What are the best The Ordinary products? The disruptive brand has been a cult fave since it appeared on the beauty scene a few years ago, offering actives that work at super affordable, previously unheard of prices. They’ve proven you don’t need to spend a fortune on skincare to get results.
But, if you’re new to skincare, the line can also be confusing. If you don’t know the difference between Ascorbic Acid and Alpha Arbutin, how can you pick the best products for your skin? It’s tempting to try everything at this price point, but who has two hours to put their morning skincare on?!
Plus, every skincare line has its duds and The Ordinary is no exception. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Here are the best The Ordinary skincare products for every skin type and concern, so you can get what works (for you) and ignore the rest:
- About The Brand: The Ordinary
- What Are The Best The Ordinary Products?
- Best Exfoliant For Dry Skin: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (£13.00)
- Best For Preventing Wrinkles: The Ordinary EUK 0.1% (£6.90)
- Best For Dark Spots: The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% (£12.20)
- Best For Anti-Aging: Retinol 1% In Squalane (£7.90)
- Best For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6.00)
- Best For Blackheads And Acne: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution ($6.50)
- Best For Hydration: The Ordinary Hyaluronic 2% + B5 ($8.90)
- Best Exfoliant For Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA ($8.90)
- Best For Supplementation: The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% ($10.00)
- Best For Sun Protection: The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 With Antioxidants (£9.60)
- Best For Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ($11.10)
- What Are The Best The Ordinary Products For Wrinkles?
- What Are The Best The Ordinary Products For Acne?
- What Are The Best The Ordinary Products For Dark Spots?
- What Are The Best The Ordinary Products For Sensitive Skin?
- Is The Ordinary Cruelty-Free?
- The Pros Of The Ordinary Skincare
- The Cons Of The Ordinary Skincare
- The Verdict
About The Brand: The Ordinary
The Ordinary made its debut with a bang in the skincare world in 2016. It was created by Brandon Truaxe, who got ired of all the marketing hype and nonsense making the rounds in the skincare world. He wanted to bring skincare that works to the masses. The rest, as they say, is history.
How can the products be so cheap? Where’s the catch? The Ordinary skimps on marketing. Instead of spending millions in advertising and influencer marketing, they rely on word-of-mouth to spread the word. When you create something that works and doesn’t break the bank, people do talk about it.
What Are The Best The Ordinary Products?
Best Exfoliant For Dry Skin: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (£13.00)
If your skin’s on the dry side as mine, you need The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution in your life. Glycolic acid dissolves the “glue” that holds skin cells together, so they can finally slough off. Once they do, your dull, rough complexion takes on a smooth, radiant glow. Plus, glycolic acid goes a step further: it hydrates skin to boot! Just don’t go overboard. Two or three times a week is more than enough. Anything more that and you may irritate your skin. (P.S. You’ve probably heard that glycolic acid boosts collagen. That’s true only at 10%> concentrations. 🙁 .)
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary and Ulta
Active ingredients: 7% Glycolic Acid.
Benefits: Exfoliates skin, brightens the complexion, and fades away dark spots.
Cons: May be irritating if used too often.
Skin type: Dry skin and dark spots.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Related: Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Full Review
If you’re worrying about doing The Ordinary wrong, get your butt on this The Ordinary speed training (affiliate link). It’s by my scientist friend Cheryl Woodman and in it she’s teaching you how to use The Ordinary to get makeupless skin you love.
Best For Preventing Wrinkles: The Ordinary EUK 0.1% (£6.90)
When it comes to antioxidants, the more the merrier. So why am I recommending a product that has only ONE antioxidant? Cos EUK-134™, a mimetic of superoxide dismutase and catalase, is one of the most powerful yet less used antioxidants out there. I dare you find it anywhere else, it’s almost impossible. So what does The Ordinary EUK 0.1% do? It destroys superoxide free radicals, the worst type of wrinkle-causing free radicals out there. Just don’t use it together with other acids, including vitamin C. Acids completely destroy EUK!
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, and The Ordinary
Active ingredients: 0.1% EUK.
Benefits: Prevents premature aging.
Cons: Contains only one antioxidant.
