the best the ordinary products

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

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.

The Ordinary Skincare Routine - Where to start with The Ordinary skincare

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?

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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.