The 36 Best The Ordinary Products for Affordable, Effective Skincare

The Ordinary, the disruptive and jaw-droppingly affordable skincare brand, is a few years old already. Can you believe it? Industry insiders, skincare obsessives, and dermatologists alike are firm fans of the brand, beloved for simple and straightforward formulations that are filled with some of the most tried-and-true actives out there. “They offer smart products that rely on quality ingredients, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, squalane, peptides, retinol, vitamin C, and more, all at lower prices compared to many other options,” says New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, who also lauds the brand’s transparency about said ingredients.

But if you don’t know your alpha-arbutin acid from your alpha-lipoic acid, it can all seem a bit daunting. The Ordinary was founded to offer results-driven products at an affordable price. The only catch is that you need to know your ingredients since most of the formulations feature just one or two standouts, meant to deliver targeted, specific results.

And that’s where we can help. Ahead, we reveal everything you need to know about each product, from what it does to how to use it, plus some skincare tricks along the way. Worth noting: All the products are free of parabens and mineral oil (along with other nasties), plus the company doesn’t test on animals or pay others to do its dirty work.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

What We Like

• Contains AHAs and BHAs
• Easy to apply
• Boosts radiance

What We Don't Like

• Can cause damage if improperly used

Acids are used to slough away dead skin, brighten a dull complexion and improve texture. You’ll either get alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic or lactic acids) or beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid); both types work on the top layer of the skin, but BHAs also work deeper into the pores, making them great for anyone with spot-prone skin.

Ideal for anyone serious about exfoliation, the red-hued peel is a light liquid solution. There’s a slight tingling sensation, but you’ll be left with seriously bright skin. Use this twice a week for 10 minutes each time after cleansing and toning.

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

What We Like

• Comes in different concentrations
• Gentle
• Reduces lines, pores, and pigmentation

What We Don't Like

• May not see drastic results

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and is essentially your skin’s best friend. It speeds cell turnover, boosts collagen production, tackles pigmentation, reduces fine lines, and unclogs pores.

The Ordinary offers Retinol in Squalane from 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1%, which is a light serum-like consistency.Why the different percentages? Retinol can irritate sensitive skin or for first-time users, so you should build up the percentage over time. Use it at night after cleansing and applying water-based serums, but before oils or creams. This formula is the least potent of all the Retinol in Squalane formulas, deeming it a great option for retinol rookies.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

What We Like

• Boosts radiance
• Soothes skin
• Generous bottle size

What We Don't Like

• May be too potent for sensitive skin

A brightening and smoothing toner, this formula boasts ginseng meant to further brighten and aloe vera meant to soothe. Use it at night (after cleansing and before serum).

Read Full Review: I Reviewed This $10 Toner And Had Smoother Skin After One Use

THE ORDINARY Lactic Acid 5% + HA

What We Like

• Comes in different concentrations
• Gentle
• Prevents irritation

What We Don't Like

• May not see drastic results

There are two lactic acid products to choose from—a 5% (pictured here) and a 10%, both combined with HA 2%. The water-based serums offer a mild exfoliation while the HA hydrates the skin. Tasmanian pepperberry is included in both to help prevent irritation, according to the brand. Use these at night after cleansing and toning.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

What We Like

• Hydrating
• Absorbs fast
• Reduces lines

What We Don't Like

• Hydration doesn't last all day

Read Full Review: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Review

One of King’s favorites from the brand, this is a lightweight serum containing different-sized hyaluronic acid molecules that penetrate to different depths. (As we know, hyaluronic acid attracts 1000 times its weight in water.) Vitamin B5 works on the surface to enhance hydration and soften the appearance of fine lines and leave skin feeling smoother. Use this morning and night before oils and creams; it’s a great way to add extra hydration to the skin, says King.

The Ordinary "Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1% High Potency, Signs of Aging Serum

What We Like

• Supports skin's normal immune function
• Hydrating
• Absorbs fast

What We Don't Like

• Strong smell

With all the benefits of the original Buffet, this has copper peptides 1% as well which helps to boost overall skin health-supporting normal immune function, collagen synthesis, fibroblast production, and anti-inflammatory responses, according to the brand.

