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A simple guide to The Ordinary, including what our beauty team recommend

the ordinary review
A 1:1 guide with The OrdinaryThe Ordinary.

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 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.

Thanks to its cheaper than chips price point, the brand has won a legion of fans including many celeb followers. But if you're not au fait with The Ordinary just yet, discover our top skincare picks and read our beginners guide on everything you need to know about The Ordinary.


The best products from The Ordinary

Depending on your skin type, the products that'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 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 £12.40 without compromising on the hard-working ingredients: it incorporates a four peptide complex to support fuller brows and lashes.

2. 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.

3. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

The ultimate hydrating molecule, HA is praised for its ability to retain over 1,000 times its weight in water within the cells of the skin. Think of it as your skin's ultimate thirst quencher. It's also a winner for sensitive skin types.

4. 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.

5. 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.


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.

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After dark, try the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane for hydration without clogged pores, then top with your Natural Moisturising Factors + HA once more.

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.

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.


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.


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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