I feel like it’s a pretty safe bet to say that the majority of beauty geeks own at least one of The Ordinary products. Who can resist their aesthetically pleasing bottles, low price tag and high claims? Not me, that’s for sure. If you’re wanting to start diving into the world of The Ordinary products, it can be a little scary. What on earth is an active, why do I need a retinoid, and how on earth do I know where to add these products into my current routine? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. I thought it may be helpful to create a little ‘The Ordinary Guide’ to help newbies understand their products a little more, and to know exactly what they’re going to do for your skin.
Table of Contents
Retinoids.
Retinoids are also commonly know as ‘Vitamin A’. Recently, Retinoids have become super popular in the skincare world due to their amazing abilities. Increasing firmness, banishing fine lines and wrinkles, improving uneven skin tone, and also have been known to help those with acne. What’s pretty amazing about Retinoids is that they can be used with pretty much every skin type, but it’s best to avoid if you have highly sensitive skin or suffer with rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. It’s also best to avoid this stuff (or at least use on alternative days) if you’re using AHAs and BHAs in your routine.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (Previously Advanced Retinoid 2%)
What it does: Treats signs of ageing, pigmentation and textured skin.
Format: Emulsion (lighter versions of moisturizing creams, sometimes in the form of gel or liquid forms).
Directions: Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water-based serums but before heavier treatments.
Notes: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation. When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.
Strength/Irritation: Moderate strength, no or little irritation.
Average rating: 8.5/10
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
What it does: Treats signs of ageing, pigmentation and textured skin.
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water-based serums but before heavier treatments.
Notes: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation. When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.
Strength/Irritation: Moderate strength, no irritation.
Average rating: 7.7/10
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
What it does: Treats signs of ageing, pigmentation and textured skin.
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water-based serums but before heavier treatments.
Notes: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation. When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.
Strength/Irritation: High strength, no or little irritation.
Average rating: 7.9/10
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
What it does: Treats signs of ageing, pigmentation and textured skin.
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water-based serums but before heavier treatments.
Notes: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation. When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.
Strength/Irritation: Low strength, moderate irritation,
Average rating: 8.7/10
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
What it does: Treats signs of ageing, pigmentation and textured skin.
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water-based serums but before heavier treatments.
Notes: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation. When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.
Strength/Irritation: Moderate strength, high irritation.
Average rating: 7.2/10
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
What it does: Treats signs of ageing, pigmentation and textured skin.
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water-based serums but before heavier treatments.
Notes: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation. When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids such as formulations with Granactive Retinoid or Retinol.
Strength/Irritation: High strength, high irritation.
Average rating: 7.7/10
Vitamin C.
Again, like Retinoids, Vitamin C has become a highly popular skincare ingredient. It’s pretty rare to NOT see a Vitamin C product on your drugstore shelves.
Vitamin C is known to help boost the collagen in your skin, leaving you with firmer, plump skin, and to help smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.
Those with pigmentation also find that introducing Vitamin C into their routine helps to lighten up any marks and evens out their skin tone.
The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder
What it does: Evens skin tone, brightens and fights signs of ageing.
Format: Powder.
Directions: Mix a small amount with other treatments in the palm of your hand and apply to face in the AM or the PM.
Notes: Avoid contact with the eyes. A tingling sensation can be expected after application. Do not mix with formulations containing Niacinamide or EUK 134.
Average rating: 8.8/10
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
What it does: Evens skin tone, brightens and fights signs of ageing.
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply a few drops to face in the AM and PM as part of your skincare regimen.
Notes: Avoid use around eyes. Use sun protection in the AM.
Average rating: 8.1/10
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
What it does: Brightens skin and treats signs of ageing.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply a few drops to face AM and PM.
Average rating: 7.7/10
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
What it does: Brightens skin and treats signs of ageing.
Format: Oil solution.
Directions: Apply a few drops to the entire face in the AM and/or PM.
Average rating: 7.2/10
The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
What it does: Brightens skin tone.
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply a few drops to face AM and PM.
Average rating: 8.1/10
The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%
What it does: Brightens skin and treats signs of ageing.
Format: Emulsion (lighter versions of moisturizing creams, sometimes in the form of gel or liquid forms).
Directions: Apply a small amount of this cream formula to face AM and PM, after application of water-based serums.
Average rating: 7.1/10
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
What it does: Brightens skin and treats signs of ageing.
Format: Suspension (ingredients that can’t be dissolved in anything and are blended into the product to get even concentration throughout).
Directions: Apply a small amount to face in the AM or the PM (PM preferred).