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

What We Like

• Hydrating
• Provides antioxidant support
• Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

• Reviewers note it has a grainy texture

Ideal for dry and dehydrated skin, the HA stands for hyaluronic acid, which is a molecule that attracts 1000 times its weight in water, so it’ll help hydrate the skin. This is also a heavy serum; they both take around 10 to 15 seconds to absorb. Use at night after water-based products.

The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%

What We Like

• Provides antioxidant support
• Can use morning or night
• Can cocktail with vitamin C

What We Don't Like

• Reviewers note it can pill

Antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage, which can lead to premature skin aging (think lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone and texture). So what is free radical damage? It’s essentially damage caused by outside aggressors such as pollution and UV rays. They can also help protect from internal aggressors like the stress hormone cortisol.

A serious serum, this contains the two most powerful antioxidants. Wear this daily, especially if you’re a city dweller or sun worshipper, to protect your skin. Use it in the morning and/or at night after water-based serums. You can also cocktail this with a vitamin C serum.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

What We Like

• Reduces lines
• Controls oil
• Boosts radiance

What We Don't Like

• Reviewers note it can pill

Read Full Review: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Review

Choose this serum if your concerns are blemishes and skin congestion. The zinc is meant to reduce the skin’s sebum activity so your skin won’t get quite so oily during the day. Niacinamide also tackles fine lines and dullness so expect your skin to generally just look more even and glowing. Use morning and night before heavier oils and creams.

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone

What We Like

• Provides antioxidant support
• Boosts radiance
• Silky texture

What We Don't Like

• Reviewers note it can pill

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects and brightens the skin. The Ordinary currently has eight products to choose from.

This contains L-ascorbic acid, the purest and most potent form of vitamin C. Blended with light silicones, this heavy serum feels seriously silky. For the first couple of weeks, you can expect it to tingle on use. Use at night after water-based products.

THE ORDINARY Amino Acids + B5

What We Like

• Lightweight
• Hydrating
• Soothes skin

What We Don't Like

• Strong smell

Choose this lightweight serum for above- and below-surface hydration if you have dehydrated skin. Amino acids are found within the skin's Natural Moisturising Factors and are known for their ability to boost hydration. The addition of the humectant Vitamin B5 further soothes the skin and helps stimulate the healing process, as dehydrated skin can often result in breakouts and inflammation.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

What We Like

• Hydrating
• Can use morning or night

What We Don't Like

• Not hydrating enough for super dry skin

Featuring elements found in the outer layer of the skin that create a barrier to protect the deeper layers and to keep skin hydrated. NMFs are made up of multiple amino acids, fatty acids, urea, ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and more. If your skin is dry, rough, or irritated (think eczema or rosacea), apply this daily to try to bolster your skin’s function. Best used morning and night after serums.

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA

What We Like

• Reduces lines
• Can use morning or night
• Absorbs fast

What We Don't Like

• Feels sticky

Matrixyl is a patented ingredient that has been developed to reduce the look of dynamic wrinkles (the ones that show when you talk or smile) and static wrinkles (that show even when your face is relaxed). Use morning and night before oils and creams.

The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum

What We Like

• Absorbs fast
• Long-lasting bottle
• Depuffs
• Fades dark circles

What We Don't Like

• Not hydrating enough

Read Full Review: The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum Review

“Caffeine is a helpful ingredient for under-eye puffiness because it causes the blood vessels to constrict, leading to a decrease in fluid accumulation.  This is an elegant formulation for the eye area that contains enough caffeine to effectively decrease puffiness,” says King of one of her top picks from the line. The addition of epigallocatechin gallate glucoside (from green tea leaves) in this solution further helps tackle dark circles and puffiness around the eyes, according to the brand. Use morning and night before oils and creams.

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

What We Like

• Can use morning or night
• Stable form of vitamin C
• Provides antioxidant support
• Boosts radiance

What We Don't Like

• May not see drastic results

The following five products are made from different vitamin C derivatives that are slightly less effective, which means you’ll get the benefits but it will take longer. The benefits are that you won’t get any tingling and you can choose which consistency you prefer: water-based serum, oil or cream. You can also double up and use these in the morning too.

