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

  • Love the Ordinary. Super affordable, and nearly everything I've used from there has been effective. The most effective products were the Hyuluronic Acid 2%, as well as the Glycolic Acid. Their Ascorbic Acid (non Suspension) is also a good Vit C. I find the Suspensions difficult to use, but the liquid based products are great.

  • I love everything from this brand and re-bought the products at least 3 times. They totally helped my skin become less oily and reduced the redness in my cheeks! I love the HA moisturizer, it’s good for winter because it’s a lot thinker so I don’t use it in the summer. The only thing I didn’t love was the lash serum it was fine but I didn’t see a lot of changes. The price point makes it super accessible for high quality products, instead of the money being used for packaging.

  • Big Ordinary fan!!! I love the affordability and overall aesthetics and simplicity of this brand. Everything I’ve tried from them I finish the whole bottle. Tbh I love them and can’t seem to stop constantly wanting little dropper bottles from them. I feel like some kind of skin scientist every time I do my skin routine. I don’t have to worry about any unnecessary ingredients and the purpose of every product is pretty plainly explained so you know what you’re getting. My skin looks amazing and I never had any irritation or breakouts from them!

  • I love this one. It is affordable and it doesn't leave my face sticky. It gives me a matte finish. And it has made a difference in the look of my skin.

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • There are very few brands that carry quality products at such low price points, but the Ordinary is one of them. Almost every product that I buy is less than $15, but are worth their weight in gold in terms of efficacy. The AHA/BHA has gone viral on the internet, and it is no joke now quick and effective it is at making your skin silky smooth. 10/10 products and super affordable.

  • Honestly I know everyone loves this brand but it just didn’t work for me. I do think this could be because I tried everything at once so please review what you are putting on your face and do not mix everything at once!

  • I’m a big fan of the ordinary. The most important thing in skin care is the active ingredient. The ordinary gives you those active ingredients without all the extras. This keeps their formulations affordable but also layer-able. I'm a big fan of the hyalironic acid and the glycolic acid exfoliator. I didn't love the lactic acid. With skincare, it's very personal- what works for one face may not work for the next.

  • I bought and still love The Ordinary's pressed Rose Hip Oil. I initially bought it in the winter to combat dryness on my face, but found that I could also use it on my the ends of my hair which I LOVE. I use it on my face when I practice my gua shua movements. It has the perfect amount of slippage so that I don't tug on my face. It's perfect for massage and I love how it moisturizes my skin and hair. I've tried their cleansers and other facial skincare products. That the quality is on par with high end brands, I truly appreciate their great ingredients at such an affordable price.

  • I use the azelaic acid suspension and their alohahydroxyacid perl. Very happy with the quality of the products.

  • The ordinary is honestly so well worth the money. Their products work extremely well and are so affordable. My favorite is the glycolic acid but I really love all of their products.

  • Great product. I use it as a part of my daily routine and has made a change in my skin for the better. I break out less and my pigmentation has gotten lighter.

  • Great products that work if you know how to use them. They do require a bit of active ingredient knowledge but once you have crafted out a routine the products are very reliable as essential skincare. I love that they are starting to offer big sizes on their best-sellers. My go-to are the Hyaluronic B5, Niacinamide & Zinc. There are products like the glycerin cleanser which is great for sensitive skin.

  • Ordinary is an excellent skincare line that is priced very well. I highly recommend any product from this company.

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • I used Ordinary products for a while now and the quality is ok, the problem is the customer service. I did a big order online- after 4 weeks never arrived- send 5 emails- never received any reply! Quite annoying and disappointing! Be careful to order online (as for me not the first time)!

  • I was impressed with The Oridinary's vitamin c serum. I found it brightened my skin considerably although it did sting a little. Impressive prices!!!

  • Ótima experiência com este produto, minha pele ficou perfeita.

  • This moisturizer gets the job done and for its price point as a slightly more luxurious brand, I feel is worth it. That said, I didn't experience the desired relief of putting on a moisturizer from it. The texture is a bit like a fat-free Greek yogurt so it has some hefty weight to it without feeling heavy on the face. I am typically seeking something that makes my skin feel like it is drinking the moisturizer and leaves a wispy finish. If you like moisturizers with more of a lather, this will be right up your alley.

  • The products are simple and effective. Love the branding and ingredients. My only complaint is that the strength of some products is not correctly emphasized. Overuse can cause sun sensitivity and other issues.

  • This brand actually works. Highly recommend any of their products.