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

  • Straight forward, ingredient first products, affordable and easy to add on to existing routine, also make sure you know what products do what and how to properly use them.

  • This product is genuinely fantastic, and it's no surprise that it's so popular. I hesitated to try it because of all the hype, but when so many people rave about something, it's a clear sign it's worth it. I absolutely adore it and it will remain my top choice.

  • I love that The Ordinary is an affordable but high quality brand. Good skincare can be very expensive and I love that you don’t ever to have to worry about the price point for The Ordinary. I have acne-prone skin so it’s important for me to be very picky in what I choose for my skin. Every product I’ve picked up from The Ordinary has done my skin wonders!

  • I was super excited to try this brand, but I don't think it really lives up to the hype. I've tried lots of different products, after completing the survey on their website and speaking to sales advisors, but every single product I tried caused massive breakouts. I know a lot of people swear by the ordinary, so I'd love to know what I'm doing wrong!

  • I have used ordinary for quite some time and I just love their products. They are affordable and really help with my skin. I have combination so I am dry and oily and these products have helped so much.

  • Love these products. There is a product for every skin type and it’s super affordable.

  • I incorporated glycolic acid into my skincare routine specifically to address hyperpigmentation, and I'm thrilled to report that it delivered outstanding results in just two weeks.

  • Great quality and great prices. I’ve tried many products and haven’t had a problem with any! Will continue to invest in these for my skincare :)

  • The Ordinary is an exceptional brand. Making designer quality skin care at an affordable price for consumers does not seem like an easy feat, but they really nail it. I love their minimal packaging and I really love how their products make my skin feel. Their moisturize is one of my favorites - it goes on the skin smooth without feeling heavy. I also always make sure to keep a handful of their serums in my medicine cabinet.

  • I love how minimalistic all their stuff is. Definitely makes it easier to understand the products. Recommend.

  • The Ordinary is top quality skin care but so affordable. The Squaline cleaner and Hyaluronic acid with B5 are two of the best products in my opinion and I've used them for over the last two years. My skin is clear and smooth. I highly recommend The Ordinary products for all skin care needs.

  • Skincare is highly dependent on the end user's needs and genetic makeup, so a product that doesn't do much for one person may work wonders for another. I'd say The Ordinary as a whole is a reliable starting point for no-frills formulations that are effective. I've been enjoying their Glycolipid Cream Cleanser as of late (it makes my skin feel clean without stripping), their Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution has been repurposed as a deodorant (no BO all day!), and their AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a cult classic that makes my skin feel baby-smooth. I don't care for their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum as the formula isn't the most cosmetically elegant and pills when layered with other products, and their Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG eye serum does nada for me.

  • Cute packaging, but their products never ended up living up to expectations for me.

  • The Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid work great. but their moisturizers make my skin really oily/greasy

  • Great value for money with products that are effective. The retinol in particular is a great option that is cheap and works exceptionally well. Slovember sales (23% off in Nov aka Black Friday sales) is also a unique take on promos and gives everyone more time to buy what they love vs. impulse buy.