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

  • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is my absolute holy grail! It's fantastic for evening out my skin tone, significantly reducing the appearance of pores, and even helps reduce minor acne. The best part? It's incredibly affordable without compromising on quality. This serum has become a staple in my skincare routine, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for effective and budget-friendly skincare solutions

  • I am obsessed with the ordinary. I’ve had the worst luck with my skin and these are the only products that help my acne go away and stay away

    Bought it
  • I think this brand is brilliant. Money wise you couldn’t do much better. I love all of their AHA’s , BHA’S. They are all really gentle on my skin , I use the Mandelic Acid 10%. No irritation at all. Easy products to use, great value. You Can’t go wrong really. Recommend. The mandelic acid is used for fine lines, uneven skin tone , and texture. It is also more tolerated than other AHA’s.

  • The Ordinary saved my skin! I use it every day in my face routine and it has improved my skin texture significantly! So happy to find a very inexpensive, effective skin product that worked amazingly for me!

  • Started my journey with these two products in the picture, the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA hydrator and EUK 134 serum which is advertised as a unique, crazy-effective TO product. I was disappointed by both. The moisturizer was fine but there are plenty of better options out there, while the serum didn't do anything plus it felt like my skin could never fully absorb it?? ps; if you’ve had a different experience let me know

  • I love quite a few things from Ordinary. Products are very affordable and effective. It might not have super fancy packaging but the products work. I have in my makeup kit and repurchased many times their makeup primer. My personal staple is granactive retinoid in squalane and ferulic acid. It keeps my skin tight and flawless especially combined with the dermaroller. I am 43 and look way younger and I am sure this helps keep my face glowing.

  • Honestly I really like a few of the products from this company a lot, however there are a lot that aren't for me. That being said, I REALLY LOVE the AHA BHA Peel and the Lactic Acid serum not only because they are fantastic products, but because they're also incredibly affordable and effective. The brand as a whole has been restructuring and dropping their Hylamide line and their Fabric line which was haircare. The mission behind the brand to bring quality actives at an entry point price is so great and I like it Aloe. Is this going to be the most effective product ever , no probably not......but the quality exceeds it's price point for sure.

  • This brand is great! The products are good and their prices even better. I tried the Caffeine 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum and it helped with my puffy eyes. And a little went a long way. I purchased the product online and delivery was quick & easy.

    Personal purchase
  • I like the fairly simple and pharmacy like packaging. It attracts the eye and every product I tried so far was very good quality. I bought mine in the shop which I liked as well- very simple stripped down and almost industrial looking. I will use it again.

  • I really feel like this is a luxury brand for half the cost. The affordability offers well made products to people who can’t afford a 50$ toner. It’s considerate and an exceptional product that is definitely worth the hype!

  • I love these products!!!!!! The moisturizer I use daily and have atleast 4 other serums and the toner! Love using the toner on my scalp to help with dandruff

  • The Ordinary Serum-Caffeine 5% + EGCG 30 ml is a must for those mornings you wake up with puffy eyes. I’d say that the product works 85% of the time and it’s my go to most mornings. I use it under eye only and a little bit is all that is needed

  • I haven’t used this for a long time, but I don’t see any difference whatsoever yet. It wasn’t that expensive so maybe you get what you pay for. I will continue to use it and hopefully I will see results soon.

  • I don’t know what I would do without The Ordinary!!! 3/4 of my skincare routine is with their stuff!!! They are affordable and effective and they have helped my skin look way better!

  • I have used different products from The Ordinary and I love them. These days I’m using Argireline solution 10%, as a first step before the serum and cream. It seems to give me hydration and tightness. Another product I have used is Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum that promotes and improves the thickness and density of the lashes and brows. It is to be used twice a day, sounds hard to follow but actually is pretty easy and fast. It dries fast, doesn’t let residual product and doesn’t burn or irritate the eyes. Last but not least important, are the ingredients, contains caffeine, amino acids and natural extracts to promote the health of brow & lashes. It is a fragrance free.

  • I've tried a bunch of their products, good quality at a low price, and easy to use especially when you're just starting to build your skincare routine. I love their hyaluronic acid, moisturizer, and argan oil for my hair. For reference, I have dry and acne-prone skin.

  • OMG!!! My skin has never looked so hydrated and glowing in my life since switching to this product!!! My model friend featured this product in a reel and I gave it a try and now im hooked!

  • affordable yet effective

    Feedback

    One of the standout products from The Ordinary is their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum. This serum is designed to help reduce the appearance of blemishes, pores, and uneven skin texture, while also regulating oil production. After using this serum for a few weeks, I noticed a significant improvement in the overall appearance of my skin. My pores looked smaller, and my skin felt smoother and more even.

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • Ive been researching a lash serum for ages because faux lashes never looked good on me, the maintenance and cost was ridiculous to upkeep. I felt like the moment those fake lashes came off I was less attractive than before I put them on, it was a neverending cycle of UGH. Finally after completely DESTROYING my natural lashes I tried this last serum as a hail Mary. And within two weeks I already was seeing new growth. Within a month my lashes were stronger and thicker. And now four months later (and only one container of the lash serum) my natural lashes are full, thick and so long people often mistake them for faux lashes. So if you're questioning just buy it babe.

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • I love the Ordinary skin care line. It offers quality products at a reasonable price point. I am a firm believer in being able to buy great skincare products at drugstore prices. We often get sold prodcuts with unreasonable promises at astromical prices. Their customer service is great too, I asked for advice in the their chat and recieved feedback on which products work best with others and which ones to not use together to avoid negating the intended effects of each product.

    Feedback

    Look into what product will help your skincare concerns and The Ordinary will probabaly offer that item. Don't get caught up in the sells tactics of other overpriced brands.