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There’s been a lot of hype around The Ordinary, an affordable brand known for simple, ingredient-focused formulas. I ordered a few face and hair care items to see if they live up to the hype. After using them for two full months, here are my favorites from the line.
Key Takeaways
- The Ordinary offers affordable, ingredient-focused skin and hair products.
- The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is effective but strong: patch test, limit use, and wear sunscreen.
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 adds hydration and makes a smooth base for makeup.
- Marula oil and the Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density helped a dry scalp and fuller-looking hair.
- See a dermatologist for persistent scalp flaking, hair loss, or deep acne scars.
Our Top Picks From The Ordinary Skincare
AHA 30% BHA 2% Peeling Solution
This is probably the product you’ve seen all over social media: the red exfoliating mask you leave on for up to 10 minutes and then rinse off. It’s one of the most effective exfoliants I’ve used. My skin felt very soft afterward, it has a healthier glow, and the dark marks left by old breakouts have faded noticeably. Keep in mind this is a strong peel: it isn’t meant for sensitive or broken skin, so patch test first, use it no more than twice a week, and wear sunscreen daily, since AHAs make skin more sensitive to the sun. If you’re pregnant, check with your obstetrician or dermatologist first, and for deeper acne scars, a board-certified dermatologist can suggest treatments.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hyaluronic acid is a great addition to almost anyone’s skincare routine, since it helps the skin hold on to moisture. The Ordinary reformulated it in 2024 with a lighter texture and added ceramides. This product gave my skin a nice, healthy glow, and it also helped my makeup by giving me a supple, hydrated base under foundation.
100% Cold Pressed Virgin Marula Oil
This product has helped my hair so much. I have a very dry scalp, and I’ve tried almost everything to soothe it. I mix this oil with my other hair oils right after I shower, and it has helped my scalp feel hydrated and calm. You can also use a drop or two on your face for a touch of radiance.
Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
This is by far my favorite product from The Ordinary. It claims to help hair look thicker, denser, fuller, and healthier, and to help with a dry, flaky scalp, which was a concern of mine. I just wanted my hair to look shinier and healthier, so I gave it a shot.
Because of the way hair grows, hair products usually take a few months to show results. To my surprise, within a few days my scalp felt healthier and more hydrated. A month or two later, my hair also looked thicker and fuller. It’s a nice option if you’re dealing with dull, flat hair. If you notice real hair loss or a scalp that stays flaky or itchy, see a board-certified dermatologist, since these can be signs of a medical condition.
Conclusion
The Ordinary turned out to be one of the best brands I could have tried. It has many affordable products that work well alongside your existing skin or hair care routine. I found benefits from products I didn’t even know I needed, like the Multi-Peptide Serum and the Hyaluronic Acid, and I now have smoother, more hydrated skin and healthier-looking hair.
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Is The Ordinary skincare Korean?
No. The Ordinary is the flagship brand of DECIEM, a skincare company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The Estée Lauder Companies completed its acquisition of DECIEM in 2024. The brand is known for simple, ingredient-focused formulas.
Why is The Ordinary not expensive?
By emphasizing solely on the effective ingredients, The Ordinary manages to significantly reduce their costs and offer their products at a more affordable price.
What is the most famous The Ordinary serum?
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Sources
- U.S. FDA – Alpha Hydroxy Acids
- American Academy of Dermatology – How to safely exfoliate at home
- American Academy of Dermatology – How to treat dandruff
- FashionUnited – Estée Lauder completes the acquisition of DECIEM
- Daily Vanity – The Ordinary Has Reformulated One of Its Bestsellers
- American Academy of Dermatology – Is any acne treatment safe to use during pregnancy?
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.