Skin type: All skin types.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Related: Is Superoxide Dismutase The Most Powerful Antioxidant Of All?
Not sure how to layer all these products or even if you can use them together? Download your FREE “How To Layer Actives Like A Pro” cheatsheet to find out how to make the most of your skincare routine:
Best For Dark Spots: The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% (£12.20)
Tired of using Vitamin C serums that don’t work to get rid of dark spots and hyperpigmentation? Ascorbic Acid is a powerful form of Vitamin C that brightens your skin tone (and prevents wrinkles), but there’s only so much it can do alone. The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% paired it with Alpha Arbutin, one of the most powerful skin-lighteners out there. Alpha Arbutin inhibits the excess production of melanin in its tracks, helping skin go back to its natural colour. Together, they help fade away any type of hyperpigmentation.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta
Active ingredients: 8% Ascorbic Acid + 2% Alpha Arbutin.
Benefits: Brightens skin and fades away dark spots.
Cons: Vitamin C works better with other antioxidant, but they’re not here.
Skin type: Anyone who wants to get rid of dark spots.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Related: Battle Of The Skin-Lighteners: Which Is The Best Alternative To Hydroquinone?
Best For Anti-Aging: Retinol 1% In Squalane (£7.90)
Retinol is still the gold standard for anti-aging. This form of Vitamin A fights free radicals before they give you wrinkles, boosts collagen to firm skin, and speeds up cellular turnover to fade away dark spots and treat acne. The catch? Retinol can be drying and irritating. The moisturising Squalane base counteracts these side effects to an extent, but gives the serum an oily texture that takes a few minutes to absorb. Still, 1% retinol is only for people who built tolerance to it over the years. If you’re new, start with the 0.2% version, then move onto the 0.5% version, and finally to this.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, SpaceNK, and The Ordinary
Active ingredients: 1% retinol and Squalane.
Benefits: Fights wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.
Cons: 1% retinol can be drying and irritating.
Skin type: Best for dry skin, but all skin types bar sensitive can use it.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Best For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6.00)
A lightweight treatment for blemish prone skin. Niacinamide is the jolly of the skincare world: it hydrates skin without adding more oil to it; it helps treat acne and soothe the redness that comes along with it; and even fades away the dark spots pimples sometimes leave behind. Zinc is an under-appreciated anti-acne active that soaks up excess sebum and regulates its production. Together, they create a smooth, matte finish that lasts for a few hours, keep your makeup from melting during the day, and keep breakouts at bay. The catch? Anything that absorbs excess sebum is drying. It’s ok for oily skin, but other skin types will find it too drying.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, Ulta
Active ingredients: 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc.
Benefits: Absorbs excess oil and treats acne.
Cons: Too drying if your skin doesn’t produce excess sebum.
Skin type: Oily and acne-prone skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Best For Blackheads And Acne: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution ($6.50)
I don’t care what your skin type is, if you’re dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples, you need salicylic acid in your skincare routine. This oil-soluble exfoliant penetrates deep into your pores to unclog them from within. Plus, it removes dead cells from the surface of your skin, so they don’t get stuck in your pores and cause breakouts. The lightweight texture is a little foamy, but absorbs quickly and keeps your skin clear from blemishes. Is it worth the trade-off?
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, The Ordinary and Ulta
Active ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid.
Benefits: Exfoliates skin and gets rid of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Cons: Texture is a little foamy.
Skin type: Best for oily, acne-prone skin, but anyone who is dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples should use it.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Best For Hydration: The Ordinary Hyaluronic 2% + B5 ($8.90)
Hyaluronic acid is a godsend for all skin types. It attracts and binds up to 1000 times its weight in water, drenching skin without moisture – without adding more oil to skin or irritating it. This serum contains two forms of hyaluronic acid to hydrate every layer of skin, plus B5 (panthenol), a hydration with soothing properties that can calm down redness and irritation. The texture’s thick and takes a while to absorb, but if you’re cool with that, you’ll love the results. Whether your skin’s dry, riddled with acne, or feeling sensitive, this can make it softer, smoother, and healthier.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta
Active ingredients: 2% Hyaluronic Acid + B5
Benefits: Deeply hydrates skin.
