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

  • A wonderful brand that makes skincare accessible to every budget. It's very easy to establish a basic routine for under $50, and expand into more products as needed. The labeling is clear and concise, the website has very helpful information and the products are all great to use. The moisturizer and AHA/BHA Peeling Mark are things I always keep on hand.

  • Good quality skincare at an affordable price. Good intro into skincare products. I enjoy using the hyaluronic acid. Just don’t be clumsy like me and shatter your products my dropping them.

  • I love the Ordinary's skincare products. You definitely need to do a bit of research to figure out how often to use products and which products you need, but once you figure it out, these products are high quality for a low price.

    Feedback

    More educational materials on how to build a routine would be nice. there are some, but they don't provide a whole tone of information on why each product should be used for a certain issue or how often they should be used.

  • an affordable brand with quality products, but not for the average consumer. i appreciate The Ordinary’s simplicity and price point but i feel the brand falls short for skincare newbies. the products are extremely concentrated (which is great value for money) but they can be easily misused and harm your skin. for skincare junkies who are knowledgeable about ingredients, this is an amazing brand. i would caution new users to do their research before using The Ordinary’s products.

    Feedback

    a line of less concentrated, more beginner-friendly products

  • Bought some of their products during a trip to NYC in 2018 and instantly fell in love. Really excited that they now carry these products at Sephora.

    Feedback

    Not worth it: 10% Niacinamide, Granactive Retinoid, Natural Moisturizing Factors. Worth it: AHA 30%, Hyaluronic Acid 2%, Glycolic Acid 7%, Buffet, Multi-Peptide, Argan Oil, Lactic Acid 10%

  • My skin has truly changed, I am obsessed with their milk toner, serums, and eye serum. And affordable!

  • High impact and potent skincare without the fluff. I use a lot of their products and love them. I’d like if some were more cosmetically elegant but I guess you give that up for the price.

  • I have combination skin and a history of cystic acne since my teenage years. The last few years my skin has cleared up SO much! I never wear makeup anymore. My skin is pretty sensitive so sticking with natural products with only a few ingredients has been a game changer. I use rosehip seed oil to take off makeup and also apply it again before going to bed for extra moisture and a natural retinol alternative. Aloe serum I use every morning along with niacinimide and my pores love it! I've also used lactic acid to clear up acne scars as well as the BHA peeling mask once a week for even texture. The price can't be beat and my skin is so happy!

    Customer
  • I really like ordinary products they’re really affordable and they produce results. I used the niacinimide and the hyaluronic acid. It really helped with my skin and dark spots. Highly recommend!

  • As someone that has sensitive skin some of these products dont work for me. Overall I think if you know what you're doing this brand is affordable and can be highly beneficial. However someone like myself doesnt know all the fancy names and doesnt want to take time to research I rather reach for other skincare at the store that has simple terms and explanation on what it does.

  • The ordinary skin peel is NO JOKE. This is like clinical-level strong stuff. It burns just the right amount and the effects are super obvious. The only thing I'd love to see is more information given in the packaging. Stuff like: after use, wash face with cold water and use an unscented moisturizer. Your skin will be more vulnerable to sunburn for a few days after the peel so use sunblock with strong SPF on your face & reapply often.

  • Hyaluronic Acid has very specific smell within couple weeks after you open it - happened to me over and over with every new bottle, it's not necessary bad but very specific. Alpha arbutin on the other hand has very pleasant smell and texture and results are great although you do have to use is regularly and as directed on the bottle. Niacinimide serum is one of the favorite ones that I've tried so far, I use it almost every day and been really helpful with my acne prone oily skin (specifically t-zone). It can cause dryness if you like me have oily-dry-sensetive skin so would definitely recommend to use a good moisturizer after.

  • The ordinary is GAME changing. If you are beginning skincare, try this brand. They make complicated skincare simplified for every user to enjoy and understand.

    Consumer
  • I've been on and off of using the ordinary - the Hydraulic acid and Niacinimide. When I use them a lot, my skin adapts to them, but when I use them after a period of time off, I see a huge change. They're very affordable which is a plus!

  • I love this serum so much! There is actually a visual difference when using this!

  • This is the only skincare products I use. Since I started using this my skin has never been better. The process right and the products are incredibly clean and work.

  • I use several products of them, and I couldn't recommend them enough. From primer to everyday skincare products, they are my go to brand!!

    No relationship
  • As a user of The Ordinary products for the past five years, I've noticed significant changes over time. While they've lost some efficacy for me, my curiosity for the brand remains, especially regarding makeup. Although I haven't had particularly good experiences, given the specific needs of my skin, I still believe they can be good products. I find them economically and environmentally sustainable, which keeps me interested despite the fluctuations in effectiveness.

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • One of my fav skincare brands. The price point is great and the products work better than many other high-end products. I love the hyaluronic acid and the salicylic acid. Both make my skin so glowy and clear.

  • The exfloitationg toner will still be the best i have use, i start exploitation and i want to start simple so i use ordinary and it has being great a so far