Notes: Avoid contact with the eyes. A tingling sensation can be expected after application. If the sensation is too strong to tolerate, the formula can be mixed on each application with other creams or serums of your preference.
Average rating: 7.5/10
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone
What it does: Brightens skin and treats signs of ageing.
Format: Suspension (ingredients that can’t be dissolved in anything and are blended into the product to get even concentration throughout).
Directions: Apply a small amount to face in the AM or the PM (PM preferred).
Notes: Avoid contact with the eyes. A tingling sensation can be expected after application. If this sensation is too strong, this formula can be diluted on each application with your favourite serum or cream.
Average rating: 6.8/10
Direct Acids.
Acids in skincare can sound rather scary, but when used in the correct ways, they can have incredible results.
In the Direct Acid category, you can find both a mixture of AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid etc.) and BHAs (salicylic acid). Both of these work to exfoliate the skin (AHAs exfoliate the top layers of the skin, whilst BHAs exfoliate deeper inside the pore, making them ideal for acne prone skin).
Since acids are an exfoliant, you do NOT need to use a physical exfoliant alongside them. Doing this can even cause you more harm than good.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
What it does: Exfoliates both top and deeper layers of skin, brightens and evens out skin tone and unclogs pores.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Clean face and wait for skin to dry. Do not use on wet skin. Apply evenly across face and neck using fingertips, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Notes: Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes both during application and rinse off. This low-viscosity solution is intended to be used as a masque. Do not leave on for longer than 10 minutes. It is not recommended to use more than twice per week. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration.
Average rating: 8.9/10
The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic Acid 5%
What it does: Fights free radicals and improves skin texture.
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply 1-2 drops over the entire face a maximum of 2-3 times per week.
Notes: This treatment is highly concentrated and daily use is not recommended. Do not use on irritated or sensitive skin.
Average rating: 8.3/10
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
What it does: Evens out and brightens skin tone.
Format: Suspension (ingredients that can’t be dissolved in anything and are blended into the product to get even concentration throughout).
Directions: Apply to face AM and/or PM to improve visible brightness and the appearance of skin texture.
Notes: Avoid contact with eyes and mouth. Use sun protection during the day.
Average rating: 8.2/10
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
What it does: Exfoliates top layers of skin, brightens the skin, treats scarring and hyper pigmentation and fights signs of ageing.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Use ideally in the PM, no more frequently than once per day. After cleaning, saturate a cotton pad with the formula and sweep across face and neck.
Notes: Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes. Do not rinse off. Continue with additional skin treatments as needed. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration.
Average rating: 8.3/10
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
What it does: Exfoliates top layers of skin, brightening the skin and evens skin tone.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply once per day, ideally in the PM.
Notes: Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance. Avoid contact with eyes. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration.
Average rating: 8.6/10
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA
What it does: Exfoliates top layers of skin, brightening the skin and evens skin tone.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply once per day, ideally in the PM.
Notes: Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance. Avoid contact with eyes. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration.
Average rating: 8.2/10
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
What it does: Exfoliates top layers of skin, brightening the skin and evens skin tone.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply once per day, ideally in the PM.
Notes: Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance. Avoid contact with eyes. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration.
Average rating: 9.2/10
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
What it does: Exfoliates deeper layers of skin, clears pores and brightens skin tone.
Format: Paste-like.
Directions: Use once or twice a week on thoroughly clean, dry skin. Do not use on wet skin. Apply evenly across face using fingertips, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Notes: Do not use on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes both during application and rinse off.
Average rating: 10/10
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
What it does: Exfoliates deeper layers of skin, clears pores and fights acne.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Use in the AM and PM. Apply a small dot directly on spots for visible improvement or apply a small amount over the face to maintain visible clarity with continued use.
Average rating: 6.8/10
Antioxidants.
I can’t say that I actually see too many people talking about the importance of Antioxidants in skincare, and I’m not sure why.
Antioxidants can help with the signs of ageing, helps the skin repair itself, help to brighten skin tone, plus a whole bunch more. I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to use these magic skin potions.
The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic Acid 5%
What it does: Fights free radicals and improves skin texture and tone.
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply 1-2 drops over the entire face a maximum of 2-3 times per week.
Notes: This treatment is highly concentrated and daily use is not recommended. Do not use on irritated or sensitive skin.
Average rating: 8.3/10
The Ordinary EUK 134 0.1%
What it does: Fights free radical damage and reduces redness.
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply alone or after water-based serums, before oils or heavier creams. Alternatively, mix with other treatments to enhance their antioxidant capacity significantly.
