The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective acne-clearing serums
  • Straightforward ingredient labeling
  • Noticeably smoothing exfoliants
  • Gentle, hydrating cleansers
  • Occasional sticky serum texture
  • Irritating high-strength acids
  • Pilling under makeup layers
  • Confusing ingredient naming

The Ordinary earns strong reviews for effective, ingredient-forward skincare that improves texture, acne, oil control, and hydration—standouts include Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Squalane Cleanser, and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. However, reviews also flag weaknesses: some formulas feel sticky or pill, certain actives (retinol, high-percentage acids/niacinamide) can irritate or dry skin if misused, results vary by product, and the technical lineup can overwhelm beginners.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,517 reviews and posts

  • 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!

  • Been using there products for a few years . Great and affordable plus my skin looks clear , brighter , and glowing . I finally have the confidence to go out with out makeup , thanks to the ordinary products .

  • The Ordinary delivers in providing affordable + effective skincare. I've introduced my partner to the line and he loves several of their products. I appreciate that they use a lot of glass in their packaging to minimize plastic waste.

  • Simple ingredients, simple prices, not so simple results! They way skin care should be!

  • The Ordinary is a really accessible and decent skincare company. The retinol for me in squalene is my favorite product.

    Feedback

    I think the line is pretty no nonsense and is easy to shop the ingredients you need.

  • The Ordinary makes great products! I have avidly used the Niacinimide + Zinc, Caffeine Serum, Rose Hip Seed Oil and they all made such a big difference in my skin. N + Z helped to clear my acne, the caffeine serum helped my undereyes & the rose hip oil helped with keeping my skin soft and moisturized.

    Feedback

    I would use the Niacinimide + Zinc as spot treatment and it always worked great!!

  • I really loved using the ordinary in my skincare routine. After I exhausted my bottles, no brand has been able to replace it. The retinol had me looking so young and my skin looking so vibrant. The hyaluronic acid was the perfect hydrant for my skin. It was amazing.

    Feedback

    I don’t have a bad word for them yet. For anyone willing to try, I suggest they do their research on which products to use, how to combine etc. This will make your skincare journey worthwhile

  • The Ordinary has been a staple in my skincare routine for years. I rotate using multiple serums for my day and night routines. My favorite product is the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. I use it before bed and before a moisturizer.

    Feedback

    Some people have complained that the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% feels really tingly and leaves a burning sensation on their skin. I think I understand what they mean, but I love it! It's not a bad feeling. Just be sure you don't have any open cuts or pimples as it will burn a bit extra in those spots.

  • I have loved using the ordinary for a while now! I’ve used their BHA/AHA face mask for some time now as well as their retinol suspended in squalane. The only product I wouldn’t recommend is the vitamin c suspension; the silicone-y feel is a bit heavy on the face, but the other products I mentioned have done wonders on my skin. There has been a noticeable improvement in my skin texture, especially after using the retinol for some time.

    Feedback

    The vitamin c suspension had a weird face-feel; it felt like it was clogging my pores and just heavy. I tried giving it a shot a couple times, but I just felt that it was too heavy for day wear.

  • i bought a serum and a moisturizer from the ordinary, and just like their name, they’re just ordinary. nothing special happened to my skin, and the moisturizer would leave white marks on my face that took forever to blend out

  • The Ordinary brand has provided a skin barrier balance all while locking in that moisture on my skin. I have acne prone, combination sensitive skin so its very difficult for me to try new products when The Ordinary has simplified my routine for a life time. It took a few tries to find out which products best fit my routine but overall has been a wonderful experience.

    Feedback

    i definetly would recommend a dermatoligst visit first to know which ingredients best fit your skin.

  • Such simple ingredients, so affordable, and so effective!! I use their moisturizer and hyaluronic acid daily and my skin has never felt smoother or softer.

  • LOVE THE ORDINARY! the products are so well priced and work wonders!!! I recommend the AHA peeling mask, the toner is also super good.

  • I LOVE this brand so much. It is extremely affordable and so many of their products have helped me clear my skin up. I usually purchase The Ordinary from Ulta.

    Feedback

    Lots of options to choose from, depending on your skin type.

  • I know many swear by them, by I've always been underwhelmed by the Ordinary's products.

    Feedback

    I've tried several of their products—including the peeling solution, the rose hip oil, and a few more—and I've never really seen positive results. They all irritated my skin in some way and/made me break out, and I don't have sensitive skin. Their price points are good, but I don't think I could recommend.

  • The Ordinary's azelaic acid has saved my skin from scarring and hyperpigmentation. I will never stop using this stuff! Also a fan of the niacinamide and salicylic acid 2% solution.

  • I used the retinol and didn’t see any improvement with my skin. When I stopped using it, my skin cleared up. It is not expensive

    Feedback

    It doesn’t feel like it really helped my skin.

  • I love how affordable this brand is, and it has some products that are outstanding. The product I use the most for body, acne and deodorant is the glycolic acid toning solution, which is amazing and I suggest everyone should try it out.