it were more detailed so I know what to avoid for potential breakouts. This is the gateway brand into other skincare brands. Be prepared to fall down the rabbithole!

  • Good for beginner skincare routine! Can’t beat the price, but (as expected) the active ingredients levels are quite low.

  • For high quality skin care at this price I love The Ordinary. The only reason I'm not giving it a 5 is because I didn't see that much off a difference in my skin, but it definitely gave it a nice glow. Overall, I recommend!

  • I love this brand! The products are great and affordable. You can't go wrong with that!

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    I thank Target even carries their brand now. If not, definitely Nordstrom's and Amazon.