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The Ordinary has a global following in the world of beauty for its low priced products that focus on single ingredients or simple formulations with a couple of active ingredients. The brand’s goal was to individually target skincare concerns rather than create a costly formulation with many active ingredients. This has allowed consumers to experiment with different active ingredients and really research what their skin response to without having to dedicate a lot of time and money to trial and error. It also proves that when it comes to skincare products, price is not an indicator of effectiveness.
The downside of this is the confusion around what products are contraindicated and likely to cause irritation if used together. For this reason, each ingredient needs to be carefully looked at and checked for compatibility (The Deciem Chatroom has a very good guide here). While this might seem overwhelming and confusing, it is actually a really effective way of learning more about the products you use in your routine and can make you more able to make educated decisions when purchasing skincare products. I like this approach because it forces companies to become more transparent with what they put in their products and gives the buyer more power over their decisions.
The Ordinary is the accessible skincare line owned by Deciem, the umbrella company that owns NIOD, The Chemistry Brand and Hylamide. Their tagline is “clinical formulations with integrity” The price point has been able to remain low by bulk purchasing ingredients and packaging to utilize them over all their brands.
What The Ordinary has done for me personally is allowed me to try individual ingredients, and considering most are priced around the USD $10 point, I have been able to experiment with a lot more than I normally would. Then once I find a product my skin response to, I can then invest more in finding a really good quality product that contains that ingredient. For example, I dislike The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic acid + B5 serum because the texture is sticky and in my opinion, the large molecular size of the hyaluronic acid molecule make it sit on the surface of the skin and pull water out of the skin, causing my fine lines to exaggerate. So, I found a much more effective (albeit expensive) alternative in the NIOD MMHC that overcomes this problem and contains 15 different molecular-sized HA molecules to really absorb into and hydrate the skin.
Products from The Ordinary I have personally tried include:
100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane
Skincare Concern: Dryness
Suitable for: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Squalane
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane is a lightweight fermented version of squalene, the main component of the lipids produced by the skin. This dry oil is easily absorbed, is suitable for all skin types and is perfect for anyone looking for a light and hydrating alternative to thick and heavy skincare products. Squalane is recognised by the skin and helps to visibly improve the long term health of the skins moisture barrier.
You can read my full review here
Marine Hyaluronics
pH: 4
Skincare Concern: Dryness and dehydration
Suitable for: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Algae Extract, Pseudoalteromonas ferment extract and polysaccharides, amino acids, salicylic acid
The Ordinary Marine Hylauronics is a lightweight prebiotic serum designed to plump fine lines and decreases dehydration by increasing moisture levels within the skin. Traditional hydrating serums utilize hyaluronic acid for this purpose but this serum claims to achieve the same results by using marine-derived ingredients. It also contains 13 different amino acids, that constituent an important part of the skins Natural Moisturization Factor (NMF).
You can read my full review here
EUK 134*0.1%
Skincare Concern: Redness, Aging, fine lines and wrinkles
Suitable for: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol manganese chloride (EUK), propanediol
The Ordinary EUK-134 is a serum containing the trademarked synthetic antioxidant known as Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol manganese chloride. It mimics two enzymes naturally present in the skin, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. This means it can act as a powerful antioxidant to fights free radicals, particles that damage cells and lead to visible signs of aging. It is also effective at reducing redness, and protecting against UV-related skin damage.
You can read my full review here
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
pH: 6.3
Skincare Concern: Dryness and dehydration
Suitable for: All skin types but especially dehydrated
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Algae Extract, Glycerine
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a viscous serum containing three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring molecule within the skin, that when applied topically is well known for its ability to attract water, visibly filling fine lines and plumping the skin. All skin types can benefit from increased hydration and with hyaluronic acid being a skin-identical ingredient, this ingredient is one of the best ways to increase moisture within the skin.
