The Ordinary is a cult skincare brand, which has grown from strength to strength since its conception. Owned by DECIEM, it's a brand with thousand-long waiting lists, multiple beauty awards and reems of praise from beauty bloggers and editors across the globe.
With super high-quality formulations, yet affordable price points for every product, The Ordinary is a skincare brand with both science and nature at its heart. Using the best ingredients combined with impeccable knowledge, research and technology, has led them to become one of the most-talked about skincare brands in recent years, and the trend isn't set to slow down.
Like all of the brands under DECIEM, none of the products from The Ordinary are tested on animals, making them both cruelty-free and suitable for vegetarians.
Which are the best The Ordinary products?
1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% and B5 30ml
What does it do?
Simple and effective, the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Support Formula delivers maximum hydration to the skin. The concentrated dose of
Hyaluronic Acid in three different molecule sizes penetrates into the skin's layers to lock in moisture.
Why is it so good?
The scientifically blended formula leaves skin plumper, smoother and reduces the appearance of all imperfections.
How to use:
Apply a few drops to your face every morning and night before cream products. Best for dry and dull skin types.
2. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density 60ml
What does it do?
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density is a concentrated formula specially designed to support hair health.
Why is it so good?
Working to promote a thicker, denser, fuller and healthier-looking head of hair, the ultra-lightweight hair serum has an emollient base for effective penetration, and utilises a 21.15% concentration of technologies for maximum results.
How to use:
Best for thinning hair, we recommend rubbing the product into your hairline every night before you go to bed.
3. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner 100ml
What does it do?
The Ordinary's Exfoliating Toner is an award-winning formula that targets visible signs of ageing and dullness.
Why is it so good?
It contains a 7% concentration of glycolic acid, which buffs away dead skin cells and impurities, promoting a smooth, luminous complexion. Tasmanian pepperberry extract provides a soothing effect, making it suitable for all skin types. With continued use, it diminishes the appearance of textural irregularities and fine lines, visibly balancing skin tone. This versatile toner can also be applied to the scalp to hydrate and reduce the look of dryness.
How to use:
For face and neck, apply once daily in the evening using a cotton pad or fingers. For scalp, apply to dry scalp three times weekly, massaging well. Do not rinse off. Avoid sensitive or compromised skin. Use sunscreen and limit sun exposure during use and for a week afterwards.
4. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil 30ml
What does it do?
The Ordinary's Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil is a nourishing botanical treatment that hydrates and visibly brightens the complexion while targeting visible signs of skin ageing.
Why is it so good?
This gentle, cold-pressed oil is rich in omega fatty acids, which help smooth the appearance of fine lines and discoloration, restoring clarity and balance to the skin. It soothes sensitive skin and delivers a boost of hydration. The complex extraction process preserves the oil's quality, ensuring optimal results for a more radiant complexion.
How to use:
Apply once a day in the evening, after water-based treatments. Gently massage a few drops onto the skin. Suitable for all skin types, especially those looking to combat dryness, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
5. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 30ml
What does it do?
Made to wake up tired eyes and reduce dark circles and puffiness, the The Ordinary Caffeine Solution is the morning caffeine boost tired skin needs.
Why is it so good?
The Caffeine mixed with EGCG from Green Tea Leaves is absorbed into the delicate skin around the eyes to refresh the skin and leave it looking brighter, more even and more awake.
How to use:
Massage into the eye area every morning and night to banish tired puffy eyes and dark circles.
6. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum 30ml
What does it do?
The Ordinary's "Buffet" + Copper Peptides is a unique and multi-action
serum enriched with 1% copper peptides, which help to stimulate the production of healthy skin; perfect for neglected and stressed-out complexions.
Why is it so good?
It also contains a probiotic complex to support a healthy skincare cell system, alongside 11 amino acids and hyaluronic acid to plump-up the skin and leave the complexion glowing and healthy. Free from alcohol, oil and silicones, this fabulous peptide serum is also vegan and cruelty-free like all of The Ordinary's skincare products.
How to use:
Suitable for all skin types, but especially great for stressed-out and blemished skin. Apply to your entire face in the morning and evening after you've cleansed.
7. The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder 20g
What does it do?
Re-balance oily or combination skin types with this innovative skincare saviour. The Ordinary’s 100% Niacinamide Powder features a fine powder texture, offering a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3.
Why is it so good?
This multi-faceted active ingredient is renowned for multiple skin benefits. It contributes to balancing visible sebum activity and supporting the production of components that play a central role in the structural and functional integrity of the skin.
How to use:
The powder can be combined with your current skincare routine to target enlarged pores, visible shine and textural irregularities. The powder format enables the most direct application of Niacinamide to the skin, promoting optimal efficacy. 8. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum 30ml
What does it do?
Powered by high concentrations of vitamins and minerals, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% High Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula is a lightweight serum that reduces the appearance of blemishes and evens the skin tone.
Why is it so good?
The Zinc in the formula acts to regulate the production of sebum on the face, one of the main causes of congested pores and acne, helping reduce breakouts and keep the skin clear.
How to use:
Best for acne and blemish-prone skin, we recommend applying it to your whole face every morning and night before heavier creams.
9. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum 15ml
What does it do?
The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide Eye Serum targets multiple visible signs of ageing around the eye area, including fine lines, crow's feet, undereye bags, puffiness and dark circles.
Why is it so good?
This water-based formula utilises multiple peptide technologies, including niacinamide and franxinus excelsior bark extract, to visibly smooth, plump and brighten the delicate eye area. Suitable for both morning and evening use, the serum promotes a well-rested appearance, effectively addressing various eye-area concerns in one product.
How to use:
Apply a pea-sized amount to the eye contour morning and evening, after cleansing and drying the area. Gently pat the serum around the eyes, avoiding direct contact with the eyes. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician. Patch testing is advised before first use.
10. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Superficial Peeling Formulation 30ml
What does it do?
The Ordinary's Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Superficial Peeling Formulation provides mild exfoliation to promote a smoother, more evenly-toned complexion.
Why is it so good?
This serum combines 10% lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), to improve the appearance of pigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture. A Tasmanian pepperberry derivative soothes sensitive skin, while hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture. This powerful blend works to reveal a brighter, more refined skin surface.
How to use:
Apply once per day, ideally in the evening. Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance. Avoid contact with eyes and use on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Use sunscreen and limit sun exposure during use and for a week afterwards. If irritation persists, discontinue use and consult a physician.
As a beauty fanatic I'm always on the lookout to try and experiment with new products! I’ve been writing about everything beauty for over 3 years and specialise in skincare so have plenty of tips and tricks to help put blemishes at bay and get your complexion glowing.
Whilst being a content writer at LOOKFANTASTIC I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with incredible brands including Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana and La Mer, taking my understanding of the industry to the next level.
In the past I’ve been a freelance makeup artist and have collaborated with brands including NYX and Revolution Beauty on a personal level, sharing my makeup creations for the world to see.
My ride or die brands have to be PIXI, Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown and I can’t live without my trusty MAC Velvet Teddy!