The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective acne-clearing serums
  • Hydrating, lightweight hyaluronic serum
  • Powerful exfoliating acid treatments
  • Minimalist, reliable packaging
  • Occasional sticky serum textures
  • Harsh actives for sensitive skin
  • Pilling under makeup occurs
  • Inconsistent retinol performance

The Ordinary earns strong reviews as effective, ingredient-forward skincare that improves texture, hydration, acne, and clarity—standouts include Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, and Squalane Cleanser—while minimalist packaging appeals. Reviews also flag downsides: some formulas feel sticky or pill, actives can be harsh or confusing to layer, certain products (retinols, vitamin C, hair care) underperform for some, and a few report irritation or breakouts.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,522 reviews and posts

  • 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.

  • Actually worked to get rid of some texture on my skin! Used the salicylic acid mask and it makes my skin feel really smooth after washing it off, only use it 1-2 a week.

  • Just undeniably good value - have tried several products , faves include the Hyaluronic Acid, the Squalane and the Serum Foundation

    Feedback

    Maybe more information on how to use the products - I get most of my tips from Instagram rather than their own website.

  • The Ordinary is great! Super affordable and helpful explanations of how to use certain ingredients. Probably will not find a better price point for quality when it comes to skin care!

  • super affordable skincare with active ingredients - i love how minimalistic and they are my go-to!!

    Feedback

    clarity about how to form your own routine with their products

  • I have used a few products from this brand and I truly do love this brand. Like all skincare journeys, you have to see what works and what doesnt. One thing I appreciate about the Ordinary is that this brand can be used by mostly everyone and yet you can create a customized skincare routine because of their long list of products they offer. I have sensitive skin and the Ordinary works for my skin.

    Feedback

    The only thing I would ask for is more detailed information about each product, what its used for, what the different ingredients do, what skin types it works best for specifically on the product instead of looking it up online.

  • I love those products, good quality and pricing is perfect!!

    Feedback

    Bigger products size!

  • Affordable products that work! Love the lactic acid serum and retinol.

    Feedback

    Could create guide on how to use products in skincare routine.

  • I love The Ordinary. Their products are straightforward, no fuss, skincare. A lot of skincare products don't show improvement until a few months of use but for me, the Azelaic acid and AHA/BHA solution shows improvement in my skin after only a few uses.

    Feedback

    Some of the ingredients are a little harsh for sensitive skin, but as long as you are aware (e.g mix with moisturizer at first), you'll be fine

  • The Ordinary is my #1 used skin care. Their products are a fraction of the price of other brands and actually work. I have a full skincare routine using the ordinary and frequently restock my empties.

  • This brand seems to be at the top of everyone's (beauty bloggers & magazines) lists for affordable, effective products. So far I've only tried the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Daily Moisturizer (less than $11). I discovered it when my skin was super-dry and purchased it on a whim. I'm SO impressed -- it truly does offer similar results to products that are many times the price. The first time I used it, my skin felt moisturized, smooth and bouncy.

    Feedback

    I'm really impressed with this. My only very slight complaint is that it seems like Target and Ulta stores are often out of certain products. Perhaps they're so popular the stores are having trouble keeping them in stock?

  • Have repurchased the Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid serums multiple times and they've become a holy grail in my skincare routine! Absolutely worth buying for their price.

  • Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C has had the largest impact on my skin. I have found better products in the different categories and don’t use any facial products from The Ordinary anymore. I swear by the scalp oil!!

  • I have become the self-proclaimed spokesperson to my friends for the ordinary skincare. 🗣 I am so passionate about how simple this line is and it's great for people who are just starting off taking care of their skin! I have about 3-4 items in rotation at every given time and it has done wonders to my skin. I am excited to try everything from this line!

    Feedback

    Absolutely nothing, this is perfect for my skin in every way 💆🏽‍♀️ And the price is unbeatable!

  • YES YES YES! Love this brand, live by their products. I religously use their Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and Rosehip Seed Oil for my skin care routine and it has changed my skin forever. I've gifted the Niacinamide to so many friends and each one has loved it! Whenever I go a few weeks without using these products because of laziness, I really notice my skin texture getting rough and when I get back into the routine of using them - my skin instantly loves it. I love the packaging, and the price point is unbelievable. They should be no reason to dislike this amazing brand - unless their products really didn't work for you (which is highly unlikely!) Functional, affordable, clinical - they live up to all their claims and so much more.

    Feedback

    I dropped a glass bottle of the hyaluronic once and it shattered in my bathroom everywhere so maybe their packaging is not clumsy-people friendly? But I still wouldn't want them to change it because it feels sooo nice to hold!