Cons: Texture is thick.
Skin type: All skin types.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Best Exfoliant For Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA ($8.90)
Is your skin so sensitive, exfoliation usually irritates it? Try Lactic Acid. The smallest member of the exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy Acid family, Lactic Acid removes dead cells from the surface of your skin to uncover a smoother and brighter complexion. While it’s at it, it also hydrates skin. All this, without irritating sensitive skin. If 10% is a bit too harsh, opt for the 5% version. Whichever one you pick, use it only a couple of nights a week, straight after cleansing.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta
Active ingredients: 10% Lactic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid.
Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens, and hydrates skin.
Cons: Takes longer to work than other exfoliants.
Skin type: Sensitive skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Best For Supplementation: The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% ($10.00)
Are you using a Vitamin C serum without ferulic acid (like all those from The Ordinary)? Studies show that ferulic acid boosts the effectiveness of Vitamin C. Together, they protect skin from free radicals and boost photo protection. Plus, Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant that fights free types of free radicals. This serum also includes resveratrol, another antioxidant from grapes that fights free radicals and reduces the inflammation from UV rays. The oily texture takes a few minutes to absorb, but if your Vitamin C serum lacks ferulic acid, this is still a great way to supercharge it without spending a fortune.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta
Active ingredients: 3% ferulic acid and 3% resveratrol.
Benefits: Fights free radicals, prevents wrinkles, and boosts photoprotection.
Cons: Texture is oily and takes a little to absorb.
Skin type: All skin types.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Best For Sun Protection: The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 With Antioxidants (£9.60)
An everyday sunscreen that uses mineral filters (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide) to provide broad spectrum protection without irritating sensitive skin. Plus, the formula is enriched with antioxidants (a rare feat for a sunscreen!) that neutralises the free radicals that cause premature wrinkles. Did I mention it’s also very hydrating? It features hyaluronic acid and amino acids to deeply hydrate skin. The catch? The sunscreen leaves a greyish cast on skin, but it disappears after a few minutes.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, and The Ordinary
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, and antioxidants.
Benefits: Provides broad spectrum sun protection and prevents premature aging.
Cons: Leaves a greyish cast behind.
Skin type: Dry and sensitive skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Best For Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ($11.10)
Want to get rid of acne and/or dark spots, but everything you put on your sensitive skin irritates it? Get yourself some azelaic acid. Produced by an yeast that naturally leaves on your skin, it has mild exfoliating properties that help fade away dark spots and treat acne. Plus, it also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and irritations. Oh, did I mention it also gets rid of bumps on your skin? When everything else fails, you can count on azelaic acid to do the job. The texture’s smooth, if on the thicker side.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, The Ordinary and Ulta
Active ingredients: 10% Azelaic acid.
Benefits: Treats acne and fades away dark spots.
Cons: Thick texture.
Skin type: All skin types, but especially sensitive.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
What Are The Best The Ordinary Products For Wrinkles?
- The Ordinary EUK 0.1% (£6.90): EUK-134™ mimics superoxide dismutase and catalase, one of the most powerful yet less used antioxidants out there. It destroys superoxide free radicals, the worst type of wrinkle-causing free radical. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, and The Ordinary.
- Retinol 1% In Squalane (£7.90): A high strength retinol serum in an oily and moisturising base to reduce the wrinkles you already have and prevent new ones from forming. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, SpaceNK, and The Ordinary.
- The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% ($10.00): This serum contains two powerful antioxidants that prevent wrinkles. It’s best used to supplement a Vitamin C serum that doesn’t contain antioxidants. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta.
What Are The Best The Ordinary Products For Acne?
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6.00): Too drying for any other skin type, this solution is a godsend for oily and acne-prone skin. It absorbs excess oil and helps acne fade away faster. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, Ulta.
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution ($6.50): This oil-soluble exfoliant removes dead cells and unclogs pores to treat and prevent blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, The Ordinary and Ulta.
- The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ($11.10): A gentle treatment for acne that even sensitive skin to tolerate. Plus, it also fades away dark spots. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, The Ordinary and Ulta.
