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

  • Will forever use their hyaluronic acid. I have used it in my skincare line for the last 3 years and has never gone out of rotation. Amazing product!

  • Accessible skincare is what I think The Ordinary represents. I love their mission to cut cost and make effective skincare possible for all ages. I learned about the brand during the height of COVID and many sleepless nights scrolling through TikTok. I've tried their Glycolic Acid (great for pits and scalp!) and their AHA/BHA peeling solution that looks like blood when you put it on your face. Great brand, great products overall.

  • I love this brand! It’s so affordable and they have such great products.

  • I love how minimal and straightforward the brand is. It’s no-fuss and affordable, making skincare more accessible to everyone!

  • I love that you know exactly what ingredients are in each product and they are clearly listed. It makes it really easy to narrow down exactly what works for my skin.

  • I love this serum it has helped my eye lashes grow!!! I have extremely sensitive eyelids. Serums and oils in the past have made my eye lids red, itchy and swollen, but this product never has. I feel like I noticed a difference in my lashes, 4 months using the product around 4 times a week. I also think this product is one of the safer options on the market because it don't have harmful chemicals that overtime melt the fat deposits in your eyes.

  • I used the ordinary multi-peptide serum on my hair to help with hair growth. While I'm not sure if it made a huge difference on its own, I think it definitely helped strengthen my hair density and quality when in tandem with other products. Would recommend trying!

  • I use the ordinary every day and night. I start off by cleansing my face with cleanser. After, I will use Hyaluronic acid serum for hydration then apply moisturizer. The ordinary moisturizer is also very good for people with sensitive skin. At night i use the Niacinide serum to keep my face from getting oily often.

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  • it's just fine. the chemical peel makes my skin look/feel nice, but only for a little bit. nothing to write home about. also, their niacinamide broke me out and made my face super bumpy

  • Great products for the price, but not everything is best from them. A few items seem to be worth it for their lower price point like their retinol oil.

  • I’ve tried many products over the years and each one has been amazing and so well priced. I love this brand!

  • We love the Ordinary in our house. My daughter and I both use it, and have been happy with every product we've tried. My favorite part is the PRICE! Great prices and still great results!

  • I really love how simple and affordable all the ordinary’s products are!

  • I really like how affordable these are and that they usually are simple—one ingredient at a specific concentration so you just get what you want. Only downside is you sort of need some basic level of skincare knowledge to build a routine with these, because they don’t really say what it’s for on the bottle, just gives the active ingredient and won’t usually have a multi-layered formula it’s up to you to mix and combine products for your needs. But that’s worth it in my opinion to keep things nice and simple and it’s a much more affordable price.

  • The best affordable and accessible skincare. I use the niacinamide daily and love the salicylic acid mask

  • amazing price point for the quality of their products. they work amazing on the skin and the moisturizers are some of my favorite

  • I love the Ordinary products and really appreciate how many single ingredient, affordable options they have. I’ve enjoyed every product I’ve purchased (including their facial cleansers, serums, brow growth serum, and bha peeling solution). I’m hopeful they stay affordable and would also love to see more peptide formulas. I’d def buy skincare makeup from them if they rolled that out too.

  • Amazing quality with good affordable price point

  • very affordable but wasn't as moisturizing as i'd hoped and also broke me out a little!