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

  • I love their products. Their prices are just right, they’re great quality and they work. I have pretty sensitive skin so I can’t use products that have perfume in them, and their products are fragrance free. Love that

  • Every product is amazing, but I especially love the glycolic acid! It’s great for underarms to help eliminate odor, and as a toner for my nighttime skincare routine! For $10, the bottle lasts forever and is comparable to pricier products!

  • Big fan of the ordinary, I've used their products for a few years. I'm currently using the caffeine eye serum and the Niacinamide serum daily and am liking both, especially the serum! I noticed effects within a week. I've also liked the squalane and rosehip oils and vitamin C serum in the past. Super affordable, good customer service, good products. Recommend!

  • like how the brand educates the users of the active ingredients and it is affordable. just did not see the expected results. would go with traditional formulated skincare products

  • Loveeeee the ordinary! Super affordable and quality products. I use their hyaluronic acid and niacinamide religiously. I also love that they’re accesible at Ulta and Target for the times I can’t wait for shipping.

  • I love every product I have tried from the ordinary. All very effective and great price points

  • Amazing price point but products can be hit or miss. My favorites are the Glycolic Acid and the Natural Moisturizer + HA. I would do your research thoroughly before trying to build a skincare routine with just the Ordinary because its very easy to destroy your moisture barrier.

  • Hit or miss with some products, their price point is one you truly can’t beat.

  • I love the Ordinary products for their ingredients and price point. It makes trying new things super accessible and you don’t feel bad if it’s not what you expect.

  • I’m a licensed esthetician, and I have tried what seems like every skincare brand under the sun. And I’m always looking for products to recommend to my clients, friends and family, that are both affordable and effective. When I tried Ordinary for the first time I was shocked by the quality of their products. Not only are their products high quality, but they are easy to use, which is another concern of mine when recommending skincare. A good skincare regimen needs to be easily replicated. I love how straightforward their instructions are, in terms of informing the user of the order of use. As well as the simplicity of their ingredients they incorporate. I’m also always looking for sustainability in brands that I support, and the Ordinary is very mindful of their packaging and shipping practices. Overall it is a wonderful brand that I will continue to use and recommend to everyone.

  • The BEST skincare line. As someone who has struggled with acne for years, The Ordinary is the only skincare brand that has consistently worked as a preventative and solution for my skin. A major plus is that they are super inexpensive compared to other beauty products!

  • Extremely affordable skin care. I love the descriptions and instructions online that make skincare a lot more accessible.

  • Great value for a premium product. I regularly use their Hyaluronic Acid and Natural Moisturizer and both feel great.

  • Love everything I've tried from this brand, all vegan and cruelty-free and actual fair prices.

  • Really great price point and concept but I've tried several of their products, and I just don't see any results.

  • Unparalleled price point for skincare that works. I use their AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution a few times a month for a nice chemical exfoliation. Effective ingredients - this product specifically can cause redness (expected). Not a holy grail, but reliable. Looking forward to trying their Copper Peptides.

  • Love that their products are very affordable, no frills, transparent and straight to the point on ingredients. I do have some favourites like the niacinamide. I'm giving them a 3 star because of PR controversy around the founder - he uses IG insult fans and cancel partnerships. I also believe that when a product is low cost they can compromise on the quality of ingredients or the quality of packaging.

  • I have always struggled with wanting to be good to my skin but not breaking the bank. The Ordinary has so many products and with my skin's needs changing over time, I am always able to adapt to my skin's needs with different products without feeling guilty about the price. The Squalene cleanser is my most used product as it is gentle on my sensitive skin but gets my make up off easily.