What Are The Best The Ordinary Products For Dark Spots?
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (£13.00): Out of all the exfoliating acids, Glycolic Acid is the best for fading away dark spots and brighten skin. Best suitable for dry skin. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary and Ulta.
- The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% (£12.20): Ascorbic Acid is the pure form of antioxidant Vitamin C, which brightens the complexion. Alpha Arbutin a powerful skin-lightener that inhibits melanin production. Together, they fade away all kinds of dark spots. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta.
- The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ($11.10): A gentle treatment that fades away dark spots without irritating skin. It also doubles up as an acne-treatment. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, The Ordinary and Ulta.
What Are The Best The Ordinary Products For Sensitive Skin?
- The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA ($8.90): The gentlest exfoliant for sensitive skin, it removes dead cells and hydrates skin to boot. It works more slowly than other exfoliants, but still give you softer and brighter skin. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta.
- The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ($11.10): A gentle treatment for dark spots and acne. It does the job without irritating skin. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, The Ordinary and Ulta.
Is The Ordinary Cruelty-Free?
Yes, The Ordinary is cruelty-free. They don’t test on animals, either in their own labs or through third-parties. I wish all brands did the same
The Pros Of The Ordinary Skincare
The Ordinary gives you actives that work at an affordable price that doesn’t break the bank. Before it made its debut on the skincare aisle, you’d have to pay premium prices to get your hands on high concentration of retinol, Alpha Arbutin, L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and other workhorses of skincare that really have what it takes to fade away wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. Now, you can get them for the price of a couple of coffees. Thanks, The Ordinary!
The Cons Of The Ordinary Skincare
The Ordinary gives you actives that work – but only one per product. Take antioxidants, for example. There are so many you can use (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, resveratrol, ferulic acid, green tea…), but no one is better than the other. The more antioxidants you use, the better your skin will age. If you get one active per products, you’ll need several bottles – and a considerable amount of money – to give your skin everything it needs. The Ordinary is cheap, but when you run the numbers, buying a Vitamin C serum with other antioxidants may be cheaper than getting three or four bottles from The Ordinary. This is why I think of The Ordinary more like a supplement line. If there’s an ingredient I need I’m not using already, I can get it from The Ordinary.
The Verdict
If you’re on a budget and are looking for effective skincare products that really have what it takes to minimise wrinkles, fade away dark spots, and treat acne, The Ordinary has got you covered. Just be aware that, with one active per product, you may need several bottles to give your skin everything it needs. Invest wisely.
I would also add the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for complexion clearing as that is straight up a miracle in a bottle!
xx
http://www.thedecemberdame.com
Diana, that’s another great product too! It was so tough to limit myself to 5. 😉
Hi Gino, I have been reading all your posts about the ordinary products, you are sooo helpful!
I am 35 years old, my issues are oily skin, hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation, as well as some little signs of aging. I never know which To treat first. I am in Toronto and want to buy every product available at the ordinary store ?
My AM routine is:
– cleansing
– salicylic acid all over face if breaking out, otherwise just as a spot treatment for stubborn pimples
– buffet + copper if I used glycolic acid toner the night before
– niacinamide
– alpha arbutin + AH
– caffeine solution on eye area
PM routine
-double cleanse
Alternate between these 2 options:
– glycolic acid toner
– buffet + copper
– alpha arbutin + AH
– caffeine solution on eye area
Or
-salicylic acid all over the face if breaking out
-niacinamide + zinc
– caffeine solution on eye area
I want to use a Retinoid but feel confused, as their site says the emulsion is not safe for acne prone skin and the oil serums sound scary for acne too. Am I being silly here? Which Retinoid would you recommend? I also want to try vitamin c, but there are so many options, I don’t know which to buy. Also thought of buying rosehip oil, as a last step.
How would you recommend I organize and alternate these products into my routine?
Thank you so much for your dedication on your blog! It is the most concise and honest about skin care I have read in a long time ?
Sabrina, first off get rid of the glycolic acid toner. Glycolic acid has antiaging properties only at 10% concentrations. If your skin’s oily, you’re much better using salicylic acid all over your face once a day, either morning or night.