The formula contains a solution of ascorbyl glucoside, which—unlike L-ascorbic acid—stays stable in water. Long story short: This light water-based serum is more pleasant to use and still offers notable brightening results. Use morning and night before oils and creams.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Brightening Cream

What We Like

• Boosts radiance
• Reduces pigmentation
• Lightweight

What We Don't Like

• May not see drastic results

Made from an ingredient produced by the yeast that lives on normal skin this brightens skin tone and evens texture, tackling marks left by blemishes too, according to the brand. This lightweight cream-gel suits all skin types. Use it morning and night after water-based serums.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

What We Like

• Multi-purpose formula
• Can use morning or night

What We Don't Like

• Feels sticky

A great all-rounder, this serum contains a ton of peptides that do various things, hence the name. Then there are probiotics meant to help ease skin conditions like acne and rosacea while hyaluronic acid hydrates and amino acids are meant to nourish. If you’re not sure where to start with The Ordinary, this is a good place. Use morning and night after cleansing.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

What We Like

• Reduces lines and pigmentation
• Potent formula

What We Don't Like

• Strong smell

Rich in linoleic acid and provitamin A, this oil promises to nourish the skin and prevent the effects of photoaging (including pigmentation and fine lines). The cold-pressed extraction process doesn’t use heat, which means the oil is more potent, according to the brand. Use this one at night after water-based products.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

What We Like

• Gentle
• Great for sensitive skin
• Can use morning or night

What We Don't Like

• May not see drastic results

Offering gentle, superficial peeling, its larger molecular size means it can't penetrate as quickly, making it more gentle than other acids, according to the brand. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, because it's kinder to skin you can use this every day in the evening. Seriously sensitive skin? It can be diluted into other products like your night serum or cream to help you build a tolerance, if necessary.

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

What We Like

• Reduces lines, pores, and pigmentation
• Lightweight
  

What We Don't Like

• Not for retinol beginners
  

If you're no stranger to pure retinol, or you've worked hard for weeks and months to build up your skin's tolerance levels, introduce this formula into your skincare routine. While the concentration of retinol is higher, you can still expect the same results as the prior two, including refined pores, reduced wrinkles, and improved skin texture.

The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%

What We Like

• Can use morning or night
• Reduces lines
• Absorbs fast

What We Don't Like

• May not see drastic results

This ingredient should be used on areas where dynamic folds and wrinkles form: around the eyes, the forehand, and around the mouth. Use morning and night before oils and creams.

THE ORDINARY "B" Oil

What We Like

• Boosts radiance
• Provides antioxidant support

What We Don't Like

• Strong smell

With a purified form of micro-algae that is blended with squalane and oils of marula, argan, baobab, pataua, brazil nut, inca inchi, rosehip, and borage, this promises to boost skin radiance and fend off skin irritants and free radicals. Be warned though, the micro-algae gives it a very slight fishy aroma; despite that, it has glowing reviews. Use each morning to protect the skin.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

What We Like

• Hydrating
• Great for sensitive skin
• Reduces pigmentation
• Absorbs fast

What We Don't Like

• Feels sticky

Read Full Review: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Review

If pigmentation is your concern then this serum is for you. The alpha-arbutin travels down to your melanocytes (the cells responsible for melanin production) and stops them from working, which means pigmentation production will be inhibited. Use morning and night before oils and creams. You can also use it as an SPF in the morning after applying your final skincare product.

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F

What We Like

• Boosts radiance
• Lightweight
• Absorbs fast

What We Don't Like

• May not see drastic results

This comes in a higher percentage because it has been blended with vitamin F meant to act as a buffer, meaning you can brighten the skin without the tingling. This oil is light enough to absorb in seconds. Use morning and night before oils and creams.

THE ORDINARY EUK 134.01%

What We Like

• Provides antioxidant support
• Can use morning or night

What We Don't Like

• Cannot use with an acid

According to the brand, this molecule is a mimetic of superoxide dismutase and catalase. (I know, say what?) It’s a self-regenerating molecule that basically scavenges in the skin to eliminate free radicals by converting them into harmless water and oxygen. It’s essentially a bodyguard for your skin. Use it in the morning and/or at night after water-based serums.

Pro tip: Do not use at the same time as an acid, as these will destroy the EUK molecules, according to the brand.

THE ORDINARY 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil

What We Like

• Hydrating
• Soothes skin
• Lightweight

What We Don't Like

• Strong smell

With anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing benefits, this is especially good for dry and irritated skin. Derived from the borage plant, a bright blue “starflower”, it is rich in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), a type of omega-6 essential fatty acid that the body cannot make on its own. The oil is also rich in other fatty acids including linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acid. Apply a few drops daily.