Notes: Do not use with highly acidic formulations such as suspensions of ascorbic acid.
Average rating: 7.7/10
The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%
What it does: Fights free radicals and improves skin hydration and elasticity.
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply alone or after water-based serums, before oils or heavier creams. Alternatively, mix with other treatments to enhance their antioxidant capacity significantly.
Average rating: 8.4/10
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
What it does: Protects from free radical damage, fights signs of aging and textural irregularities
Format: Anhydrous Solution (a product with little to no water).
Directions: Apply alone or after water-based serums, before oils or heavier creams. Alternatively, mix with other treatments to enhance their antioxidant capacity significantly.
Notes: This treatment is highly concentrated and can be diluted with most oils per application to reduce strength. A small amount of Resveratrol 3% and Ferulic Acid 3% and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% or Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone can be diluted in any one of our oils at each application to form an outstanding antioxidant network of Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid and Resveratrol in lipids. It is recommended to keep this mixture at low strength.
Average rating: 6.5/10
Hydrators and Oils.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the most important skin care steps out there.
Not only does hydrated skin looks healthier than dehydrated skin, but keeping your skin topped up on hydration can also help fight signs of ageing; decrease sebum production, which then reduces acne; brings life back into your skin by giving it that glow; calms down itchy, irritated skin; and a whole bunch more.
The Ordinary “B” Oil
What it does: Hydrates and calms the skin.
Format: Oil.
Directions: Apply a few drops daily or as needed to entire face ideally after water-based treatments.
Average rating: 8.4/10
The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil
What it does: Hydrates the skin and brightens skin tone.
Format: Oil.
Directions: Hair Application—Work through damp, clean hair daily or as needed.
Skin Application—Apply a few drops to the entire face once daily or as needed.
Average rating: 9.1/10
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil
What it does: Hydrates and calms skin.
Format: Oil.
Directions: Apply a few drops daily or as needed to entire face ideally after water-based treatments.
Average rating: 7.1/10
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil
What it does: Hydrates the skin and reduces the appearance of flaking.
Format: Oil.
Directions: Hair Application—Work through damp, clean hair daily or as needed.
Skin Application—Apply a few drops to the entire face once daily or as needed.
Average rating: 6.9/10
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
What it does: Hydrates and reduces signs of photo-ageing.
Format: Oil.
Directions: Apply once a day to the face, ideally at bedtime after application of water-based treatments.
Average rating: 8.6/10
The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil
What it does: Hydrates and calms skin.
Format: Oil.
Directions: Hair Application—Work through damp, clean hair daily or as needed.
Skin Application—Apply a few drops daily or as needed to entire face ideally after water-based treatments.
Average rating: 9.4/10
The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Oil
What it does: Hydrates skin and helps maintain normal barrier function.
Format: Oil.
Directions: Mix a few drops with other treatments in the palm of your hand and apply to the face, ideally at bedtime after application of water-based treatments.
Notes: Wash hands after application and avoid product contact with fabric as it may stain.
Average rating: 8/10
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane
What it does: Hydrates skin and hair.
Format: Oil.
Directions: Hair Application—Work through damp, clean hair daily or as needed.
Skin Application—Apply a few drops to the entire face once daily or as needed.
Average rating: 8.5/10
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
What it does: Hydrates skin and protects it from water loss.
Format: Pure molecule.
Directions: Apply a few drops daily or as needed to entire face ideally after water-based treatments.
Average rating: 8.7/10
The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5
What it does: Hydrates skin.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply a few drops to face in the AM and PM before creams.
Notes: A tingling sensation can be expected after application. If the sensation is too strong to tolerate, the formula can be mixed with other creams or serums of your preference before each application to reduce the strength.
Average rating: 8.7/10
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
What it does: Hydrates and plumps skin.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply a few drops to face AM and PM before creams.
Average rating: 7.6/10
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics
What it does: Hydrates skin.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply a few drops to face AM and PM before creams.
Average rating: 8.4/10
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
What it does: Hydrates skin and targets signs of ageing.
Format: Emulsion (lighter versions of moisturizing creams, sometimes in the form of gel or liquid forms).
Directions: Apply after serums as needed for effective surface hydration.
Average rating: 8.4/10
Peptides.
Trying to describe Peptides clearly isn’t for me, but luckily I found this description of them online:
“Peptides are short chains of amino acids, and are the building blocks of proteins. The most commonly known proteins in the skin are collagen, elastin and keratin, which are responsible for its texture and tone. There are hundreds of different peptides, all of which are made from different combinations of amino acids.”
