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

  • This is a great brand for people work some degree of ingredient knowledge. As an esthetician, it's great to be able to compound the ingredients I want directly. However, it can be overwhelming or confusing for those without skin care ingredient knowledge.

  • happy product.

    Received a free product from The Ordinary
  • I like the price point for this product and feel it is very fair. The packaging is nice and clean and niacinimide works well.

  • Really liked using this on my skin before moisturiser, will definitely keep buying it

  • Absolutely love the Niacinimide, Hyaluronic Acid and AHA Peeling Solution! They're all part of my typical skin-care routine!

  • I love the ordinary it helped my face so much

  • I really enjoy the glycolic acid as it is both and effective and affordable option! It is very useful and multi use so you really get a bang for a buck.

  • i love the ordinary’s products mainly because they’re perfect for “first time skincare” and they work well. their hylaraunic acid serum cleared my acne within a week. if you have acne or blemishes or dry/combination skin or rosacea then this is perfect for you

    Received a free product from The Ordinary
  • Used it on my dark spots and it helped me soo much

  • I like this product I tried silicone primer and love on my face definitely recommend .glycolic acid is good to

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • It completely saved my skin, I recommend this product for who suffers from acne it really helped my skin clear up.

  • Didn’t think much at the beginning. But after using the products it really helped calm my skin. It feels smooth.

    Received a free product from The Ordinary
  • Great price but have no idea what to do with it.

    Bought
  • The ordinary is inexpensive and does the job. I would recommend it to new skincare users. Its not the best of the best skincare, but their cleansers and retinols are nice for the price.

  • Products are great and affordable.

  • I have used this for facial acne, I have oily skin and it worked really nice to tame the oil and clear me up.

  • I use this rather than the SC CEF version and I can't tell the difference personally. It also smells less like hot dogs, which is a plus.

  • This cleanser is soooo nice. It removes light makeup, even mascara and leaves my skin feeling so soft and moisturized. I love this product!

  • Their products are all cutting edge and the prices can’t be beat!

  • Excellent clean products at a very reasonable price! My go-to