The rest of your skincare routine is fine. The Granactive Retinoid Emulsion is perfectly fine for acne. I think TO simply mentions that it’s not a treatment for acne, not that’s not suitable for acne prone skin. Retinoids can’t kill the bacteria that causes acne, they can only speed up the skin’s natural exfoliation process so the bacteria doesn’t have that many dead cells to feed on.
I personally don’t like the vitamin C products from The Ordinary because they all lack vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. When these 3 antioxidants are used together, they work better and faster. But if you want to get your vitamin C fix from TO, MAP 10% is the best for your skin type.
As for rosehip, does your skin feel tight and dry during the day? Oils are moisturisers so if you don’t need more moisture, no need to use them.
Hi Geo! I have problems with freckles and acne scars on my face. Currently my skincare routine :
AM:
Gel watery cleanser , Hydrating Toner , Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% + Alpha Arbutin 2% + AHA , Moisturizer , Sunscreen 50 SPF
PM
Double cleansing , Glycolic Acid Toning, Hydrating Toner , Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% + Alpha Arbutin 2% + AHA and Moisturizer
Is my skin routine is enough to fade my acne scars and freckles? My concern is to get rid all my freckles and acne scars faster. Do I need to add any product lines or/and do you have any recommendation which product lines (prefer The Ordinary) that can give fast result?
Thank you from Malaysia!
XOXO
Nadh, I understand you want to get rid of acne scars and freckles quickly but doing too much can have the opposite effect and damage my skin. Azelaic acid and alpha Arbutin are both good ingredients to fade away freckles but you shouldn’t use them at the same time. Pick one, using it for a month and see how it works. Then, use the other one for a month and compare results.
As for acne scars, I’m afraid to say that NO topical product can get rid of them. You need to see a dermatologist for laser or whatever other treatment she recommends.
Hi! I actually made myself a spreadsheet based on your guide for ageing, acne-prone skin. ?I’m trying to work out which products I need and when to use them. If I use The Ordinary Cos EUK as my anti-oxidant, do I need to use other anti-oxidants too? Vitamin C on alternating nights maybe? I’m thinking I’ll use it at night with the retinol to avoid using it with acids? Or will a 30 minute wait period between that and CosRX BHA liquid in the morning be ok? Also, is the Niacinamide in the CosRX BHA liquid enough for the morning?
Natacha, love the spreadsheet idea! 🙂 To answer your questions:
1/2. EUK is a great product but you should never rely on one antioxidant alone. You can definitely alternate it with vitamin C at night.
3/4. Yes, using it at night with retinol is fine. But apply your vitamin C in the morning or, if you want to use it at night, on days you don’t use retinol or you may risk irritating your skin.
5. Yes it is.
Hi Geo!
I’m 30 in May and haven’t got the best of genes anyway (thanks mum) despite drinking a lot of water and never smoking/rarely drinking. Since moving to Qatar in August I’ve developed an extremely oily T-Zone. I always had an oily/combination T-Zone but this has now got out of hand and have now an outbreak of pimples all across my forehead, larger spots across my jaw line and temple areas. I read reviews about The Ordinary and did quite a bit of research myself on products for oily skin/open pores and so decided to buy the following:
Glycolic acid toner 7%
Pixi Glow Tonic Glycolic acid 5% toner
Caffeine 5%
Hyaluronic Acid 2%
Niacinamide 10%
Azelaic acid suspension 10%
Matrixyl 10%
100% plant based Squalane
Granactive Retinoid 2% emulsion
Aha 30% peeling solution
So far I have the following regime:
Am
Cleanse with oil-free Cetaphil face wash
Pixi glow tonic
Caffeine & Matrixyl combo on eye area
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid
Azelaic acid as moisturiser
Mineral sunscreen SPF30
PM
Double cleanse (Nivea cleanser and toner with pads then oil-free Cetaphil face wash)
Glycolic acid 7% toner
Caffeine & Matrixyl on eye area
Niacinamide
Matrixyl
Squalane
I have read quite a few advice blogs but am still slightly confused about what days to use the acid-based products vs the Granactive Retinoid emulsion so am yet to use the Retinoid yet (or the AHA 30% peeling solution). As I’m new to the products I don’t want to overload my skin but equally need some help as I have never had a problem with my skin. Can I use the retinoid emulsion the same evening I use the Glycolic acid toner?!
