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 love these products we partnered with this brand at SoulCycle for our Warrior Week and the products are so amazing!

  • I always get a nice big haul of stuff. I trust the brand and the approach. I love that they have simple single ingredient oils. Lots of good products I can experiment with!

  • Consistently good product, without the frills. Some formulas are not a personal fave for me, but the ones I do like, I use religiously. Highly recommend. The price point is so good, perfect for budget conscious skin care addicts.

  • As a customer, I’ve had a great experience with The Ordinary. Their products are simple, effective, and reasonably priced, which makes them stand out in a market full of overhyped, expensive options. I’ve tried a few different products, like the Niacinamide serum and the Retinol, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my skin. My complexion looks more even, and I’ve had fewer breakouts. I really appreciate how transparent they are with ingredients – they don’t try to overcomplicate things with fancy names or unnecessary additives. The minimalist packaging is also a plus for me; it feels clean and functional. That said, the only downside is that the product range can be overwhelming if you’re new to skincare, and sometimes it takes a little research to know what’s best for your skin. Overall, I’m very happy with The Ordinary. It’s a brand I can trust to deliver results without draining my wallet, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking to improve their skincare routine.

  • Great brand!! Everything is so inexpensive, yet somehow they use the best ingredients (or at least my skin says so lol)!! Try their eye serum!!! Soooo good and is good for those with eyes that get oily throughout the day like mine.

  • I used their hair care line and it doesnt work! In fact it made my scalp itchy and i had breakouts in my head. I also tried their moisturizer and it doesnt really moisturize as nuch as i need it to!

  • I have purchased multiple products from this company. Bc of the price point, it allows you to get a feel of what works best for you without the guilt of over spending just to try it. I’ve had a great experience with their face washes and serums and wasn’t able to find a good fit with the makeup. This company is my go to when I’m looking for a particular regimen/treatment. 10/10 completely recommend “the ordinary” as a company and product line.

  • Price is not a problem. It’s figuring out if your skin likes the ingredients. Positive and busts with this brand. But the simplicity and price range is everything

  • This moisturizer didn’t really work for my dry skin. It felt lightweight and absorbed quickly, but it didn’t provide the deep hydration I need. I didn’t notice any lasting moisture or improvement.

  • I haven’t had the chance to try any of The Ordinary products yet, but I’ve heard so many great things about the brand that I’m really looking forward to testing them out. From what I’ve seen, The Ordinary offers high-quality skincare at an affordable price, and their focus on transparency and active ingredients is something that really stands out to me. The wide range of serums, oils, and treatments all seem to cater to different skin concerns, and it’s exciting to think about the potential benefits of incorporating them into my skincare routine. I’ve read countless glowing reviews from people who have seen visible improvements in their skin, and that has definitely piqued my interest. The brand's commitment to simplicity in formulation and effectiveness is something I truly admire, and I can’t wait to see how their products work for me. Once I get my hands on some, I’ll be sure to update this review with my own experience. Until then, I’m eager to dive into The Ordinary world and see if it lives up to all the positive buzz!

  • I enjoyed the texture and taste. No improvements needed. So far so great. The no sugar options are a plus. I look forward to each slice.

    Received a free product from The Ordinary
  • I love this brand. I love the ethos of no frills skincare. I am admittedly not very adventurous with my skincare as I have acne prone skin and the smallest things make me break out, but as a whole The Ordinary has been a net positive. That being said, I have to approach my review carefully. The caffeine serum I didn’t notice much difference. Initial tightening, but that was about it. I failed to be extremely consistent with it, however, when I was consistently applying it for a month at a time, no major differences. The glycolic acid toner never touched my face. I was too scared of breaking out. However on my arms as a treatment for keratosis pilaris? On my legs as a chemical exfoliant? I will recommend this to anyone. The milky toner was amazing upon the first usages, but then I got clusters of acne for no discernible reason. Personally, I chalked it up to fungal acne seeing as it was difficult to get rid of. The 0.2% retinol is my newest acquisition from this brand and so far I enjoy it. I use it once a week, just because I am completely brand new to retinol. I’ve noticed breakouts, but this is to be expected with starting retinol. Overall, I do enjoy the brand, even if I end up using the products differently than their intended purpose.

  • I’ve been using The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid for weeks, and it’s become a staple in my routine. It’s lightweight, absorbs fast, and keeps my skin feeling hydrated all day. My makeup sits better, too! The only thing I’d improve is the packaging—it can be tricky to get the last few drops out. Still, amazing value for such effective skincare!

  • I love these products because they are not too harsh on my skin and they are really pinpointed on the needs of my skin. I use the red peel most often and I am starting to use the Niacinimide on my son’s face for his acne. I am noticing a big change in his skin.

  • Not entirely beginner friendly! The products might be marketed with a nice simple approach but I think consumers still need to research active ingredients before using!

  • I’m obsessed with this product, it’s so effective and work best I’m truly impressed and love the product it’s work for my skin so I’m glad.

  • My daughter struggled with very bad acne and someone encouraged us to try ordinary- fast forward a few weeks and her acne is ALL GONE! I had paid hundreds to try to treat it, only for it to be bested by a small jar of serum!!

  • Every product I've tried from The Original is simply fantastic quality for a reasonable price. A tiny bit of research into ingredient power houses can save a heap of money in one's beauty cabinet. Just saying. The Ordinary is by no means any everyday humdrum company. Check them out!

  • It's nice product just not working well with reducing my acne and dry skin issue. However, I like the smell of it and the texture. It's very nice and light

  • I used niacinimide serum from this brand. which was very thick in consistency. I applied it in my nit time skin care routine followed with a moisturiser and it gave amazing results. it reduced texture and whiteheads on my nose.

    Customer