Your 1:1 guide on what to buy from The Ordinary, depending on your skin type
You've probably heard a lot about The Ordinary. A true industry rebel, this accessible skincare brand found fame by taking previously pricey ingredients – from rosehip to retinol – stripping away all the fancy frills and delivering effective formulas without the triple-figure price tags.
The brand launched in 2016 with candid descriptions, simple packaging and tangible results that have made it an overnight success. Fast forward to today, and they're still the G.O.A.T for affordable, science-backed skincare products that value results over the luxury trimmings, with the likes of Q+A and The Inkey List following the same trail that The Ordinary blazed.
The Ordinary: Slowvember Black Friday sale
As for the price tags, The Ordinary is famously known for keeping them pleasingly small all year around. But as the brand's take on the popular shopping event, Black Friday, the brand marks every. single. product. down by 23%. Yep, it's specific but we aren't complaining.
In a typically rebellious style, The Ordinary encourages us to shop slowly and thoughtfully in the midst of all the Black Friday mayhem. Named as 'Slowvember', it gives us the time to put thought and consideration into each purchase, without succumbing to the wasteful impulse buys. 'Slowvember' ends on the 6th December, so use this time wisely.
The best products from The Ordinary
Depending on your skin type, the products that you'll want to incorporate into your routine will differ. So to cut any confusion, here's a breakdown of some of the best products from The Ordinary that will satisfy your needs.
1. The Ordinary, Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum
This is The Ordinary's first leap into the body care market and it was a leap worth waiting for. The powerhouse ingredient in this serum, salicylic acid, chemically exfoliates the skin working to remove dead skin cells, smooth texture and KP bumps, and fade discolouration. It's the perfect solution for anyone with acne-prone skin, with pimples popping up on their back and body, or as a treatment to introduce into your summer routine to promote a bright and clear complexion.
Read our full review here.
Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum
2. The Ordinary, Natural Moisturising Factors + Inulin Body Lotion
If you like your body lotions packed with fragrance and presented in shelf-worthy packaging, this isn't for you. The Natural Moisturising Factors + Inulin Body Lotion is a simple, faff-free and fragrance-free formula that's designed for the driest of skin types. The texture is silky and thin, but it packs a punch. Urea and amino acids draw moisture towards the skin to keep it hydrated and supple. Buy in bulk, trust us.
Read our full review here.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion
3. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash & Brow Serum
The viral Lash & Brow serum proves you don't have to drop big bank to grow longer, fuller-looking lashes and brows. Most serums come with a three-figure price tag, but this simple formula comes at only £14.20 without compromising on the hard-working ingredients: it incorporates a four peptide complex to support fuller brows and lashes.
Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
4. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
A wonder product for tackling dark circles, this can be used both AM and PM before all other skincare products. Simply pat a few drops along the eye contour to help diminish panda eyes.
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
5. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Did you know that your body produces squalane? But as we age, the amount we make naturally starts to diminish, which is why using it topically can help to keep your skin soft and healthy. The Ordinary sources its squalane from plants, meaning it's vegan-friendly, too. It's best applied after your water-based treatment, such as hyaluronic acid.
100% Plant-Derived Squalane
6. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Using a gentle toning solution in your everyday routine is a simple yet effective way to boost your skin's clarity while helping to balance tone. As the delicate exfoliating acids in this solution slough away dead skin cells, a brighter and unified complexion will appear over time.
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
7. The Ordinary, Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm
It's official: chapped lips season is here but, luckily, The Ordinary has absolutely nailed it with this formula. It's packed with squalane and amino acids to flood the lips with hydration, while also acting as a barrier to keep moisture locked in. Plus, the clear gloss leaves a pretty shine to the lips.
Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm
8. The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
Our beauty writer is a huge fan of The Ordinary's Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: "The biggest improvement is in my skin tone. I’m not rosacea-prone, but since using the serum, my complexion is far more unified and the tomato-toned areas on my cheeks are no longer. I’m also a spot picker, and usually, scars will take a few months to fade entirely, but the serum sped up this whole process."
Read her full review here.
Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
9. 100% Fermented Rose Hip Seed Oil
This is the brand's newest product to join the crew, and it's a wonderful investment if you have sensitive skin or are suffering from post-retinol irritation. Fermented rose hip oil helps to calm redness and irritation, while offering antioxidant support to protect the skin. It's a lovely last step to introduce in your skincare routine; simply dab on after your moisturiser and allow the formula to soak in.
100% Fermented Rose Hip Seed Oil
The Ordinary skincare routine for every skin type
The Ordinary's skincare directory is stellar and, with many science-y names to navigate, finding what works for you can be quite the challenge. To make the task easier, we've compiled the perfect skincare routine for each skin type.