Also there have been some who advise to pat on products and others who advise to rub them in? Or should I pat in serums and rub in oils/moisturisers? I have only been rubbing in all products since starting to use The Ordinary about a week ago, apart from toners which I use pads to wipe across my face, and I still have a very oily T-zone when I wake up…
Thank you so much for your help and apologies for the life story!!
Hi Stacey, I hear ya, oily skin can be annoying!
First of all, stop using The Ordinary Glycolic acid and Pixi Glow. You’re just giving your skin a double dose of glycolic acid, which is does NOT need. Instead, what you need to get rid of the shine and breakouts is salicylic acid. Use them after cleansing in the morning and the breakouts will soon disappear.
Use Granactive Retinoid 3 nights a week. On nights that you don’t use it, you may use salicylic acid again. If you don’t have active acne, you can just skip this layer.
The other thing I’d recommend, if possible, is to reduce the number of products you’re using as too many layers could make skin shinier and clog pores. If you’re not comfortable with this, try adding salicylic acid to the mix and see if it helps. If it works, but not as well as you should, consider cutting off some layers of your routine.
It’s always best to pat on products whenever possible. If you must rub, be super gentle so as not to irritate skin.
Gio, What do you think of the Witch Hazel in the Ordinary Salicylic Acid product? Currently I use Paula’s Choice BHA liquid for my oily acne prone skin and was planning to try this but I read that Witch Hazel is an irritant. Which BHA products do you recommend?
GEO55, the problem with witch hazel is that it has both anti-inflammatory compounds and irritating compounds! It’s a plant made up of everything and whether it’s good for skin depends on how it was distillated/extract. I’ve personally used The Ordinary Salicylic Acid product but if it bothers you go with Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid instead.
Could I use the Salicydic Acid only on the nose and chin for the blackheads and oil control and the glycolic acid in the rest of the face that is dry? Or better to find a product that have both together?
Elisa, both options work. It just depends on whether you’d like to use one or two products.
Is it better the Ordinary NATURAL MOISTURISING FACTORS + HA or the Paula’s choice OMEGA+ COMPLEX SERUM?
Elisa, what’s your skin type? The Ordinary is better for oily skin and Paula’s Choice for dry skin.
Hi! I’m looking the best “The Ordinary” products to combat these problems:
1. Blackheads and open pores on my nose and chin, and in ocassions some pimples too.
2. Dry skin on my cheeks with rosacea
3. I’m 34 years old, and I have firts wrinkle signs near my eyes and on my forehead, so I’m looking for an option to take care of this
🙂
Rosy, try salicylic acid for pores and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 followed by Natural Moisturizing Factors for dry skin.
Hi Gio,
I really need help as iam so lost in which product to choose & how will it affect my skin.
Iam 35 and never used any anti aging products ever.
I am an asian lwith combination skin.
my skin has started sagging and looks dull with acne marks ,black and white heads all over the face.
I have read your reviews on ordinary products. could you pls guide me which ones are suitable for my skin?
my eyelid skin has started getting loose as well.
Pls pls help and reply.
I have selected below products for purchase keeping in view your reviews but just a question
shoul di include vitamin C dunk elephant with all these products?
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Concentrated Serum 30ml
The Ordinary 100% Cold Pressed Virgin Marula Oil 30ml
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA 30ml
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% High Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula 30ml
Neena, you can use Drunk Elephant Vitamin C followed by Nacinamide + Zinc and Natural Moisturising Factors in the AM and Alpha Arbutn follows by Marula oil in the evening.
Hi! Recently, I got interested in The Ordinary products and have been dying to try it. I rarely get acne problem (except when PMS), but I have oily skin and also want to start taking care of my fine lines as I think it got more visible now. What would be your recommended routine using The Ordinary products?
Hi Irene, creating a skincare routine is a service I charge for. You can book your consultation here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/skincare-consultation/