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

  • When I turned 35 I promised to myself to start taking care of my skin to keep it youthful. I had heard about The Ordinary products and decided to give them a try. I turned 41 this last January and am still using The Ordinary products! I love the pricing- very affordable- and IT WORKS!

    Feedback

    Finding my perfect regimen is a bit confusing still even after using the products for 6 years- the quizzes always seem to give me conflicting results so I have been just trusting my gut, and for the most part its been working out for me, but I would think that better guides on how to create a good skin regimen would be benefical

  • I really love their caffeine serum for the eyes, and i’ve tried a bunch of other products. Really amazing prices.

  • I absolutely love this brand. they’re cruelty free, inexpensive and effective. This is the only brand that has balanced out my skin as i have combination and very sensitive skin. I never have to worry about not being able to afford these products either because they ensure they’re products are accessible.

  • Really good value for the price! Can’t really share bad comments considering how much I paid for the products. Love the fact that they are a lot of different products to choose from. Would recommend for a minimalist skincare routine.

  • The ordinary is affordable, consistent and offers a huge range of products. I love the sizing of their products as well. In a few words the ordinary is simple, clean, no frills.

    Feedback

    Im not super familiar with product stability, but I have seen conflicting information about the packaging the ordinary uses.

  • Love the packaging, the array of products. I’ve used multiple products before and they work really well. And feel clean and luxurious.

    Feedback

    Nothing

  • The Ordinary has been a life-saver for my acne prone, combination skin! The products are high quality at an affordable price. I highly recommend for anyone looking to up their skin care routine without breaking the bank!

    Feedback

    It’s take a bit of research to determine what skincare options are best suited for your skin type and what serums can be used together and which to use on alternate days or AM vs PM.

  • The best place to get skincare from you can never go wrong!

    Feedback

    It changed my skin!!

  • I don't know how to exactly summarize my experience with this brand-- as I have tried so many of their products over the years. I do love what this brand is trying to achieve: simple products that work at a reasonable price point. To this day I still use the hyaluronic acid serum, natural moisturizing factors moisturizer, and caffeine eye serum. I remember liking some of their other products, but they didn't work the best for me or just weren't worth the price. However, I do plan on purchasing from this brand in the future!

    Feedback

    Definitely consider your skin type and concerns before buying anything. I know some people who hate the products I use-- but I love them.

  • This be and is good as long as you know what to use it for. Like the aha + bha mask probably best to not use on your face.

    Feedback

    Some products like the 100% niacinamide powder is not really necessary

  • I’ve tried a few different products from The Ordinary. They honestly work just as good as any more expensive skincare brands I’ve tried. Love the effectiveness at such an affordable price.

  • I’ve tried several different products (6 or so in all) and all have been effective at their task and delivered results for a low price. In particular I really love their retinol and their aha/bha peel. I really like hat the ingredient lists are short and the active concentrations high. Sometimes a product hasn’t worked for me (some pilled with my skincare) but overall it’s a solid brand.

    Feedback

    Do your research with this brand. They offer several versions of vit c or retinol to cater to different skin types (for dry skin or oily skin) so do your research on their site to determine which will work best for your skin type

  • Have really enjoyed every product I’ve bought from The Ordinary. Absolutely love the quality for the price. They are the leader in affordable skincare.

  • I initially bought it because it offered nice skincare ingredients at a great value. Little did I expect it to become the only skincare I use. The salycilic acid helps me mantain my skin clear and retinol helps with texture from previous acne. The AHA BHA peel is the only mask I use.

    Feedback

    Everything is so well executed and simple. Love it.

  • Rosehip oil is 100/10! Price point is just so good and it's so easy to get your hands on these products so it's really just effortless. Clean and 100% hand-pressed products, can't go wrong!

  • My skin doesnt do well with american skin brands, but out of all of them, this is the best! These can easily "hold me over" until I get my next fix of The Face Shop

    Feedback

    More natural and unique ingredients, please! Too basic!

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • I have used several of their products. They are priced well and have a great assortment of skincare products.

    Feedback

    Love everything about it.

  • I enjoy The Ordinary very much. I love the fact that it is a clean brand but still extremely affordable.

    Feedback

    I believe that it shopping in stores that carry The Ordinary, it is difficult to tell what products are specifically used for.