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

  • Great brand when starting with skincare to see what your skin likes. Used their niacinamide+ zinc serum which was effective at targeting acne. Also have used their makeup cleansing oat balm and would not recommend that because the texture was goopy and thick, which made the experience not as enjoyable. Overall this brand's products are cheap and effective, I would definitely recommend it for beginners.

  • affordable (kinda upset about the prices increase tho) and products that work. My favourites are the glycolic acid, rosehip oil, and amino acids + b5 serum!

  • I really love their HA Factors moisturizer. It will be a forever repurchase. I also love the rosehip and squalane oils. But I have a hard time navigating their skincare like as a whole, and I think other brands have entered the space that do a better job of explaining the complex science behind the products.

  • I have the caffeine eye serum! Love it! I just dab every other day and I use it sometimes right after I hydrate my skin. I don’t use it often since I am not mostly puffy or dark but when it was bad this product came through. I also have the “vampire mask” . I read good things about it but it makes my skin very dry!

  • I've only used their hyaluronic acid, but I love it! The squeeze dropper is much better than other brands that have it in a bottle where you pour it out and it either gets everywhere or clogs where it comes out from.

  • The products are cheap, but I have found other places with the same product that tends to work a little better. For example, the niacinamide from The Ordinary is weirdly frothy. The one from Good Molecules does not do that, and it is maybe a $1 more.

  • Smell is minimal so it's nice for face

    Feedback

    I have used better/smoother moisturizers. But nothing wrong with this one. I would get again and recommend

  • I have truly loved about 80% of the products I have bought and tried from The Ordinary! The price is EXTREMELY fair, the packaging is sleek, and the products are packed full of amazing and effective ingredients. Will continue to use this brand. Love them, despite my acne prone and sensitive skin!

    Feedback

    the caffeine under eye serum burned my eyes and the rosehip oil did not feel hydrating to me compared to others

    Received a free product from The Ordinary
  • I use glycol acid every single day as a deodorant. It's amazing because you literally cannot smell anything! The other products I have in my routine from here tremendously improved my skin tone and hydration. This brand is affordable, available for purchase on multiple platforms and effective. The website also gives a very quick and comprehensive quiz to help you pick exactly what you need for your personal daily skincare routine.

    Feedback

    The only thing I would change is replacing the bonus cap for the glycolic acid to a spraying option. Other than that, this brand and it's products are amazing.

  • I gotta say, The Ordinary is an awesome brand, especially considering the price. I've tried a bunch of their products, and most of them I've really loved. But hey, a few just didn't do it for me, you know? Doesn't mean the whole line isn't great, it's just that not all of their stuff worked with my skin type. What really makes this brand stand out is how affordable it is without compromising on quality. Plus, they've got such a wide range of products that can tackle all sorts of skin issues. It's pretty impressive, I must say.

  • High quality products at a fair price! I've used the niacinamide, retinol, and mandelic acid syrums. I've had great results :)

  • I like this brand I saw it advertised a lot online so I wanted to test it out and I like my results

  • I have been a fan of The Ordinary since their early start up days. Years later and their products are still in my skincare rotation.

  • I like the ordinary but I feel like some of their serums do the same things as other of their serums.

    Feedback

    Overall, I like the product and have been using it for a few years now. However, I think the INkey List is going to give them a run for their money for half the price.

  • This brand has amazing quality products at very low prices. I would recommend

    Feedback

    Nothing needs to change with this brand! Love it

  • I think that the Ordinary is a great brand, especially for its price point. I've tried multiple products from The Ordinary, many I've loved, and a few just simply did not work for me. That doesn't mean that their line is not great, just not all of their products were fit for my skin type. I think their affordability and great quality is what makes this brand really stand out in addition to offering a large line that can fix a multitude of skin concerns.

  • My experience with The Ordinary has been extremely positive. I use their products every day for both skincare and hair maintenance, and have noticed a significant improvement in the health and appearance of both. The products are affordable and effective, making them a great value for the price. One of the things I appreciate most about The Ordinary is the transparency and simplicity of their product offerings. Rather than relying on buzzwords or marketing gimmicks, they focus on delivering high-quality, science-backed ingredients that are proven to deliver results. The packaging is also straightforward and minimalist, which I find both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Overall, my experience with The Ordinary has been excellent and I would highly recommend their products to anyone looking for effective and affordable skincare and haircare solutions.

    Feedback

    While I love The Ordinary and their products, there are a few areas where I believe they could improve to make their brand even better. First, it would be helpful if the brand provided more guidance and information on how to use their products effectively. While the products are straightforward and easy to use, some users may benefit from more detailed instructions on how to incorporate them into their skincare or haircare routines. Second, it would be great if the brand offered more variety in terms of product formats. While their current offerings are effective, some users may prefer different textures or consistencies for their specific needs. Finally, it would be nice if The Ordinary expanded their product offerings to include more solutions for specific skincare or haircare concerns. While their current products are great for general maintenance and improvement, some users may require more targeted solutions for issues like acne, rosacea, or thinning hair. Overall, The Ordinary is an excellent brand with high-quality and affordable products. With some improvements in guidance and product offerings, they have the potential to become an even more valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their skincare and haircare routines.

  • I love the caffeine eye serum! It really works for me, and it's a great price