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

  • 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.

  • i still haven’t received my order yet and it has been over 3 weeks or 4 weeks and i have sent them an email and they never reply and i tried contacting them but they won’t answer and my order hasn’t even been shipped yet or picked up it’s still with them please do not order from them very bad customer service

  • Great product line. I know I can trust. Helped me create a daily skin care routine.

  • Products are easy on the skin, cost effective, right size to not waste or go bad. The lash and brow serum is amazing! I only use it for my brows but what a difference it has made.

  • This is a pretty great brand overall. They have some really solid, inexpensive basic products like glycolic acid, which works great, organic rose hip seed oil and hyaluronic acid etc all for pretty cheap that have worked really well for me. The other mixes I don’t use as often but I do hear people like those as well.

  • I love the price point and the ability to customize a skincare routine by ingredient

  • I use a number of The Ordinary skincare products but my favorite is the moisturizer. It is the perfect thing for a dry winter night. I also love my ordinary caffeine under eye serum.

  • I love all their products but especially their toner. I have been using it for years and it's helps my skin stay clear of acne.

  • Products work great!

  • I have nothing but good things to say about everything I've tried from here. And I've tried a lot. Their squalene cleanser is my favorite. I typically react to products around my eyes, to the point where I can only wear mascara a few times a year at most. Shadow? Liner? Forget it. Skin products.. never. I can actually use this cleanser and it works. It doesn't irritate. And I can finally get mascara off without making my eyes swell the next day, on those rare times I do wear it. I love their buffet - improves the look and texture of my skin without irritating it. I've used 2 moisturizers and really liked both. Can't complain about the price either. My only thing is that I wish it was a bit easier to figure out what goes with what, how much to use, and what products are for. I look online, figure out a routine, and then write it on the bottles.. not ideal, but I think it's just a reality of the fact that they're separate ingredients and not multi-serums and products.

  • I’ve tried several products. I love the vitamin c treatment. It feels like a primer on your skin. It has lightened my sun spots over time. I’ve tried one of the face masks, cleanser, toner, polyglutanic acid. All are really nice and well priced

  • The Ordinary has yet to make a product I don’t like. The Hyaluronic Acid is amazing and the price points are very affordable. The Lactic Acid is one of my favorites. Skin Care does not have to be expensive to work.

  • Very low price point for products and great if you need a simple routine. I don’t think these products would be a go to for just any skin type though.

  • One of my holy grail skincare brands! I LOVE their products. Some of my faves are the Glycolic acid toner, hyaluronic acid, the multi-peptide eye serum etc. You also can't beat the price. Skincare that works for the low, sign me up, please! Try it if you haven't already- they have something for every skin type