Long story short, peptides are short chains of amino acids that rejuvenate and maintain the skins overall health (smoothing wrinkles, repairing barrier function, increasing firmness and hydration etc.).
The Ordinary “Buffet”
What it does: Fights signs of ageing.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply to the entire face in the AM and PM after cleaning.
Average rating: 8.1/10
The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%
What it does: Fights signs of ageing.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply to the entire face in the AM and PM after cleaning.
Average rating: 8.3/10
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%
What it does: Improves the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply a few drops on the forehead and around the eyes twice daily before heavier treatments
Average rating: 7.5/10
The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
What it does: Improves the appearance of static and dynamic wrinkles.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply a few drops to face AM and PM.
Average rating: 9/10
More Molecules.
The Ordinary’s More Molecules do a bit of everything. From reducing hyper pigmentation, to clearing out pores, you’re definitely going to want to introduce something from this category into your routine.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
What it does: Reduces dark spots and hyper pigmentation.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply a few drops to face in the AM and PM as part of your skincare regimen.
Notes: Use sun protection in the AM.
Average rating: 7.9/10
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
What it does: Reduces the look of puffiness and dark circles.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM.
Average rating: 7.6/10
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
What it does: Balances sebum levels and reduces skin blemishes and congestion.
Format: Water based serum.
Directions: Apply to entire face morning and evening before heavier creams.
Average rating: 8/10
Cleansers.
Every routine should start with a good cleanser. Removing all that dirt, grime, makeup and SPF should be a priority for anyone who’s wanting to achieve good skin.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
What it does: Gently cleanses the skin and removes makeup.
Format: Balm-like.
Directions: Dispense product into hands. Rub together to warm the product, allowing it to melt into an oil. Massage well onto dry face and rinse with warm water.
Average rating: 8.7/10
Suncare.
I can’t stop drilling it into my friends about the importance of SPF. I honestly think I could talk about it all day. Obviously SPF reduces the risk of skin cancer, but it also helps to reduce hyper pigmentation, slows down the signs of ageing and can even help reduce the amount of breakouts you have since the sun thickens sebum, which then blocks pores. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, cleansing, moisturising and using SPF is the three most important steps of a routine.
The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 15 with Antioxidants
What it does: Protects skin from the sun.
Format: Emulsion (lighter versions of moisturizing creams, sometimes in the form of gel or liquid forms).
Directions: Apply to face liberally and evenly 15 to 20 minutes before UV exposure.
Notes: If continued UV exposure is expected, to maintain protection, reapply at least every 2 hours or after material water exposure, towel-drying, swimming or extensive perspiration. Suitable for all skin tones. For children under 6 months of age, consult a physician prior to use. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
Average rating: 6.7/10
The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
What it does: Protects skin from the sun.
Format: Emulsion (lighter versions of moisturizing creams, sometimes in the form of gel or liquid forms).
Directions: Apply to face liberally and evenly 15 to 20 minutes before UV exposure.
Notes: If continued UV exposure is expected, to maintain protection, reapply at least every 2 hours or after material water exposure, towel-drying, swimming or extensive perspiration. Suitable for all skin tones. For children under 6 months of age, consult a physician prior to use. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
Average rating: 6.2/10
How To Create Your Own ‘The Ordinary’ Routine
Still stuck on how to create a routine with The Ordinary products? Luckily they’ve created a morning and evening routine for 5 different skin types. However, if you don’t fancy giving up your favourite skincare products, but want to include some of their products, they allow you to contact them directly so that you can get some help on what products to use and where to add them in.
| Skin Type | AM | PM |
| Ageing Skin | 1. “Buffet” 2. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | 1. “Buffet” 2. Granactive Retinoid 2% or 5% in Squalane 3. 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil |
| Pigmented Skin | 1. Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 2. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 3. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% | 1. Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 2. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% |
| Dehydrated Skin | 1. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 2. Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | 1. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 2. 100% Plant-Derived Squalane |
| Congestion and acne prone skin | 1. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | 1. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 2. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% |
| Textured Skin | 1. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% | 1. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 2. Granactive Retinoid 2% or 5% in Squalane |
The Ordinary Beauty Bay Kits/Bundles
Similar to the above routines, Beauty Bay have created The Ordinary starter packs, allowing you to purchase a whole routine in one go.
The Ordinary Congestion Starter Pack
Starter Pack Includes:
- 100% Plant-Derived Squalane 30ml A natural hydrator to soften and smooth dry skin.
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 30ml A potent serum designed to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes, pores, and congestion by regulating sebum production.
