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

  • I’ve tried multiple products from the brand- hair care, moisturizing products, chemical exfoliants, and hydrating and anti-aging serums. Several of them have worked their way into my everyday routine (although the hair care line didn’t really do much for me).

    Feedback

    I think they’re great quality for the price. The ingredient list is easy to understand and although nothing will create magical results, my skin has improved when using their products. Accessible and functional brand.

  • I really enjoy using the ordinary products. It’s a great no-fuss way to get affordable and quality skincare. If it was easier to find their products in person, I would definitely buy a lot more.

  • Love all of the ordinary products! The packaging is some of my favorites for skin care. Everything lasts a long time if you use it properly so it’s worth the price.

    Feedback

    Nothing notable to change! Maybe pricing.

  • Great products! You have to know what to use and what you are able to pair together. They have great resources and customer service for this!

    Feedback

    Would prefer the packaging to have more info that is easy for the average person to understand

  • i use their chemical exfoliant on a regular bases with great results.

    Feedback

    love the price point.

  • Great, effective products for the price! Love that they're super accessible now that they're sold in Sephora.

  • Niacinamide serum is an easy addition to my face wash routine. Always feel clean and healthy after using it

  • A sure staple in my skincare routine. Their niacinamide and salicylic acid works so well for my acne-prone skin. Really helped in lightening my acne scars too. And they're affordable too!

  • I like how affordable The Ordinary's products are. They have lots of options depending on your skin and what you're looking to address.

    Feedback

    I don't love their moisturizer or SPF, they make my skin oily. However, I do love their serums!

  • Can honestly say these products changed my skin - the hyaluronic acid and squaline oil are an essential part of my morning and nighttime skincare routine and I love their hair oil, too. The best part is how affordable they make their products.

  • I love using The Ordinary products to create my own tailored skin care regimen. I've struck out with a few products, but thats more due to my own skin sensitivity (the sunblock for one.) Good products at a good price, highly recommend, I love the oils in particular

  • Affordable, simple products that get the job done. The Squalene Cleanser and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA moisturizer are staples.

  • one product consistently worth coming back to is the squalane oil, which provides the best cost per ounce among its competitors. compared to many products, squalane is not sensitizing or reactive and it adds that extra protective boost during moisture barrier-compromised days when everything you put on your face just HURTS. it's low-risk, high-reward for many people.

  • I use a few products from The Ordinary in my skincare routine, and so far I have really enjoyed them. I'm going on 4 months using the products, for context.

  • I get a lot of free stuff for work, but I actually spend my own money to buy products from the Ordinary. It's just that good.

  • Good basics and affordable. It's really awesome that they make skincare affordable and accessible. In my opinion they're really great because it tells you what the product is and theirs no fluff.

  • I love my ordinary primer!! My whole routine was founded when I saw someone rate The Ordinary on TikTok. It has smoothed my face, doesn't make me feel greasy and I wake up with great skin. It is completely different to other skin products I use, and so affordable. It's incredible and so worth it.

    Feedback

    Bigger tubes/bottles!?

  • Great products with individual actives, but I find that if I want ingredients to cover my whole set of skin concerns, I'm using too many products and some are bound to not sit well together. It's super affordable but lacks the sophistication of higher end products that blend together multiple actives.

    Feedback

    It would be nice if they could add a feature to their site to let you know which combination of products is incompatible.

  • I’ve tried many products from The Ordinary and most of them are a hit - azelaic acid, niacinamide, NMF, granactive retinoid 2% and 5% in squalane, rosehip oil, glycolic acid, alpha arbutin, and ethylated ascorbic acid. I have repurchased the azelaic acid, niacinamide, NMF, alpha arbutin, and granactive retinoids a few times now. The Ordinary does a good job of providing skincare actives at a very affordable price point - and they are even having a month long sale in November to encourage intentional shopping! (This might be a marketing ploy but they got me!) Their squalane cleanser was a bit of a letdown; it didn’t clean as well as my other oil cleansers. I also didn’t notice much from their caffeine solution but because their skincare is so affordable, I don’t mind trying a few things that may not end up working for me.

  • I use the moisturizer every day and given the price and the quality, I believe this is an amazing product.

    Feedback

    a better understanding of how to use each one.