Exploring the Hype Behind the Actionable The Ordinary Skincare Routine

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Kimberly SamanthaReviewed by Kimberly Samantha, Skincare Reviewer

The Ordinary is a skincare brand that has become hugely popular in recent years. It’s rare to see a brand with such low prices make waves in stores like Ulta and Sephora.

Key Takeaways

  • The Ordinary offers single-ingredient-focused products at low prices, with the key active and percentage in each product name.
  • Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 suits dry skin, and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% suits oily, congested skin.
  • The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is strong: patch test, keep it to 10 minutes, and use it sparingly.
  • Introduce retinol slowly, use it at night, and ask your doctor first if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Wear sunscreen daily when using AHAs or retinol.

Most of The Ordinary’s products cost a fraction of what high-end brands charge. The beauty industry is known for high profit margins, so a brand that offers well-formulated products with proven ingredients at such a low price point stands out.

Put simply, this brand is very conscious of its ingredients. Many of its products are free of added fragrance and essential oils, which can irritate sensitive skin. The Ordinary is also transparent: product names list the main active ingredient and its percentage, so you can see exactly what you’re putting on your skin.

Many of its serums come in glass dropper bottles, which is unusual at this price point. Glass is widely recyclable, though what you can recycle depends on your local program. All in all, you’re getting a higher-end experience for a much lower price.

Our Favorite Products From The Ordinary

The Ordinary Skincare Routine: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

You can tell right away from the first product’s name that The Ordinary keeps things simple. The name tells you exactly which ingredients you’re getting.

This product is ideal if you have dry skin. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin hold on to moisture throughout the day, and The Ordinary says it can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The size of the hyaluronic acid molecule affects how deeply it works in the skin, and this formula uses multiple forms of hyaluronic acid for more complete hydration. In 2024, The Ordinary reformulated it with a lighter texture and added ceramides to support the skin barrier. The vitamin B5 (panthenol) also helps boost surface hydration.

This product is also vegan and cruelty-free, and is formulated without alcohol, oil, silicones, parabens, and sulfates. Check the current ingredient list if you have specific allergies, since formulas can change.

The Ordinary Skincare Routine: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

This is a strong, 10-minute exfoliating treatment meant for experienced users who want to target dullness and uneven texture. It exfoliates deeply and can improve radiance and the look of fine lines, but it isn’t suitable for sensitive, peeling, or broken skin.

Because it’s a high-strength exfoliant, use it with caution. Patch test first, leave it on no longer than 10 minutes, and limit it to about twice a week. Mild tingling can happen, but if it burns or stings, rinse it off right away. Moisturize afterward, and wear sunscreen daily, since AHAs make skin more sensitive to the sun. If you’re pregnant, check with your obstetrician or dermatologist before using strong acid peels; the AAD notes salicylic acid is generally considered safe only for limited use.

For many people, chemical exfoliants are a gentler option than harsh, gritty scrubs, which can irritate the skin. That’s why products like this one can be worth trying if you’re looking for a new exfoliant and your skin tolerates acids.

The Ordinary Skincare Routine: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This product’s name says it all. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) may help reduce the look of blemishes and congestion and calm redness, while zinc helps balance oil production.

This product is great if you’re dealing with oily skin or noticeable, clogged pores, and it’s best suited to normal-to-oily skin types. Nothing can shrink pores permanently, but keeping them clear makes them less noticeable. Less oil and congestion also gives makeup a smoother canvas.

The Ordinary Skincare Routine: Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Retinol is one of the best-studied ingredients for anti-aging. With continued use, it can help refine skin texture, smooth fine lines, fade the look of dark spots, and help with mild breakouts.

Retinol can be irritating, so start slowly, a few nights a week, and use it at night. Wear sunscreen daily, as The Ordinary recommends. Avoid retinoids, including over-the-counter retinol, if you’re pregnant, and talk to your doctor if you’re trying to conceive or breastfeeding. Once you find a routine that works, it can have excellent anti-aging benefits.

The Ordinary Skincare Routine: Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

This toning solution gently exfoliates the skin. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates, while Tasmanian pepperberry helps reduce irritation associated with acid use. Ginseng root and aloe vera add soothing benefits.

This product is great if you want to exfoliate while keeping irritation low. Use it once a day in the evening, after cleansing, to gradually improve skin texture and brighten your complexion. Avoid using it on the same night as strong exfoliants or retinol if your skin is sensitive, and wear sunscreen during the day.

Our Opinion of The Ordinary’s Skincare Routine

The Ordinary skincare routine

Skincare is unique for every person. What works for your favorite beauty influencer may not work for you. Luckily, The Ordinary’s low prices mean you can try one or two products without breaking the bank. For the price, these products perform impressively.

The best way to look at The Ordinary’s lineup is as add-ons. A few targeted steps beyond your cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen can address specific concerns. If your skin feels dry, try the Hyaluronic Acid. If you want smoother texture, the Glycolic Acid Toning Solution is a gentler start than the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. If you have persistent acne or other skin conditions, see a board-certified dermatologist.

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Exploring the Hype Behind the Actionable The Ordinary Skincare Routine
Kourtney Anderson
Makeup, Skincare & Hair Care Writer at Successible Life
Freelance Beauty Writer at Successible Life | + posts

Kourtney Anderson is a freelance writer for Successible Life and one of its most prolific contributors, covering makeup looks and techniques, skincare routines and ingredients, hair care and beauty shopping guides.