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 is a great brand that prioritizes ingredients!! I have used their niacinamide for years and it’s always been a go to for me!

  • I use several of the ordinary’s products in my skincare routine! Some products are less great than others, but that goes for any skin care brand typically. The ordinary has great price points and are an amazing starting point to learn what your skin needs.

  • Really affordable products. Some products worked well but I had a really bad reaction to the toner.

  • I am absolutely in love with their products, especially considering the amazing prices they offer. I've given them a score of 4/5 because if you don't know your ingredients, it's sometimes confusing and overwhelming to shop from them! One product that has become a holy grail for me is The Ordinary "Buffet" serum. This stuff is like magic in a bottle. It has worked wonders for my skin, leaving it feeling hydrated, plump, and smooth. The lightweight formula is a dream to apply, and a little goes a long way, which makes it even better considering the affordable price tag.

  • Saw on my fyp many times, thought it was overhyped, so tried them myself. It deffo depends on your skin type, can irritate if not meant for your skin. However, I've had a good experience with them, I gifted some to my sister with sensitive skin, her skin got very irritated. Would recommend to a firend, but deffo read the ingrediants and make sure you won't react to them! Nonetheless, a great brand with aesthetic packaging, deffo will keep using and repurchasing, makes my skin look like glass LOVEEE

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  • Great price point for high quality products. Recommend their squalane, rose hip oil, and buffet products. Scent is fine but nothing to brag about - I like that there is no added fragrances.

  • I find The Ordinary products to be hit or miss. I really loved the AHA peel and caffeinated eye serum, but the hyaluronic acid and the niacinamide both did nothing for my face. The azealic acid broke me out. While it is a good price point, for me personally the products haven’t been worth the gamble of seeing if they work or not.

  • I’m a big fan of The Ordinary! The niacinamide and the “buffet” were super effective. Wasn’t a fan of the texture of the face wash and it didn’t get eye makeup off though.

  • Absolutely amazing skincare and body care at a amazing price! Haven’t tried a product I didn’t like!

  • Love all products of The Ordinary. I have sensitive skin and haven’t had any issues as of yet. Would recommend the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution for event ready skin. Clean and modern packaging.

  • Great products though I do find the ranges a little confusing at times. No fuss and affordable though which is great!

  • Have used the azaleic acid and it really helped my redness and dark spots. A good affordable product.

  • Great straightforward products at very reasonable prices. Some products were even recommended to me by my dermatologist. Some serums are a little bit sticky- but other than that- LOVE

  • My skin has never been this good before The Ordinary 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

  • LOVE The Ordinary. Can't beat the quality and prices. I use their toner and B Oil and am constantly asked about my skincare routine.

  • One of my favorite skincare lines. They focus on ingredient-based skincare. It helped with my acne scarring. The niacinamida and marina water are my absolute go-to. Their rose hip seed oil is incredibly amazing as well.

  • Huge fan of the ordinary! It does wonders for my skin. + I love how affordable it is :)

  • Love this brand for the serums! But the moisturizer and the sunscreen make me breakout.