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

  • Ordinary products are really affordable and work well.. Love the Vitamin C and Retinol. The products do as they promise and it didn't break out. Unfortunately, I am still searching for the puffiness and dark circle, none of the products would help.

    Use it 2019
  • I love the concept of creating really affordable skincare with great ingredients. I just wish there was more explanation about the products: What are the differences between the products, how they be layered, etc. It gets confusing very quickly.

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • Competitive to luxury brands. Pretty clean on the EWG scale too

  • Great product at a great price. Works wonderful with other products and is gentle on my skin.

  • Ich liebe Ordinary! Tolle Produkte, bei hervorragender Verträglichkeit. Die Wirkung ist ebenfalls vorhanden. Ich kann die Produzierte empfehlen. Sie gehören zu meiner Routine.

  • The best products for the money

  • My GO-TO skincare brand . Budget friendly , it works great and it’s easy to get.

  • I can always get high quality for a reasonable price here. Unfortunately, not all products have worked for me but that's the thing with skincare. Specifically the caffeine solution for eyes didn't make a difference for me. Good for building a regimen and trying things out for the first time too!

  • I've been using approx 10 products from The Ordinary's line for nearly a year now & am quite pleased. I love how affordable their products are! Totally within a student's or early professional's budget. The one thing is you do have to be careful because most of their line is the pure ingredient (i.e., straight salicylic acid) with no additives or fillers, and if you don't use it correctly you can really hurt your skin barrier. Also, the tiny serum bottles are great for traveling ... essentially no need to put into small travel bottles

  • My skincare is 60% the ordinary ! They are straight to the point with their ingredients. No secrets ! I love them.

    Purchased
  • I am in my late 40's and have normal to dry skin. I need skincare that addresses wrinkles, loss of elasticity and hydration. I ordered this brand because had good reviews and is also at a good price point. It is fine, but I did not find it particularly effective and it is still sitting in my bathroom cabinet. Used for awhile but then switched to other brands. Pros: Good price point. Cons: Too many products for me. I ordered a number of items. Probably part of the reason I didn't stick with it is that I need a simple skincare routine. I had so many bottles and serums from Ordinary that I got overwhelmed. I didn't feel like I saw a noticeable difference using them and stopped. I do keep the moisturizer in my travel bag to make packing easier when making a quick overnight trip.

  • Most of my skincare products are from this line. I purchased when I was just starting out because of the affordable price point. Since then, I have tried more expensive products but have come back to the Ordinary because of how well it works. My skin is noticeably smoother, brighter and has a more even skin tone. The price is fantastic and the quality is amazing. Would highly recommend.

  • Most products from the ordinary have worked Well for me

  • Affordable skincare found at local sephora and other stores. Just pure authentic skin ingredients, no fillers or unnecessary additives. Love their moisturizers and skin barrier items

  • I love all ordinary products, but especially their Hyaluronic Acid. It's super hydrating, just wish the bottle was bigger.

  • Love the founders have stayed true to their vision which was to produce a skincare product that has scientific quality and affordable. Packaging and branding are impeccable. And yes their products actually work. I had peri-menopausal breakout for 1.5 years. I tried many solutions including a detox, cleanse and Chinese herbal tinctures. Nothing worked until The Ordinary serums. It has been 3 months since diligently twice a day applying the niacidamide and hyaluronic acid serum, and applying the glycolic acid serum twice a week. My skin is loving it. I have since added a couple other of their products as well as their haircare line. It won't be long where I'll be using every single product!

  • Squalane Oil is the best! I have tried and used many of their products, but this one pairs well with others and helps keep my old lady looks fresh! Products are much less expensive than comparables so you want to try anything. Excellent, quick in-line customer service.

  • I just didn’t notice a difference and the application is messy.

  • Broke me outtt. Most of these products are very concentrated-I don’t recommend if you have sensitive skin.

  • Multi Peptide Lash and Brow Serum This product easily glides over eyebrows and adds volumes to eyelashes. This formula with peptides is gentle for sensitive eyes. I am glad to see my eyebrows becoming fuller.