4.5
93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend
The Ordinary
4.5 • 2,505 Reviews
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The Ordinary reviews and discussion
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
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.
3y ago
Love their affordability and quality of products. Their aha bha mask is my holy grail!
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Could re work some products and provide minis for example for the glycolic acid bottle.
3y ago
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.
3y ago
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.
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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.
I love how affordable this brand is together with the high quality products. I've been using their products for more than 4 years and I love it
Tried the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in winter of 2021. Both gave me a horrific allergic reaction where my face got puffy, red, and itchy. Have not tried a product since for fear of another reaction.
Feedback
Be sure to patch test first to avoid a potential reaction.
3y ago
I really tried to like The Ordinary because I had seen lots of good reviews. I tried a brightening serum and the caffeine under eye serum but didn’t really see any results. Really disappointing.
Love the affordability and packaging.
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It’s more difficult to understand the function of the product than it is with other brands
I LOVE THE ARGERELINE SOLUTION!!! I'm also a big hemisqualene fan, and it's one of the few places I could buy some. I've been using face oils since 2012, so this was my secret to glowing skin. Their innovative products pushed the prices down on squalene everywhere, and bukachiol. The granactive retinoid 0.2% is a great product to start retinols early up. Just some solid products at a great price and packaging.
I’ve heard a lot of great things - I like their approach to simple packaging and the price is great. Unfortunately, most of their products don’t work for my skin
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None
I love the face product and serums. I use them daily to try and keep my face feeling and looking good
I have quite a bit of product from The Ordinary. I'm lucky to have both the stand alone stores and Sephora really accessible to get the products. The great thing about it is that it's REALLY inexpensive for highly potent products that are the same if not better than brands much much much more expensive. You can tailor a combination of products just for what you need. Sometimes it's worked really well for me, but other time, I feel like I'm combining 5 different things and to pay more for it all in one product, I would have done that if possible.
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For one or two products that are really potent in a small combination or individually, really worth it. If you need a combination of a items, it's good to weigh the time and amount of items compared to one single item from another brand that may do it all in one. Either way, its a huge money saver when you do use them and they are REALLY effective.
So many products, love that they’re all small in size and that was they’re inexpensive and you can buy multiple things
Their products can be a bit hit or miss for me, but some have become absolute staples in my skincare routine like the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide powder. I love how affordable they are, and their single ingredient products or serums (like their oils) are great. Less of a fan of their moisturizers, as they didn't seem to moisturize much.
Obsessed with this brand