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

  • Great products, for a great price. Quality ingredients that work just as good as many other brands 3 to 4 times the price. The Ordinary made skincare more accessible to many, so I’ll always be a fan. That said, I wish they would come out with a few products which have more than one ingredient in order to make your skincare routine easier. Some ingredients for example should not be used together, but the majority of the public may not be aware. Adding additional information to the website, might be a first step.

  • The Ordinary is another great brand that's worked well for me, as someone who has sensitive skin and eczema. While I don't know too much about their exact formulations, most of their products leave my skin feeling better than it did before! The hyaluronic acid is a good essential to have on hand, but I've also experimented with the toning solution to help with exfoliation without having to use a scrub.

  • Customer service was stellar. I had someone walk me through all of my skin's needs and personally pull and adjust my shopping cart to tell me the items that would work best for my needs. 10/10... That said, I'm just not a fan of the products that much. Price is right. Results are underwhelming. Face feels sticky after using serums and moisturizers.

  • Their retinol is a staple in my skin routine. Great products that work, are super affordable, simple but functional packaging.

  • I like the products from the ordinary. they are good but the simplicity of the products means you have to do a lot of additional research to understand how to use them. i personally don't like to have active ingredients in clear containers in case it affects the product. and restocks can take a long time such as the wait time for the lash serums.

  • I really wanted to love this brand and have purchased a few of their products. However... their niacinamide serum gave me acne and clogged my pores -it's unfortunately comedogenic. Their azelaic acid suspension also didn't have any positive effect on my skin.

  • i’ve tried their Hyaluronic acid moisturizer and their serum of if as well as the niacinamide serum. i have more sensitive, dry skin so i thought that these would be okay for my skin but I think they’re too harsh for my skin. the niacinamide especially gave me little bumps and textures. however, i love that they’re affordable and it works great for others.

  • The ordinary is exactly what the name says, ordinary. I feel like the amount of research I have to do into each product to understand what it does negates the lower price.

  • After using their multi-peptide lash and brow serum for two weeks twice a day, I am noticing longer lashes! The price seemed like a lot for the amount of product, but after looking. at other lash growth serums it seemed much more reasonable. The product does sting when it drips past my lash line and makes its way into my eye, but nothing severe. After my positive experience with lash serum, I've gone out and purchased their hair density serum, and cleanser. Fingers-crossed these product work just as well!

  • I LOVE all the oils they carry. Super reasonably priced. Their retinol is A1 for the price. The azelaic acid worked wonders to clear up my boyfriend's bacne.

  • Thank you thank you thank you for not charging an arm and a leg for essential skin products! I religiously purchase Hyaluronic acid and Glycolic acid and they keep my skin in check and hydrated! I recently purchased the B oil, thinking it was Bakuchiol, but my goodness, it smelled like raw seaweed floating in the ocean. I feel that it does my skin good but I could not for the life of me stand the smell. I should have done more research about it thought so that is definitely a user error.

  • Great, affordable skincare that is transparent about ingredients and their effects. Great for someone who knows what they are looking for in their skincare!

  • AMAZING. The products are affordable and actually work. Love the BHA mask. Leaves you so soft!

  • I don't feel like I've had a ton of luck with The Ordinary products. Currently, I'm using the Vitamin C serum and haven't noticed much of a difference. I have combo skin that leans more acneic, especially around and my cycle. The affordability of products definitely makes them worth exploring -- especially for those trying to get their feet wet in the skincare arena. Just hasn't been a hit for me!

  • You’ll have to try the products to see what works for you. But the ones that work WORK. And for such an affordable price? You really can’t beat it. Easily accessible too.

  • Avid user of The Ordinary's retinol with squalene. Very affordable product; works well and doesn't dry out my skin. Will mention that the product expire after 3ish months, so I typically can't make it through my small bottle by then.

  • I have used their face serum and love them. They leave my face feeling hydrated, smooth and feeling fresh.