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

  • I've tried a few The Ordinary products myself and I've heard a lot of positive things about this brand. The main feedback I heard was that it's a no nonsense brand, that just provides the product you need. And it's not that expensive.

    Feedback

    You need to learn about your skin through trail and error before you know what to get. I think if they had a questionnaire or somewhere where you can easily get information which is also trustworthy. It's a lot of experimenting or going through other reviews and threads before you actually know what works for you, which can be time consuming or even disheartening. Once you know what you need, everything is great.

  • Great prices and effective ingredients. Plus fragrance free. I am a fan.

  • Overall great affordable products. The niacinamide 10% + 1% Zinc it part of my nighttime skincare routine and helped to clear up my textured skin. I also tried their AHA 30% + BHA 2% exfoliating peeling solution. I first started using it 1x a week then worked up 2x and did not see any results after 4 months so I stopped using it. I have recently started using the multi peptide lash and brow serum which I am seeing results from after 2 weeks.

  • I enjoy the ordinarys products! They offer high quality ingredients for low prices which is sometimes hard to find. I will say sometimes they’re not a lot of product in then packaging or a certain formula will be out of stock for weeks

  • I used the Niacinamide serum and it did wonders for my skin! My acne scars were healing a lot faster. The only con would be the texture of the serum. I didnt like the tacky feeling it leaves on my face.

  • Absolutely love the ordinary! I have only used the Squalane oil but is a must have product. -High quality at a reasonable cost -Provides all day moisture -Easy application and can be worn well under makeup -Prefer to a traditional moisturizer

  • i used one of the serums and it was super sticky on my face, i tried to continue with use to see results but didn’t see any.

  • Do you need a chemistry degree to design a routine with this brand? Kind of. But the formulas are super affordable and effective. I particularly like their niacinamide and alpha arbutin serums.

  • I have used tons of products from the ordinary. My favorite is by far the HA serum. It is SO GOOD.

    Feedback

    I definitely think the company needs to do better with how to use rach product and steps for proper skincare. It’s possible without research someone could really damage their skin.

  • I have several items from The Ordinary and I've been using them for 6+ months. This is some of the best affordable skin care I've used! Noticeable difference using the granactive retinoid emulsion.

    Feedback

    Read the articles on their website - they'll help you figure out what products you need!

  • I have been using mismatched Ordinary products for a while now, my favorite is the hyaluronic acid. I use it every day, does not build or come off under other products, does not leave a weird texture on my skin after 10/10 recommend!

  • Usually sold at ulta. Clean, minimal packaging and pleasing to look at.

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    I love the ordinary! You know exactly what you're getting with this brand and it is super affordable. I use the glycolic acid alot and love it, and I just started the caffeine under-eye treatment. Love it so far!!

  • I first bought The Ordinary on Deciem before the brand was very well known. I have loved it since day one. The variety of products and the affordable price point make me come back to their products time and time again and share with others.

  • Absolutely love Ordinary products as they have really helped clear my acne for an affordable price. I use their moisturizer and Niacinamide every single morning and before I go to bed and have noticed a difference over the past few years.

  • Clean ingredients, sustainable and my skin actually loves it! You can get it at your nearest Ulta and it's vey budget fiendly!

  • The Ordinary doesn't make any sense. The no-nonsense (though chic) apothecary-style packaging totally belies the excellent quality product inside. Wow. The price point is nuts--$7 for a pretty generously-sized bottle of hyaluronic acid? Other brands charge upwards of $50! And the stuff actually works. I came to The Ordinary out of desperation, with dry skin and product-hopping fatigue, and a combination of the hyaluronic acid serum, the moisturizing cream, and the retinoid 2% product actually made an appreciable difference to my skin. My face was calmer, clearer, and PLUMP. Actually plump! Since moving to a colder, drier climate recently, I've had to add a different brand's ultra-moisturizing face cream, but I'm otherwise still loyal to this 3-step The Ordinary routine. Highly recommend.

    Feedback

    Honestly, not much room for improvement here -- this brand is awesome. I do wish their product labels had a little more practical information listed. Like, wtf would I use the ethylated ascorbic acid for? And at what step should I layer which product? But this is a minor quibble.

  • Love it!! Got it because I saw so many people raving about it. Worth the hype

    Feedback

    WORTH THE HYPE!! Love it

  • I think this brand is fantastic! I use this brand , I have several products. It’s very inexpensive but works great. But I consider it more as a filler( I don’t use every day) I have other lines I also use. I was told many years ago it’s great to vary some of your lines( or products) it works for me because ordinary has never made my skin have a bad reaction. ( very clean and light) However I’m sure , like with any product there probably is one that would. But overall great company especially for the price.