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

  • These are amazing products. And affordable. The Argireline, Matrixyl serums, Azeliac Acid and Rosehip Oil are things I use daily and can’t live without. Try this brand, you won’t regret it.

  • The ordinary hyaluronic acid was the first serum I ever used and I was suspicious of the low price point, but it has been the best I’ve ever used. I have bought more expensive brands and keep going back to theirs. Simple and gets the job done. I have never had more hydrated and supple skin

  • I use their Niacinimide serum and Peeling solution. Both products work well without being super pricy. This brand is available in places like target or ulta so they are easily accessible.

  • Love the brand and price point, especially compared to most other skin care brands. The sunscreen in specific is hard for me to apply -- and it has a bit of tone to it which I'd rather just have a clear sun screen

  • I love this brand for their simplicity. Ingredients are clearly listed, and I don’t feel like I’m paying for fancier packaging or frills that I don’t need or want.

  • The Ordinary is an amazing and affordable skin care brand. I've used some of the products and I love them. This particular product is named Hyaluronic acid and I use it every day and I kid you not, my skin is glowing, I use it in my skin care and my makeup prep routine. Will definitely repurchase.

  • My absolute favourite products are the Hyralonic Acid and the Nicinimide Serum. So good Skin Care !

  • I love the look of this brand, the packaging is so aesthetic and really good. I love how you don't really feel there is a lot of product on your skin but you can feel your skin getting soft and healthy. Since I started using products of this brand my makeup sits so much smoother and more natural on my face.

  • good cost performance! I love items of the Ordinary. They are reasonable and good feel.

  • I've tried a few products from The Ordinary (HA 2%, Lactic Acid, Pynocgenol 5%, and Peptide serum) I think it's an excellent brand for the price point. I'm also a fan of K-beauty/J-Beauty products and I find that I prefer K-Beauty/J-Beauty brand more, especially HA product. I'm trying out the Pynocgenol 5% right now (about 2 weeks) and I don't love it but I don't hate it either. The Lactic Acid is great and probably my favorite product of the ones that I have tried. It's gentle enough that I can use it 3 times a week. The peptide formulation is one of the most affordable one out there so it's a great value for someone who wants to include copper peptide in the skincare regimen.

  • The rosehip face oil brought my skin back to life. When my skin was dry, I would apply the rosehip face oil every night before bed, and would wake up the next morning with beautiful, hydrated, glowy, plump skin!

    Consumer
  • I love the Hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide. There a no BS, premium product with no brand premium charge.

  • I love this brand. I have many different ordinary products that I have used almost everyday for the past two years!

  • Start forward, diy feel where you can mix and match individual ingredients

  • The ordinary has been a staple to my skin care for about 4 years now! I tend to gravitate to the brand for having no scents added. I haven't had any issues using The Ordinary skincare products or under makeup. Having dry skin my favourite is the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. I definitely recommend this if you want plump, hydrated, and healthy looking skin (can be used both morning and night). The Ordinaey is readily available, affective and easy on the pocket!!!

  • I love The Ordinary products! They are super affordable and have provided a significant improvement in my skin over time. I have fairly dry skin and their squalane oil is a holy grail in my skincare routine acting as an emollient and occlusive while sealing in my moisturizer. I highly recommend this brand for those who want high-quality, inexpensive skincare products!

  • love this stuff! unscented, love the feel (not too oily or dry) and works super well. i love the simplicity too

  • I love the product! I use it every morning and night! Only thing I wish it was easier to pull up the liquid if that makes sense lol!

  • I love all of the ordinary products! They are so affordable and yet, so effective! This brand has such a huge line up of products that work so well and does what it’s supposed to do! Highly recommend!

  • I use the ordinary in my day to day skin care routine. However, I find that the moisturizers are too wet in a sense where my face feels wet and sticky after applying it. The hair growth serum works wonders though.