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 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!

    Feedback

    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.

  • Great skincare products by a very competitive price. Definitely a favorite in my household

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    I find The Ordinary products great, as they ratio quality- value- price point is really on point. I like their serums and other products that come in glass bottles, as are easier to recycle besides being really good for my skin. The caffeine drops are life savers in the mornings.

  • The price just can’t be beat. Everything is affordable and the brand transparency is admirable. I do have other brands that I prefer (MERIT instant glow serum, Fenty fat water milky toner essence, LaRoche Posay Cicaplast products), but if you’re on a budget then The Ordinary is a wonderful option.

    Feedback

    Some of the solutions are runny. I would love to see a thicker hyaluronic serum, similar to Dermalogica’s circular hydration serum. A dupe for that would be amazing!

  • I’ve purchased from the ordinary for a few years. I love how affordable their products are.

    Feedback

    I wish that there was a little clearer information about the purpose of each product and how it is intended to be used in a routine.

  • The Hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide were my entry-level duo when I started my skincare journey. They both served me well, but I've moved on to more effective products.

  • They offer a wide variety of inexpensive skin care products that all work well.

    Feedback

    Sure there are probably better options for all of the products they offer but none at such an affordable price.

  • Love that it's affordable, but I've had a mixed experience with the products. Still, at this price point, it's worth giving things a try!

  • Love the whole skincare line and how inexpensive yet effective it is. I use the vitamin c serum, the retinol, the moisturizer, and the AHA mask regularly!

    Feedback

    There are SO many products and it’s hard to know which to use in combination together. I’d love for more curated lists of skincare routines to understand what works well together

  • The Ordinary is top quality skincare for an incredible reasonable price. As someone who has suffered from acne for years I’ve tried 100 of different products, but now I mostly use ordinary products in my skincare routine.

    Feedback

    I wish the labels had more information about who the product is best for. Such as for oily skin, acne pro skin, etc.

  • I've tried several products, including the hyaluronic serum and Buffet. I feel like both products "do their job" but not exceptional. I used it mainly for the affordability, which I believe has helped democratize this high-tech skincare.

  • The Ordinary has done a ton to make skincare accessible. I appreciate their clear labels and product names: there aren't many vague cleansers or serums here! And prices are very reasonable. I recommend going in knowing what you're looking for -- problems at least, ideally do some research into ingredients to keep an eye out for -- so you're not overwhelmed.

  • Absolutely LOVE The Ordinary! I started to use their products when I decided to create a skincare regimen for myself and haven't been happier! My skin has improved so much and I have gotten many compliments in regards to it. I've used b oil, caffiene solution,cold pressed marula oil & lactic acid in my regimen and loved every product.

  • I love The Ordinary. I love that their products are not named something that obscures the ingredients (like "calming butter" or "brightening cream"), but helping customers understand which ingredients they need to manage very targeted issues and providing products that are affordable and customizable.

    Feedback

    Bigger bottles of certain creams!