The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective acne-clearing serums
  • Noticeably brighter, smoother skin
  • Minimalist, clinical formulations
  • Clear, straightforward labeling
  • Sticky serum textures
  • Potential irritation from actives
  • Hit-or-miss product efficacy
  • Confusing product naming

The Ordinary earns strong reviews for effective, ingredient-forward skincare that improves texture, hydration, acne, and glow—with standouts 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, can pill or irritate sensitive skin, high actives may overwhelm newbies, results can be hit-or-miss, and product naming/usage can be confusing.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,516 reviews and posts

  • The Ordinary has truly revolutionized the skincare industry with their affordable yet highly effective products, and their glycolic toner, niacinamide, and lactic acid are no exception. The glycolic toner is a must-have for anyone looking to exfoliate and brighten their skin, as it contains 7% glycolic acid that gently removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. The niacinamide serum is a game-changer for anyone struggling with acne, as it helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and congestion while also improving skin texture and overall clarity. And finally, the lactic acid is a gentle yet powerful exfoliator that helps to improve skin hydration and radiance, making it ideal for anyone with dry or dull skin. Together, these three products work wonders on the skin, leaving it looking and feeling smoother, brighter, and more youthful. I highly recommend The Ordinary's glycolic toner, niacinamide, and lactic acid for anyone looking to achieve a healthy, glowing complexion. The Ordinary products transformed my skin better than any high-end products on the market!

  • I want to love the ordinary for their prices but I can never figure out what anything is or how to use it. The product labels often sound more like a chemistry class lesson than a skincare instruction and so I’ve never been successful with this brand.

    Feedback

    I would love product sheets that explain why each product works for its purpose and how to use it by itself or with other products.

  • I adore the Ordinary! They make so many amazing products at affordable price points. Everything is straight forward. Clean and simple packaging. The peeling solutions do wonders for my skin.

  • I love the ordinary. It is extremely affordable compared to other brands that contain similar ingredients. The website makes it easy to understand the function of each ingredient in each product and shopping in store is a major plus. I was helped in the Soho store by a super knowledgeable employee who was able to help me gather a group of products that really helped elevate my skin quality.

  • I love this brand because of how affordable and effective they are. When I started out with skincare I didnt have the money to buy luxury products, this brand really helped me navigate my way into the skincare world without breaking the bank. forever grateful.

  • the brand itself is great and affordable. my only issue is with some of the products that are too concentrated and if not used correctly can cause issues with your skin.

    Feedback

    better instructions for consumers.

  • The Ordinary is an advanced yet affordable skincare line. I would say to do your research on the ingredients before trying because the do tend to be a little vague on how and when to use certain products.

  • I've been using the ordinary products for years now. It is so awesome to have access to affordable quality skincare that can be used to target different things. I really love their squalene cleanser and their acids. I highly recommend these.

    Feedback

    You do need to do your research before using these products! The names will not tell you what they are used for. But with a little research, they are high quality and affordable products that are useful in anyone's skincare routine.

  • The Ordinary has a price-friendly range of good, effective products; all of their products are under $20. Their website makes it easy to select and build your skincare regimen based on your skin type and concerns.

    Feedback

    I found some products to be hit or miss - there's a lot of media written about the cult classic products to stick to!

  • I've tried many many of the Ordinary's products as they're so affordable you can easily walk out of the store with 10 items (one of the reasons I give them a high rating). I've loved all the products but you'll need a lot to get the same effects as a serum since they're (mostly) all one active ingredient products.

  • Big fan of the ordinary. I love that these high-quality products are reasonably priced. Everything I’ve used has been incredible. I highly recommend.

  • I have the hyaluronic acid and love it. it goes on so well and is very affordable. it makes my skin feel quenched and not dry at all

  • I love the exfoliating products from the Ordinary. I think this is one of the best skin care brands because of the mix of efficacy and price. These products really have a positive impact on your skin and are extremely reasonably priced. I recommend them to anyone who is looking to upgrade their skincare routine without breaking the bank.

  • Love their affordability and quality of products. Their aha bha mask is my holy grail!

    Feedback

    Could re work some products and provide minis for example for the glycolic acid bottle.

  • 80% of my skincare is the ordinary now. I like how straightforward their products are. I can easily add or subtract steps depending on the season or the needs of my skin. Their multi-peptide serum is a staple in my routine as well as their exfoliators. I also love their hair serum.

  • I have used many of their products from skincare to hair. They all have worked pretty well for me!

  • I have tried the ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum, glycolic acid toner, rosehip seed oil, and their infamous red AHA and BHA peeling solution. I'm not sure if these products did anything beneficial for me, but they didn't do anything terrible, either.

    Feedback

    I don't know a whole lot about skincare, but the ordinary seems to offer products with isolated active ingredients. It would be nice if there was a user-friendly and easy to understand guide for their products and what each one does, and how each one works with others from the brand. It seems like we're all going in blind if we don't know exactly what niacinamide or azelaic acid is, what they do, and how they interact with each other, for instance.

  • I love that they make great actives accessible to everyone. I’ve been using their products for years and I gift them all the time. Some of the products could use nicer textures but for like $7 it’s fine.