The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective acne-clearing serums
  • Hydrating, lightweight hyaluronic serum
  • Powerful exfoliating acid treatments
  • Minimalist, reliable packaging
  • Occasional sticky serum textures
  • Harsh actives for sensitive skin
  • Pilling under makeup occurs
  • Inconsistent retinol performance

The Ordinary earns strong reviews as effective, ingredient-forward skincare that improves texture, hydration, acne, and clarity—standouts include Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, and Squalane Cleanser—while minimalist packaging appeals. Reviews also flag downsides: some formulas feel sticky or pill, actives can be harsh or confusing to layer, certain products (retinols, vitamin C, hair care) underperform for some, and a few report irritation or breakouts.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,522 reviews and posts

  • 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.

    Feedback

    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!

    Feedback

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

  • Every product I've tried so far, except one (but all skin is different) has provided wonderful results. When I was desperate and at my limits trying to find a solution for horrible acne , The Ordinary finally gave me the solution to my skin problems with their Niacinamide and Zinc serum. The low prices of their amazing products is mind blowing. What an absolutely amazing company.

    Feedback

    If you've been wondering if this brand is worth it, it most definitely is. They provide high quality potent products that give results at an affordable price. And I love that they will email you with a personalized regimen for skincare and give advice/suggestions for which products to use or not use together. Just all around great

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

    Feedback

    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.