The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective acne-clearing serums
  • Hydrating, lightweight hyaluronic serum
  • Powerful exfoliating acid treatments
  • Minimalist, reliable packaging
  • Occasional sticky serum textures
  • Harsh actives for sensitive skin
  • Pilling under makeup occurs
  • Inconsistent retinol performance

The Ordinary earns strong reviews as effective, ingredient-forward skincare that improves texture, hydration, acne, and clarity—standouts include Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, and Squalane Cleanser—while minimalist packaging appeals. Reviews also flag downsides: some formulas feel sticky or pill, actives can be harsh or confusing to layer, certain products (retinols, vitamin C, hair care) underperform for some, and a few report irritation or breakouts.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,522 reviews and posts

  • Love the ordinary brand, their products are so affordable and work well for my skin!

  • Very good quality, easy to use and the price is accessible

  • The ordinary started out as such a strong brand given their pride point, but I feel like they aren’t keeping up with the competition as far as what ingredients are being offered for similar prices from other brands. I still like the brand but I’m no longer blown away

  • The Ordinary was able to accomplish something other modern brands wish they could do - they provide a product that works well at a great price point, letting the organic marketing take care of itself. I’ve been using this brand for many years now because I love the transparency and the accessibility to high end ingredients and products. The products really work, their vitamin C serum and squalene oil have been my favorite!

  • I love the ordinary for the unbeatable prices and simple and straightforward products that I can combine to tailor to my exact needs. It doesn’t have the luxurious feel of some of my other brands, but I’ll still buy the ordinary for items that usually cost more and save the luxuries for elsewhere.

  • Hylauronic acid is great and at such a small price point- skin scare that’s actually affordable.

  • The Ordinary is a skincare brand that has taken the beauty world by storm, and for good reason. From the moment I tried their products, I was captivated by their minimalist packaging and no-nonsense approach to delivering high-quality ingredients at a fraction of the cost. Let's start with the packaging. The Ordinary's sleek and simple design is a breath of fresh air in a market cluttered with flashy bottles and over-the-top branding. It's a reflection of their commitment to transparency and efficiency – what you see is what you get. This minimalistic approach not only looks great on my bathroom shelf but also underscores the brand's dedication to letting the products speak for themselves. Speaking of products, The Ordinary's no-BS approach to skincare is truly refreshing. They've stripped away the unnecessary fluff and marketing jargon, focusing instead on providing potent, effective ingredients that actually work. This approach is a game-changer for those of us who are tired of shelling out a small fortune for products with fancy claims but little substance. In a world of overhyped skincare products, The Ordinary stands out as a brand that keeps its promises. Their commitment to simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness has earned my trust and loyalty. If you're in search of skincare that works without the frills, look no further than The Ordinary. It's a brand that's changing the game and giving us all the chance to achieve radiant, healthy skin without the fuss.

  • I am so delighted with The Ordinary! It has truly transformed my skin within just a few weeks. The texture is now so much smoother, and my complexion has never looked clearer. I think everyone should try it out because it's affordable and transparent in its ingredients. It has now become a staple in my skincare routine.

  • I love The Ordinary, have been using their products for years. Squalane and rose hip oils are staples for me

  • I love that The Ordinary makes good skincare formulations at accessible prices. There is no big markup like there is with some brands. I like the glycolic toner, caffeine eye cream, marula oil and rose hip oil.

  • the ordinary is a game-changer in skincare. their products are effective and budget-friendly, offering high-quality ingredients without breaking the bank....i would say though that sometimes its easy to overdue it b/c the chemicals are a tad harsh

  • You can’t beat this price!! Love that these products are the raw ingredient, BUT you really need to know what you’re doing in terms of skincare. Beyond the moisturizers and standard acids, their range of products is impressive.

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • I’m using the serum of The Ordinary and makes my skin smooth and shine.

  • The number one skin care brand! As someone with sensitive skin, The Ordinary, is the only brand I would trust to use on it!

  • I use a few products from this brand, obviously not every product is for every person but I like the hyaluronic acid and the rosehip oil for my skin. The rosehip oil smells terrible but doesn't keep me from the product. And they have a great price point compared to similar products from other brands.

  • Love it! Simple, easy to use, affordable and makes my skin look great

  • 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!