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

  • I love the simplicity of single ingredient compounds so get just what you need and not some formulation with a bunch of hidden chemicals.

  • simple, straightforward products at a super price. No fancy packaging, no crazy perfumes, just products that say what they are and work.

  • I love how The Ordinary is very minimalistic and serves its purpose. The products very simply, do their job. I have used The Ordinary Glycolic Acid toning solution, the lash and brow serum, and the peeling solution. For me, I did see a difference in longer lashes, but not much of a difference in my brows.

  • For $10, the glycolic acid is a great value for how much you get. One bottle could last a whole year, plus the minimalist bottle design looks great on any shelf. No need to buy directly from site, usually Sephora has the whole line in stock.

  • I have used the hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, rose hip seed oil, squalene, and the glycolic acid from the ordinary. All of the products were effective for me and I like the packaging, especially at the price point!

    Feedback

    I have had experiences where the dropper bottles do not seem to stay sealed completely during travel. Making something a little more portable would be awesome!

  • I've purchased several things from this company (specifically the salicylic acid, a retinol, the cleanser, and the moisturizer) I've never been particularly jazzed with anything, but I've also never had any negative reaction to them. The products work well, but they're very much zero frill products. I can't knock them on this - if I ever have an allergic reaction to a new product, this would be my next purchase.

  • For the price point these are really good products. I started using this line when I first became interested in skin care and fixing my acne/dark spots but I highly suggest going on their site first and figuring out what you need. I used the line for acne prone skin at first but then it dried me out too much. Now my skin is great and I still use the glycolic acid in my routine even though I've moved on to other brands.

    Feedback

    Maybe sell things in packages so people don't mix the ingredients incorrectly.

  • The prices on these products can’t be beat, especially considering how effective they are. The eyelash/eyebrow serum works wonders!

    Feedback

    The names of the products can be a little confusing, more clarity on what they should be used for would be helpful.

  • Good quality, affordable skin care with high level actives. Available in priceline in Australia so super accessible, however, they do not carry the full range. My favourite product is the Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG for under eyes.

    Feedback

    The packaging for the Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is not perfect for the formula type. Unfortunately the neck of the bottle gets 'crusty' with product, even when I clean it off after use. However, the formula is so good I keep buying.

  • I loved the ordinary. Their products are straightforward and so much more affordable than many other skincare brands.

  • I love every Ordinary product I've ever tried. They are high end products that are so affordable. The Niacinamide 10% and Granactive Retinol 2% Emulsion are in my routine and my skin has never looked better!

  • amazing skincare that is super straightforward and doesn’t mess around. love the clean looking packaging and the price point is excellent. love how the moisturizer feels on my skin it is my favorite skincare get.

  • I love my Ordinary products! They are so affordable but high quality. I have not tried a product I don’t like and I cannot wait to try more. At their price point, I will be a repeat customer for many years.

  • I have tried many of their products and they are all really nice and the pricing is great.

  • These products work really well and they're super inexpensive, it's hard to find a product that is inexpensive and actually does what they say

  • I love its formulation. I see a very rapid change when I use it, especially when mixed with other products from the same brand. It has simple formulations with high-quality ingredients. It's a very affordable and high-quality brand. The price-quality ratio is one of the best I've found on the market.

  • my skincare has to work hard without the fluff—and The Ordinary delivers every time. Their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is my go-to for keeping breakouts in check and giving my skin that “you slept 8 hours” kind of glow (even when I didn’t 😅). Affordable, effective, and no B.S.—it’s a staple in my mom-life skincare lineup.

  • 've only tried the Copper Peptides, but I can't live without it! It leaves my skin feeling healthier, smoother, and more balanced. Pricey for The Ordinary, but worth it!

  • The Ordinary has a great line of skincare at an affordable price and that is why I love it! All the high end products can just be purchased through them, no fun, quirky name just exactly what it is and what it is meant for. I’ve liked every product from them and will continue to buy

  • Love everything about The Ordinary! From the packaging to the product itself. My favorite ones are the niacinamide serum and the peeling solution. The serum did wonders to my skin, it has never been so hydrated and glowing.