The Ordinary, the innovative and shockingly affordable skincare brand, has been around for a few years. Are you kidding me? Insiders, skincare enthusiasts, and dermatologists enjoy the brand, which is known for its straightforward formulas containing some of the most tried-and-true actives available. “They provide clever products that rely on quality compounds like alpha and beta acids, squalane, vitamin C, and more, all at lower prices than many other options,” says a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
However, it can be overpowering if you don’t know your alpha-arbutin acid from your alpha-lipoic acid. The Ordinary was founded to provide high-quality products at a reasonable price. The only catch is that you must be familiar with your ingredients, as most formulations contain only one or two standouts designed to give focused, particular benefits.
This is where we step in. Following that, we’ll go over everything that you need to know about every other product, including everything it does to how to use it, is available on this page. with some skincare suggestions thrown in for good measure. All of the products are free of parabens and mineral oil, and the firm never uses animals in its testing.
Here is the list of the top 15 The Ordinary Products:
THE ORDINARY AHA 30% + BHA 2%
Acids are used to exfoliate dead skin, lighten dull skin, and improve texture. You’ll either receive alpha-hydroxy acids (like glycolic or lactic acids) or beta-hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid); both operate on the skin, but BHAs also work deeper into the pores, and make them ideal for anyone with spot-prone-skin.
The red-hued peel is a mild liquid solution, ideal for anyone serious about exfoliation. There will be a slight tingling feeling, but you will have incredibly bright skin. After washing and toning, use this for 10 minutes twice a week.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Retinol is a vit A derivative that is your skin’s closest friend. It promotes cell turnover, collagen formation, pigmentation reduction, fine line reduction, and pore unclogging. 2 The Ordinary sells Retinol in Squalane at 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% concentrations, with a light serum-like consistency.
Why are the percentages different? Because retinol might irritate delicate skin or first-time users, you should gradually increase the percentage. It should be used at night after cleansing and applying water-based serums before adding oils or creams. This recipe is the least strong of the retinol in the Squalane formulae, making it an excellent choice for Retinol newcomers.
This composition is a brightening and smoothing toner with ginseng to brighten and aloe vera to soothe. It is best used at night.
THE ORDINARY Lactic Acid 5% + HA
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA is a chemical exfoliator intended to exfoliate the skin and improve its texture gently. It contains Lactic Acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) recognised for gently exfoliating the skin, and Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a humectant that helps to moisturise the skin.
Lactic acid is a mild exfoliator that dissolves dead skin cells effectively, revealing brighter, smoother, and more even-toned skin. This can help to enhance skin texture and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Lactic acid has also been shown to aid with hyperpigmentation, age spots, and melasma.
This product is appropriate for all skin types; however, it is especially excellent for people with dull, uneven skin tone or fine lines and wrinkles. It is advised to apply it at night after cleansing and before moisturizing. When using this product throughout the day, it is critical to apply sunscreen.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a water-based product that combines low-, medium-, and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid molecules and a next-generation HA crosspolymer to hydrate multiple layers of your skin. It also reduces the visibility of wrinkles and textural imperfections.
This is a lightweight serum with varied-sized hyaluronic acid molecules that penetrate to different depths, and it is one of King’s favourites from the company. Hyaluronic acid, as we all know, attracts 1000 times its weight in water. On the surface, vitamin B5 improves moisture, softens the appearance of fine wrinkles, and leaves skin feeling smoother. Use this before oils and creams in the morning and evening; it’s a terrific method to bring more hydration to the skin, according to King.
THE ORDINARY “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%
The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% is a peptide serum that uses several different technologies to treat signs of aging. It consists of a buffet serum and 1% copper peptides. The “Buffet” serum is a multi-peptide composition that targets fine lines and loss of firmness. It has a mix of peptides, such as Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl Synthe’6, and Argireline, which are known for their anti-aging effects.
Copper Peptides 1% is a concentrated composition containing Copper Tripeptide-1, a tiny peptide that has been found to stimulate collagen and elastin formation. It also contains hyaluronic acid and amino acids, aiding skin hydration. When used together, the “Buffet” serum and copper peptides at 1% give a full anti-aging solution. The peptides in the “Buffet” serum target several signs of aging, while copper peptides (1% stimulate collagen and elastin formation for firmer, plumper skin. Hyaluronic acid and amino acids are also added to help moisturize the skin.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Because the skin needs time to adjust to a strong ingredient like retinol, first-timers will experience “reionization,” which includes breakouts, dryness, and irritation. In other words, when you first start using retinol, your skin may look worse before it starts to get better. Be patient, though, because the result will be worth the wait.
Once your skin has developed a resistance to retinol, this is the formula to use (aka, after the optimization process). When lesser retinol concentrations no longer cause your skin to flip out, it may be appropriate to move to a greater potency, such as Retinol 0.5% in squalane.
