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

  • 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.

  • 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.

    Feedback

    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

    Feedback

    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.

    Feedback

    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.

  • The Ordinary products have been a staple in my skin care routine. Super effective while not breaking the back. Thank you!

  • The Ordinary products literally saved my skin. The serums, the peeling mask, the cleanser, every one of their product is perfect

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  • I really do like the ordinary line. The ingredients are good and effective, just need to know the combinations and what you're doing.

  • I've tried several of their products. LOVE the glycolic acid as a scalp exfoliant and even on my face. I've also used the niacinamide, copper peptides, hyaluronic acid.

    Feedback

    Love that the brand has beautiful packaging and that they are so affordable and keep the ingredients purposeful.

  • So many good products at such an affordable price point that actually benefit your skin in innumerable ways

  • The Ordinary is a god-sent product. I never had a great skincare routine and didn't know much about it until I discovered this brand. Their website is super easy to navigate and super informative. Everything you need to know is easily accessible from ingredients to when and how to use each product. It's a great beginner skincare line and I will always love their sleek and minimalist packaging, especially their glass bottles. Note: Nothing can beat their prices either, extremely affordable and great value!

    Feedback

    Everything you need to know is easily accessible from ingredients to when and how to use each product. It's a great beginner skincare line and I will always love their sleek and minimalist packaging, especially their glass bottles. Note: Nothing can beat their prices either, extremely affordable and great value!

  • I have many products from The Ordinary. I love everything I use and the price point. The packaging is great and I truly see results from the products. Highly recommend!

  • Been a fan and user of The Ordinary products since 2017! They're cheap, effective, and usually single-ingredient focused formulas that allow you to create a customized routine that targets your specific needs at the moment. Some product formulations are better than others (here's looking at you, stinky cheese-scented marine hyaluronic acid serum), but still, great brand!