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

  • This brand is either a hit or a miss for me, as some products have ingredients my very sensitive skin does not like whole others are my holy grail. Seriously I love affordable skincare!

    Feedback

    The only important I would suggest would be in regards to the makeup collection, as I feel like the formula could use some adjustments.

  • As a licensed esthetician I APPROVE The Ordinary!!! Not only affordable but their products work just like they say the should! Ingredients go above and beyond for the prices!! I use on a daily basis!

  • Cannot go wrong! Affordable and effective line of products, no need to be too loud with packaging bc in the bottle says it all.

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • I have tried quite a few products from this brand and I've never had one let me down. I'm picky when it comes to skincare because I do have very sensitive skin, and I've never found any of their products to be irritable. I always end up looking like a glowing goddess. I will always recommend this brand.

  • I love the Ordinary! Their products are effective and much more financially attainable than other brands selling the same.

    Feedback

    I wish that the Ordinary had a better map of how someone's regimen should look. For example, there aren't resources on the bottles or the website that indicate which products work well together and which shouldn't be mixed. With so many options, this lends itself to folks harming their skin as opposed to helping it.

  • Great affordable skincare products.

    Feedback

    I use the azelalic acid daily & it’s great for my acne.

  • I absolutely love The Ordinary and its affordable approach to skincare. I use their Buffet, Niacinamide, and lactic acid as part of my skincare routine. I’m loving the results I get from The Ordinary brand and you cannot beat the price point!

  • I have never been one for regimented skincare routines and will admit that spending money on beauty products has never been a top priority for me. However, throughout COVID-19 mask mandates in my area, I developed very bad 'maskne' (ance in the area covered by a mask) and decided to try out The Ordinary as a potential solution, after hearing a bit of buzz online. Not having much knowledge of skincare, it took some time to research and figure out which products to order, but once I landed on a regime to try and started using the lineup, my skin improved quickly and drastically. A few years later, The Ordinary products are still my go-to. I use the Squalene Cleanser, Lactic Acid, Hylauronic Acid, Niamicide, Buffet, Daily Moisturizer, and Rosehip Oil. Oh, and the best part? Extremely accessible price points that allow me to always have the product on-hand. Highly recommend!

  • I have only used a couple The Ordinary products. I absolutely love their azelaic acid cream. The squalene cleanser was sent to me by accident from an Ulta order and it’s not great for my skin type, but i wouldn’t have selected that product anyway. I appreciate the clearly labeled products that are transparent about the contents and the strength of the active ingredients. As a physician, it drives me crazy when skincare or supplements feel like they’re being mysterious or hiding what is actually in the product — we deserve to make informed decisions’

  • I found out about these products a few years back and all I can say is that most of the products have been in my skin regime ever since. Not only did it help clear up facial acne, once I learned how to use other products, they also helped clear up acne I got on my back or arms, reduced the appearance of strawberry legs, and brightened mine under arms and thighs. It's truly a great product and fairly priced

    Feedback

    There's little to no feedback I could give. Everything is fairly priced and not overly complex. Everythis is sold as marketed. My only real advice would be opt for a more environmentally friendly packing alternative. I.E, the little tin peelings.

  • Words can’t express how thankful I am for this brand. I was in my 30’s and experiencing horrible adult acne. I had seen a dermatologist, tried every product aimed at acne you could think of. Nothing helped. I finally gave the ordinary products a try 3 years ago and within a month my acne was gone!! I refuse to ever go without these products. They are my holy grail!!! And the price is unbelievable!!!

  • love most of the products and the prices are unbeatable

    Feedback

    along with instructions add what the product is supposed to do for your skin

  • Buying the active ingredients on their own means your skincare routine might be more complicated, but allows you to fine-tune to your own skin. Great if you have sensitive skin and need to tweak the levels of actives.

  • Really loved the peel and the niacinamide. The price point and sizing made it really easy to try new products without investing too much or wasting a ton of product.

    Feedback

    The actives can be hard to parse for those of us who don’t know our squalene from our Vitamin C!

  • I use the ordinary moisturizer!! It is such a great product to use during the summer and spring, but towards the winter and fall I needed to use a stronger moisturizer.

    Invested in The Ordinary
  • One of the only brands, including Cerave, that I truly truly trust. Consistently good, affordable products without unnecessary junk like fragrance in there. I swear by the niacinamide + zinc, love the hyaluronic acid, argirelene, salicylic acid - so many good products. The folks in store are always super helpful and consultative too

  • I've used the eyelash serum according to instructions for several months and noted no change. I think the Grande Lash Serum is better quality, despite being more expensive.