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

What We Like

• Hydrating
• Doubles as a heat protectant for hair
• Lightweight

What We Don't Like

• Doesn't absorb fast

Squalane is a hydrocarbon that is found naturally in the skin, this is seriously hydrating for complexions that are dehydrated or losing suppleness with age. You can also use it as a heat protector for hair. Best used morning and night after water-based products.

THE ORDINARY Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15%

What We Like

• Stable form of vitamin C
• Provides antioxidant support
• Boosts radiance

What We Don't Like

• Can feel greasy

An exceptionally stable and effective form of Vitamin C, this targets uneven and dull skin tones, as well as the signs of aging. Apply a few drops to the face morning and night. 

THE ORDINARY 100% Organic Virgin Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Oil

What We Like

• Provides antioxidant support
• Improves barrier function

What We Don't Like

• Can stain fabric

This oil is rich in omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9 and antioxidant Vitamin E which is great for nourishing and protecting the skin. A good all-rounder, this oil helps to protect skin from free-radicals and improve its overall barrier function. Mix a few drops with your usual serum or night cream after any water-based treatments at night. This product tends to stain so wash your hands after use and let the product sink right in before resting your head on your pillow. 

THE ORDINARY 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil

What We Like

• Soothes skin
• Can use on hair
• Lightweight

What We Don't Like

• Strong smell

Made from 100% pure Chia Seed Oil that is sustainably-sourced, organic, virgin, and cold-pressed. This calming oil contains an exceptionally high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid, an important essential fatty acid, and linoleic, oleic, stearic as well as palmitic acids, together with multiple vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Another good all-rounder, you can use it on hair to soften, strengthen and boost shine, too.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil

What We Like

• Hydrating
• Can use on hair

What We Don't Like

• Too heavy for finer hair

With a host of fatty acids, this oil is particularly good for skin that is suffering in winter (think rough and flaky). It also adds shine when applied to damp or dry hair. Use at night (or as needed) after water-based products.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil

What We Like

• Can use on hair
• Provides antioxidant support

What We Don't Like

• Doesn't absorb fast

Like argan oil, marula oil can be used on the skin and hair. The antioxidant is known to hydrate the skin. Use at night (or as needed) after water-based products.

The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics

What We Like

• Hydrating
• Absorbs fast
• Lightweight

What We Don't Like

• Not hydrating enough for super dry skin

This contains marine-derived ingredients like Hawaiian red algae, glycoproteins, and blue-green algae. This serum has a texture like water, making it seriously quick and easy to layer. Much like HA, these ingredients are meant to deeply hydrate skin. Use at night (or as needed) after water-based products.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

What We Like

• Removes makeup
• Gentle
• Hydrating

What We Don't Like

• Easy to misuse
  

The brand's first and only cleanser is gentle enough to be the first step for every skincare routine, and is an especially good pick for those with dry or sensitive skin, says King. This balm turns into a clear oil the longer you massage it on your face or hands, which makes it great for dissolving makeup, though it also helps maintain moisture in the skin simultaneously.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

What We Like

• Stimulates scalp
• Thickens hair

What We Don't Like

• Must use daily to see results

While The Ordinary may be known for their affordable skincare, they've recently expanded into haircare with this hair serum. Packed with multiple peptides, natural extracts, and caffeine, this serum is meant to reinvigorate the scalp and make hair look dense and thick. Reviewers noticed that, over time, their thin or thinning hair appeared fuller. Use at night by massaging it into the scalp.

The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer

What We Like

• Mattifies skin
• Reduces pores
• Hydrating

What We Don't Like

• Reviewers note tube comes half full

Once you're done applying serums and creams, this primer will mattify and prep your face for makeup. Using adaptive silicones, this primer promises to hydrate and blur to reduce the appearance of pores and make makeup adhere longer.

What to Look For in The Ordinary Products

The Main Ingredient For Your Skin Concern

The majority of The Ordinary's products feature just one or two hero ingredients (rather than combining a laundry list of active ingredients into one formula). Do your research to figure out which are best for your particular complexion concern, and then assess the options.

The Strength of the Ingredients

Some key ingredients—such as vitamin C and retinol—come in different strengths and in a range of potency options. When in doubt, err on the lower side and gradually work your way up.