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 30ml A daily treatment to visibly reduce redness and inflammation by targeting congested pores. Please note: a patch test prior to first use is recommended.
The Ordinary The No-Brainer Set
Set contains:
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA 30ml A natural skin hydrator to protect and hydrate the skin’s outer layer.
- The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion 30ml treats signs of aging such as fine lines, pigmentation and rough texture.
- The Ordinary Buffet 30ml targets multiple signs of aging.
The Ordinary The Everyday Routine Starter Pack
Starter Pack Includes:
- Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% 30ml An antioxidant solution to visibly target dullness, uneven tones, and signs of ageing.
- Granactive Retinoid 2% in 100% plant derived Squalane 30ml A gentle, lightweight solution to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Marine Hyaluronics 30ml A lightweight hydrating serum which delivers long-lasting moisture for a smoother, plumper, younger-looking complexion.
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 30ml A natural skin hydrator to protect and hydrate the skin’s outer layer.
- Squalane (100% plant derived) Cleanser 50ml A gentle facial cleanser which dissolves makeup and other impurities while leaving the complexion smooth and moisturised.
The Ordinary Pigmentation Starter Pack
Starter Pack Includes:
- Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 30ml A high-potency gel-like serum which visibly targets hyper-pigmentation and dark spots.
- Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% 30ml A lightweight cream-gel, formulated to target dull, marked skin.
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 240ml A gentle exfoliating toner to brighten and refine skin texture.
The Ordinary 3 Step Retinol Course
Starter Pack Includes:
- Retinol 0.2% in 100% plant derived Squalane 30ml An anti-aging serum designed to minimise fine lines and reduce the signs of aging. Use for the first month.
- Retinol 0.5% in 100% plant derived Squalane 30ml An anti-aging serum designed to minimise fine lines and reduce the signs of aging. Use for the second month.
- Retinol 1% in 100% plant derived Squalane 30ml A high strength anti-aging serum designed to minimise fine lines and reduce the signs of aging. Use for the third month.
The Best Products For Certain Skin Concerns
| Pigmented and Scarred Skin | Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA |
| Fading Pigmentation and Scarring | Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% |
| Improving Skin Texture and Colour | Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% |
| Anti-Aging/Mature Skin | Buffet + Copper Peptides Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution Matrixyl 10% + HA |
| Dark Circles and Puffiness in the Eye Area | Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG |
| Fading Marks and Scars, Unblocking Pores, and Brightening Dull Skin | Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Lactic Acid 5% + HA |
| Wrinkles, Pigmentation, and Acne | Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Retinol 1% in Squalane |
| Dry/Dehydrated Skin | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 100% Plant-Derived Squalane |
| Enlarged Pores/Blackheads/Acne | Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% |
| Dry Skin and Hair | 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil 100% Cold Pressed Virgin Marula Oil |
| Breakout-Prone Skin | Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% |
| Dull Skin | Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin |
The Ordinary FAQ:
Q: Are The Ordinary products vegan?
A: Yes – every single The Ordinary product is vegan friendly!
Q: Does The Ordinary test on animals?
A: No. The Ordinary also do not sell their products in mainland China since all products sold there are required to be tested on animals.
Q: Is there a refund policy?
A: If purchased directly through their website, then you have 365-day full refund policy. If purchased through another site that sell The Ordinary products (Beauty Bay, ASOS, etc.), then you’ll have to check what their exact refund policy is.
Q: Why are The Ordinary products so cheap?
A: One of the main reasons The Ordinary is so loved is due to how little the price tag is. A lot of people speculate that their products aren’t worth testing out, because if they’re that cheap, surely they aren’t going to do much? Wrong.
- They don’t fill their products full of fragrance or have a huge ingredient list which typically racks the price tag up.
- They don’t have to pay for research for the ingredients. All of their ingredients have been tested and studied vigorously before, so they already know the product is going to work.
- Their packaging is extremely minimal, typically keeping to the same glass bottle (excluding some of their retinoids and Vitamin C which need to be packaged in darker bottles) and simple white labels, meaning that they don’t have the extra cost there.
- They practically have zero marketing costs. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a TV or magazine advert for The Ordinary. Simply, they don’t need to market their products, since they know their loyal fan base will shout about their products anyway. Confidence in products is key!
Q: Are there any nasty ingredients inside The Ordinary products such as parabens?
A: All of the products from The Ordinary are free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, oxybenzone.
Lastly, a massive thank you to theskincareedit.com, theordinary.com and beautybay.com whose websites helped me massively with writing this post.
~ This post contains affiliated links. Average rating correct at time of posting. ~