You can read my full review here
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
pH: 7.1
Skincare Concern: Dryness and dehydration, Aging, fine lines and wrinkles, Damaged skin barrier
Suitable for: All skin types, especially dry
Key Ingredients: Lipid Complex (Photspholipids, Triglycerides, Sterols, Ceramide Precursors), NMF Components (amino acids, Urea), Sugars
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is a hydrating moisturizer that works well for adding moisture to dry skin and for sealing in previous steps of a skincare routine. Natural Moisturizing Factors are a complex of low molecular weight and water-soluble substances present within the skin. They prevent Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and play an important structural role within the skin. The HA refers to Hyaluronic acid, a powerful water-binding molecule, that is listed as Sodium Hyaluronate on the list of ingredients.
You can read my full review here
Amino Acids + B5
pH: 4
Skincare Concern: Dryness, Aging, fine lines and wrinkles, Damaged skin barrier
Key Ingredients: Amino Acids, Panthenol, Betaine
Suitable for: All skin types
The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 is a serum containing several naturally occurring components used by the skin to maintain its barrier function, become more healthy and hydrated. In addition, Panthenol, the precursor to Vitamin B5 has several anti-aging, skin repairing and hydrating benefits. This lightweight, easily absorbed serum is suitable for all skin types and visibly improves the long term health of the skins moisture barrier.
You can read my full review here
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil
pH: N/A
Skincare Concern: Dryness
Suitable for: Combination and dry skin types
Key Ingredients: Argan Oil
Argania Spinosa (Argan) nut oil comes from the kernels of the tree native to Morocco. it is a multi-purpose oil that’s suitable for all skin types that supports the moisture levels of healthy skin and strengthens dry hair. it is rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols (vitamin E), polyphenols, vitamins and antioxidants. This formula is lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin. I use it to lock in hydration as the last step of my nighttime routine. I also like to use a few drops in my moisturizer on days when my skin is a little dryer.
You can purchase here
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
pH: 3.2
Skincare Concern: Pigmentation, Acne scarring, Aging, Fine lines and wrinkles, Dull skin
Suitable for: All skin types except sensitive
Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Aloe Vera Leaf Water, Ginesing extract, NMF Components
This toning solution is formulated with glycolic acid in a base that is at a low pH in order to effectively exfoliate the skin. It contains no alcohol and is packed with a number of soothing and calming ingredients to reduce any irritation. Since it does contain an alpha-hydroxyl acid (AHA), which can increase sensitivity to the sun, it’s important to always wear sunscreen when using this product. While this is called a toning solution it is not a toner designed for daily use and instead should be called an exfoliating solution that is used once per week and slowly built up to two to three times a week once the skin has adjusted. This product was too harsh for my facial skin, but it does make a good body exfoliator for rough dry areas of skin.
You can purchase here
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
pH: 3.5
Skincare Concern: Acne, Blackheads, Congestion, Oily skin
Suitable for: Normal, Combination, Oily and Acne-prone skin types
Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Squalane
The Ordinary Masque’s is a charcoal-based formula is enriched with 2% salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead cells, reduce inflammation and help decongest acne-prone skin. This mask is designed to be washed off after 10 minutes, so the pore cleansing benefits from the salicylic acid would be less than a leave-on formula, however, this is an advantage in someone like myself who has sensitive skin who has to limit the amount of chemical exfoliation my skin can handle without becoming irritated. Kaolin clay and charcoal help absorb excess oil and squalane and glycerin help replace any moisture lost so the mask does not leave the skin feeling dry and tight.
You can purchase here
Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone
pH: N/A
Skincare Concern: Pigmentation, Acne scarring, Dull skin, Aging, fine lines and wrinkles
Suitable for: Normal, Combination and Dry skin types
Key Ingredients: Ascorbic Acid
This product was formulated to overcome the problem of vitamin C readily oxidizing when exposed to light and air by stabilizing the L-ascorbic acid molecule in silicone. While they did achieve this and manage to get a shelf life of 12 months, the silicone does impair the skins ability to uptake the Vitamin C. This is why the concentration is 30% when studies have shown that the most effective dose of topical Vitamin C is 20%, with anything above this is likely to cause irritation. This particular formula can feel gritty because the vitamin C is suspended as a powder. It can also sting sensitive skin and it is recommended that this product be added into a routine gradually to prevent the skin from becoming irritated. I found this to be the case and was unable to use it for that reason, however, I found it was perfect for fading a post-surgery scar as silicone promotes scar healing and vitamin c fades redness.
