Photo: @Valeriia Miller
If there’s one thing you need to know about The Ordinary, it’s that there’s nothing ordinary about it.
The cult Canadian brand has revolutionized clean and sustainable skincare routines for millions around the world. It’s known for its affordable, advanced functional beauty, using science-backed ingredients that skincare enthusiasts love.
All of the brand’s products are free of fillers, sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, formaldehyde, and mercury, plus they are vegan and cruelty-free. Even so, the brand is not for a skincare beginner. With complicated chemical names (AHA to BHA) displayed on the bottle, picking the right products suitable for your skin type can get tricky.
Here, we present to you the top 10 picks from The Ordinary based on 650 reviews by members of abillion.
1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Photo: @fbradaschia
If you’re looking for a potent serum designed to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes, pores, and congestion then this product is for you. It contains niacinamide, which is known for improving general skin health and immunity by strengthening the epidermal barrier. The serum also contains zinc to support skin structure by healing damaged skin and encouraging collagen and elastin production. When combined, the two ingredients help in reducing the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. This product is suitable for people of various age groups, making it the most popular product from The Ordinary.
@ilovegoats says, “I immediately feel the difference when I put this product on! It tones and brightens the skin and helps with blemishes.”
2. Hyaluronic acid 2%+B5
Photo:@gigisum
For true, deep moisture, use a serum or acid that can penetrate deeper than your standard emollient. Enter hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and moisturizes your skin. Hyaluronic acids can be expensive but The Ordinary’s version is budget-friendly, effective, and works wonders .
This ultra-pure serum combines three types of hyaluronic acids at varying molecular sizes with Vitamin B5 to offer lasting hydration and visible plumping of the skin at all levels of the dermis. As a result, moisture retention, lipid barrier strength, and surface hydration are all improved, leading to smoother, softer, healthier skin.
“When blemishes appear on my face and neck, this product seems to help get rid of / reduce the appearance of them more quickly than when I don't use the product. I love how inexpensive it is too. I will buy this again,” says @Metalmel666
3. Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Photo: @tenfeethigh
Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) are elements that keep the outer layer of the skin protected and well-hydrated. It’s made up of multiple amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid and other compounds that are naturally present in the skin. This formula offers non-greasy hydration that acts as a direct topical supplement. It provides immediate hydration and lasting results with continued use. Use this with The Ordinary’s Squalane cleanser.
@hetalb25 sums it up: “I love this product for my skin which is dehydrated and extremely sensitive. It's not sticky or oily and feels really light. This is the best hydration solution I have found in the market so far.”
4. AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Photo: @globalgastronaut
This liquid looks like blood but does miracles to your skin. If you’re looking for a home facial resulting in younger, smoother-looking skin, then add this to your skincare routine. The mix of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) exfoliates deeply to clear up congestion, dead skin cells, and hyperpigmentation. Note that as this product is strong, skincare advisers recommend using this product once a week for deep exfoliation as part of a self-care process.
“Holy grail. Will never ever stop using this. Makes my skin glow every time I use it. P.s. pls do read the instructions on how to use this product as it is strong and will sting a little!” crueltyfreetan.
5. Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Photo: @
lohanavegana
Your sleepy under eyes will get an instant glow with this caffeine solution. This lightly-textured serum reduces the appearance of eye contour pigmentation and puffiness. If you wake up with puffy eyes, apply this serum in the morning to brighten dark circles and reduce the appearance of puffiness. It’s formulated with an extremely high concentration of caffeine and EGCG Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves to deliver a potent blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to the eye area.
“Great product to depuff eyes in the morning,” says @swetasahu.
6. Buffet
Photo: @chloeavrill
It’s never too early to start using anti-aging products. The Ordinary’s ‘Buffet’ contains a wide variety of ingredients that work together to target signs of aging. This peptide serum contains 11 amino acids to regulate skin tone whilst hydrating and nourishing skin deep beneath the epidermis.
“This is such a beautiful serum. Makes my skin feel super bouncy and healthy, perfect for daytime use and under makeup. The Ordinary is a great Vegan and cruelty-Free brand with a lot of targeted products for specific skin concerns. This is something that I think would work for all skin types but specifically great for anyone looking for that plumping effect,” says @Chloeavrill.
7. 100% organic cold-pressed rose hip seed oil
Photo: @caresseselk
Rosehip oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, thanks to its vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. This nifty little bottle can help to calm redness, hydrate dry skin, treat scars and burns, brighten skin, and regenerate damaged tissue.
“My favourite face oil! I apply this at night and wake up with my skin glowing! Great to support healthy skin and reduce signs of aging,” says @laurjc.
8. 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Photo: @nicole93
Hydrating your skin is key to a glowing complexion. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is a solution that supports healthy hydration. Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that is found naturally in the skin. It has very high emollience, is an exceptional hydrator and can prevent an ongoing loss of hydration that impairs dermal suppleness. It can also be applied to hair to increase heat protection, add shine and reduce breakage potential.
“Love this product I've been using it as the last step in my skincare routine for a few yrs now Pretty affordable & doesn't feel too heavy,” says j@uneo.
9. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Photo: @
m2000
Toners are effective at balancing the skin's pH level, offering mild exfoliation to boost radiance and restore clarity when used once a day. The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a daily use treatment that gradually improves skin texture. This product is formulated with alpha hydroxyl acid that mildly exfoliates, and also contains Tasmanian Pepperberry, Ginseng and Aloe Vera to reduce and soothe irritation for a healthy, even finish.
“This toner is an essential part of my skincare routine and has really helped regulate the texture of my skin #cleanbeauty #veganskincare,” says @kiyivinski
10. Lactic Acid %10 +HA
Photo: @yammygreens
Are you struggling with uneven tone, textural irregularities and fine lines? Try lactic acid, which works to improve skin texture, reducing pigmentation caused by acne scars and age spots by stimulating cell regeneration. It also contains hyaluronic acid that strengthens the lipid barrier to improve the skin’s ability to attract and retain moisture, leading to healthier, stronger skin.
”This is a chemical exfoliant, use it instead of scrubbing your face for a gentle overnight resurfacing. If you’re new to lactic acid or have sensitive skin, start at 5%,” says @Veganmacattack.
