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

  • Great quality products at a very reasonable price. You just need to be a pharmacist to understand what order to put everything on in lol I love the packaging and it’s easy to travel with. Products worked very very well.

  • I have tried many different The Ordinary products. They are good valued considering the price and quality. But some products like serum have a gluey texture which is sticky and hard to absorb.

  • I use the azelaic acid and hyaluronic acid. They are very effective and very affordable. I highly recommend.

  • 🌟 Incredible Skincare Essential! The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a Game Changer! 🌟 I've been on the hunt for a skincare superhero, and I've finally found it with The Ordinary's Niacinamide serum! Let me just say, this product has transformed my skin game entirely. ✨ Effective Results: Within a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed a visible reduction in the appearance of my pores and a significant improvement in my skin texture. My complexion looks smoother and more even, giving me that coveted natural glow. 🌿 Gentle & Lightweight: The serum feels incredibly light and gentle on my skin. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave any sticky residue, and layers perfectly with my other skincare products. I love how it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin at all! 👌 Perfect for Oily Skin: If you have oily or combination skin, this serum is a game-changer! The zinc component works wonders in controlling excess oil, helping me keep shine at bay throughout the day. 💧 Hydration Booster: Surprisingly, it doesn’t dry out my skin either. It keeps my skin well-hydrated and balanced without making it feel greasy. 🌞 Versatile & Affordable: I've incorporated this into both my morning and evening routines, and the best part? The price! The Ordinary offers top-notch quality at such an affordable price point. ✅ Overall Verdict: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% has become an absolute staple in my skincare routine. It’s a holy grail product that delivers noticeable results without breaking the bank. If you're looking for clearer, more balanced skin, I highly recommend giving this a try!

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • The niacinimide changed my face and really lessened my painful acne! The price point is unbeatable and I love the honesty in their products. It’s very accessible and high quality with a variety of products.

  • Most of my moisturizers are ordinary. I like the azelaic acid moisturizer - it feels so expensive without being expensive. I also like the salicylic acid mask and the retinol. I've also used the squalane cleanser and really like it as a make up remover.

  • I only have their moisturizer. It feels grainy and I don’t think it moisturizes my skin at all. Wouldn’t recommend.

  • Used a serum from here for years! Very good and a great price point too

  • It’s a solid brand to try out new products given the price point! I really like the hyaluronic acid and peptide serum.

  • The Ordinary’s glycolic acid toner is amazing and reasonably priced

  • All the active ingredient products I've used do their jobs in a sensible time frame of about a week, except the squalane cleanser, which can't remove waterproof eye make-up. It would also be easier to get the product at the bottom of bottles if they were cylindrical and not bell-shaped.

  • Ordinary has really good products that I have incorporated in my morning and night time skincare routine including the hyaluronic acid and niacinimide serum!

  • This is the brand that actually got me interested in having a skincare routine due to the affordable price point and how helpful they were when trying to build a routine for my skin type. Since then I've expanded a bit beyond them to find products that were more helpful to my needs, but I can always go back for their niacinamide and moisturizer when I'm in a pinch or want to refill my travel bag.

  • I liked but it’s almost like buying spices and not having a recipe you know you’ll use them with - I would buy the ingredients and have no knowledge of when to use them and what products they would interact with. I loved what I tried but it required research- I wish there was more education for each product.

  • Say goodbye to makeup residue and hello to clean, fresh skin with this cleanser. It's a must-have in my skincare routine. I can't recommend this cleanser enough. It's gentle, effective, and leaves your skin makeup-free and non-greasy. This product is a makeup lover's dream. It wipes away makeup effortlessly and doesn't leave your skin looking or feeling oily.

  • Love the affordable price point of their products!!! Very accessible for everyone. I love many products while some did not stand out to me. I love their AHA peeling mask. Their products are great gifts for anyone looking to get into skincare but not looking to splurge.

  • Some of us are balling on a budget. And The Ordinary makes me feel like I’m balling. The formulation is high quality but the price is so little. I have so many skin care staples in the brand.