The Ordinary routine for sensitive skin
In the morning, cleanse with the Glycolipid Cream Face Cleanser, before reaching for the moisture-binding Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 . Lastly, follow up with the Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, which is essentially a fancy name for a great no-nonsense moisturiser.
After dark, try the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane for hydration without clogged pores, then top with your Natural Moisturising Factors + HA once more.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
WAS £5.00, NOW £3.85
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
WAS £6.10 NOW £4.70
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
100% Plant-Derived Squalane
£8.90
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil
£4.20
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
£11.10
The Ordinary routine for dry skin
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a perfect choice for dry skin in the morning. This wonder ingredient can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water, meaning it delivers heavy-duty hydration without making skin feeling suffocated. Next, double your hydration with Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, which seals all the good stuff into the skin’s surface.
Come evening, repeat your morning routine, but sandwich a layer of 100% Plant-Derived Squalane between your serum and moisturiser. For a brightening once-a-week treatment, apply AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, which works by exfoliating the skin's topmost layer for a brighter appearance.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
£7.90
100% Plant-Derived Squalane
WAS £9.90 NOW £7.62
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
£5.00
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
WAS £8.90 NOW £6.85
100% Plant-Derived Squalane
The Ordinary
Cultbeauty.co.uk
£5.50
100% Plant-Derived Squalane
£8.90
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
£8.40
The Ordinary routine for acne
One of the best ordinary products for acne is the Salicylic Acid Masque, which contains a beta hydroxy acid alongside witch hazel to unclog pores and clear up blemishes. Use it in the morning in conjunction with Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, which regulates sebum production to keep your complexion in balance.
For the evening, the Aloe 2% + Nag 2% Solution can work wonders on fading acne marks and pigmentation. Apply this before loading on a mega-hydrating moisturiser to prevent dry spells.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
WAS £5.00 NOW £3.85
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
£4.20
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
WAS £12.90 NOW £9.93
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
£11.80
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
£12.90
Retinol 1% in Squalane
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
£9.90
Retinol 1% in Squalane
£6.90
Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
£20.00
Retinol 1% in Squalane
£5.80
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
The Ordinary routine for oily skin
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is your secret weapon when it comes to regulating sebum production. Slather it on in the morning, then seal with Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan.
Come evening, start your routine with a thorough cleanse using the Glycolipid Cream Cleanser. Then, try the Salicylic Acid Masque to clear any breakouts, and top with Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1, to finish.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
£5.00
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
WAS £25.10 NOW £19.33
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan
£12.00
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
WAS £11.10 NOW £8.55
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
£5.00
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
£11.80
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
£11.10
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Why is The Ordinary so affordable?
The cheap prices were made possible by the brand's savvy, disruptive business model. There's no fancy packaging, and the business doesn't spend money on the celebrity marketing campaigns or pricy telly ads that typically drive up the cost of beauty products, meaning that savings can be passed onto the consumer.
What are all The Ordinary products for?
Here's a quick crash course on some of the most well-known (yet easily confusing) skincare terms you should have on your radar before checking out.
Hydrators & Oils
Think of your classic humectant such as hyaluronic acid, which has a plumping effect on the skin, as well as cold-pressed oils that provide vital fatty acids such as omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 along with other phytonutrients.
Retinols & Retinoids
A derivative of vitamin A, retinol increases cell turnover – your skin’s natural renewal process – and triggers the production of collagen and elastin (two proteins responsible for your skin’s firmness and plumpness) while even regulating oil production.
Antioxidants
These clever skincare ingredients work by preventing and reducing damage to skin cells by neutralising free radicals: atoms (found in pollution and UV rays) that have lost an electron, making them unstable and able to damage skin cells that get in their way.
Acids
It sounds daunting to cover your face in acids, but they are wonderful ingredients that are proven to fade pigmentation and treat acne. You can find the full spectrum in The Ordinary's line-up, from glycolic to lactic and the spot-clearing salicylic.
Peptides
Your body naturally produces peptides – which are responsible for your skin’s natural resilience and strength – but, as with everything that seems to keep skin glowing, this production process is constantly under attack from stress or environmental causes. Adding peptides into your skincare routine is an easy way to up your levels.
What you should know before buying from The Ordinary
It's a great idea to start taking care of your skin from an early age, but it's also important to keep things simple. And, famously, The Ordinary is known for its straight-from-the-lab product names that can be challenging to understand.
Consultant Dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto says she’s noticing an increase of younger patients becoming more interested in using skincare ingredients to target ageing concerns. ‘This is a result of increased access to information, pressures to look good placed, social media and filters, selfie and celeb culture', she adds.
With such an affordable price tag, it can be tempting to stock up on as many bottles as possible. However overloading your skin can actually cause more harm than good — so it's important you keep things simple and avoid too much mixing. Use this edit to purchase the products you need for your skin type, and nothing else.
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