THE ORDINARY HA Spheres 2% + Vitamin C 23%
The Ordinary HA Spheres 2% + Vitamin C 23% serum is intended to brighten and improve the skin’s overall appearance. It contains two key ingredients: vitamin C and spheres of hyaluronic acid (HA). Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that aids in skin brightening, wrinkle reduction, and skin texture improvement. It also helps protect the skin from free radical damage produced by the environment.
Hyaluronic Acid Spheres, known as Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, is a sphere-shaped hyaluronic acid. These spheres may penetrate deep into the skin, delivering long-lasting hydration and plumping it.
Vitamin C and HA spheres work together to brighten the skin, improve its texture, and provide hydration. The serum can be used in the morning or night after cleansing and moisturizing. When using this product, it is recommended to use sunscreen during the day because it can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure.
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
Antioxidants shield the skin from free radical damage, which can result in premature aging (think lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone and texture). So, what exactly is free radical damage? It is primarily caused by external aggressors such as pollutants and UV radiation. They can also protect against internal aggressors such as the stress hormone cortisol.
This is a serious serum that contains the two most potent antioxidants. Wear this daily to protect your skin, especially if you live in a city or enjoy the sun. Use it after water-based serums in the morning and at night. This can also be combined with a vitamin C serum.
THE ORDINARY Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum helps with blemishes, uneven skin tone, and large pores. Niacinamide and zinc are the two main components. Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that can help to minimise the appearance of blemishes, even skin tone, and shrink enlarged pores. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities, which can aid in relieving itchy skin.
Zinc is a mineral that can help lessen the look of blemishes by reducing inflammation. It also aids in regulating sebum production, which can help, in essence, the appearance of enlarged pores.
Niacinamide and zinc help treat skin problems like acne, uneven skin tone, and big pores. The serum can be used in the morning or night after cleansing to help moisturize. When using this product, it is recommended to use sunscreen during the day because it can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure.
THE ORDINARY Silicone with Vitamin C Suspension 30%
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting and brightening the skin. There are presently eight goods available from The Ordinary.
L-ascorbic acid is the purest and most effective form of vitamin C. This heavy serum is infused with light silicones and feels incredibly silky. It will tingle when used for the first couple of weeks. Apply at night after using water-based products.
THE ORDINARY Alpha Arbutin 2% + Ascorbic Acid 8%
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% combines two well-known brightening agents in skincare. Its waterless formula combines direct vitamin C with a high concentration of alpha arbutin to visibly improve pigmentation and even skin tone.
Arbutin is a molecule derived from the bearberry plant that inhibits the formation of tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the first step in the production of melanin.
This combines Vit C at a lower concentration (suitable for sensitive skin) with alpha arbutin to effectively combat dullness and hyperpigmentation. Apply in the morning and at night.
THE ORDINARY Amino Acids + B5
Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 is a serum that hydrates and nourishes the skin. It contains two essential components: amino acids and vitamin B5 (panthenol).
Amino acids are blocks of proteins required for healthy skin. This serum contains amino acids that moisturize and nourish the skin. They help strengthen the barrier function of the skin, which helps the skin keep moisture and look better overall.
Vitamin B5, commonly known as panthenol, is a readily absorbed form of Vitamin B5. It is a humectant, drawing and holding moisture, assisting skin hydration. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities, which can aid in relieving itchy skin.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
It contains components in the skin’s outer layer that form a barrier to protect the deeper layers and keep the skin moisturized. NMFs have many different ingredients, such as amino acids, urea, ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and others. If your skin is dry, rough, or inflamed (think eczema or rosacea), use this daily to improve its function. It is best used after serums in the morning and at night.
THE ORDINARY Matrixyl 10% + HA
The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA serum is designed to fight signs of aging. The two most important components are matrixyl and hyaluronic acid (HA).
Matrixyl is a synthetic peptide that looks like naturally occurring peptides in the skin. It works by boosting collagen formation, which can reduce wrinkles. It also aids in the overall look of the skin.
Matrixyl and HA work together to target age indications like fine lines and wrinkles while moisturizing and enhancing the skin’s overall appearance. The serum can be used in the morning or evening after cleansing and moisturizing.
The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum
Caffeine is an effective component for reducing under-eye puffiness because it encourages blood vessels to contract, resulting in less fluid accumulation. “This is an excellent formulation for the eye area that has enough caffeine to reduce puffiness successfully,” King says of one of her favourite products from the collection. According to the company, epigallocatechin gallate glucoside in this solution helps combat dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Use before applying oils and creams in the morning and at night.
Conclusion
It is crucial to remember that the effectiveness of these products may vary from person to person and that every new product should be patch tested before use. When using these products, wearing sunscreen during the day is recommended because it can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure. You may attain healthy, vibrant, and youthful-looking skin with the appropriate balance of cosmetics.