You can purchase here
Squalane Cleanser
pH: N/A
Skincare Concern: Sensitive skin, Redness, Damaged skin barrier, Dry skin
Suitable for: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Squalane, Glycerin Tocopherol, Malic Acid
This is an effective and gentle cleansing oil that rinses off easily and completely and leaves skin feeling hydrated and comfortable by using squalane, a component of the skins natural lipid mixture. The oil mixes with dirt and impurities and emulsifies when mixed with water to leave the skin clean. It is safe and non-irritating to use around the eyes and gently removes eye make-up and mascara and all traces of sunscreen and foundation. The balm texture melts into the skin and it rinses easily without leaving an oily residue. It is best used as the first step of a two-step cleansing routine.
You can purchase here
Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
pH: N/A
Skincare Concern: Pigmentation
Suitable for: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Resveratrol, Ferulic Acid, Propanediol
This is This formula contains two powerful antioxidants in skincare: resveratrol and ferulic acid. Resveratrol is a natural phenol found in several plants but is most abundant in grapes. Ferulic acid is a high-potency phytochemical antioxidant found naturally in walls of plant cells and helps protect the plant from attack by fungal pathogens. This makes this serum a powerful way to protect the skin from aging caused by antioxidant damage, like that caused by UV exposure and pollution. The formula is oil-free and helps boost sun protection if applied during the day under sunscreen.
You can purchase here
100% Cold Pressed Borage Seed Oil
pH: N/A
Skincare Concern: Dryness, Sensitive Skin
Suitable for: Dry and Sensitive skin types
Key Ingredients: Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
This is an anti-inflammatory oil that helps maintain healthy skin. It is especially ideal for dry and irritated complexions. Borage Seed Oil calms sensitive skin, helping to soothe redness and irritation thanks to a high concentration of essential fatty acid, gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). This oil can feel a little heavy and greasy on the skin, so it is more recommended for dryer skin types. I personally don’t find this suitable for daytime as it sits heavily on the skin without absorbing. It is, however, a great overnight moisturizing treatment.
Argireline Solution 10%
pH: 7
Skincare Concern: Fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area
Suitable for: Dry and Sensitive skin types
Key Ingredients: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Propanediol
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%, an anti-aging treatment for all skin types that targets visible signs of ageing around the forehead and eye contour area. The high concentration of the peptide Argireline in this serum can help minimise the appearance of dynamic folds, a type of wrinkles that form around the eyes and between the eyebrows, that are caused by repeated facial movement. The transparent, liquid serum claims to freeze muscle movement by hindering the communication between the nerves and muscles, giving the appearance of smoother skin with a more youthful-looking appearance. The consistency is that of water, and it absorbs instantly into the skin without any stickiness. It works well with other skincare and sits well under concealer, but cant be used at the same time as other antioxidants, retinol or acids.
Read my full review here
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
pH: N/A
Skincare Concern: Acne-prone, Aging, Fine lines and wrinkles
Suitable for: All skin types previously accustomed to retinol
Key Ingredients: Retinol, Squalane, Jojoba Seed Oil, Tomato Fruit Extract
The Ordinary’s 0.5% retinol is a medium-strength retinol product, while it’s not for those just starting out, it is a good supplement to a skincare routine, and contains soothing and moisturizing ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation. Retinol (also known as Vitamin A), is the most well-researched anti-aging and acne preventing skincare ingredient with many results backing up its effectiveness. It is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, and firmness, and reduce the appearance of pores. However, there are downsides and It is important to remember that irritation may occur when using retinoids and diligent SPF use is a must. While retinol palmitate can be used during the day, this formulation can not be applied to the skin before sun exposure and is therefore recommended for evening use only. Retinoids can not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
While this is not the entire product range from The Ordinary (they currently have 48 different products), I only like to talk about products I have personally tried and can honestly review. If you enjoyed this brand review, please take the time to look at some of my other blog posts.
