As we age, we become more cognizant of the necessity to add products to our skincare routine to not only minimize wrinkles, but prevent them from happening in the first place. Skincare brand The Ordinary has a range of products that do exactly that.
These are some of the best The Ordinary products for wrinkles and other signs of aging.
The Best The Ordinary Products for Wrinkles
Best Vitamin C Serum
Best The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum for Wrinkles
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
This serum contains a potent concentration of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which brightens and evens out overall skin tone while fighting the signs of aging.
If you’re looking to reduce and prevent the signs of aging, vitamin C is a must in your skincare routine. This antioxidant-rich vitamin has been shown to promote the production of collagen to fight fine lines and wrinkles, and also fade hyperpigmentation[1]. The high concentration of vitamin C in this serum makes it one of the best The Ordinary products for wrinkles.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
In addition to vitamin C, this product contains sodium hyaluronate (the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid), which increases moisture in the skin.
Best Peptide Serum
Best The Ordinary Peptide Serum for Wrinkles
The Ordinary “Buffet”
“Buffet” is a multi-purpose serum that combines a variety of peptide complexes, amino acids, and hyaluronic acids to address signs of aging.
Peptides are excellent for reducing wrinkles, improving the skin’s barrier, and promoting skin elasticity[2]. This gel-like serum from The Ordinary pulls out all the stops with six peptide complexes for potent anti-aging benefits.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
In addition to the peptide complexes, this serum contains 11 amino acids that help increase the skin’s hydration and further fight the signs of aging. It also contains multiple hyaluronic acid complexes, which attract moisture to the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines[3].
Best Mid-Strength Retinoid
Best The Ordinary Mid-Strength Retinoid for Wrinkles
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
This cult-favorite is one of the best The Ordinary products for wrinkles and fine lines. The unique formula offers the benefits of traditional retinol without the irritation often associated with it.
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) are well-known for preventing and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging[4]. This serum is excellent for those who are new or are sensitive to traditional retinoids, thanks to its next-generation retinoid actives that are less likely to cause irritation.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Lightweight
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Those with retinoid experience may prefer a stronger product
This product contains granactive retinoid, a complex of solubilized hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR). This form of retinoid offers anti-aging benefits without the irritation associated with retinol (which is also a vitamin A derivative). It also contains retinol that comes in a protective capsule to further prevent irritation, boost anti-aging benefits, and support the granactive retinoid.
Best High-Strength Retinoid
Best The Ordinary High-Strength Retinoid
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
This product is the highest-strength retinoid serum from The Ordinary, and the brand’s answer to more traditional retinol products. It’s excellent for preventing and minimizing the signs of aging.
Retinol is the gold-standard for minimizing wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation[4]. Those who are experienced with retinoid products may prefer the Retinol 1% in Squalane over the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, as it is more potent. However, with the higher strength comes a higher risk of irritation, so it is best suited for those who’ve used retinoid products in their routine.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- High likelihood of irritation, especially as skin adapts to the product
This serum contains squalane and jojoba oil, two ingredients that hydrate and soothe the skin. They may help minimize the irritation caused by the retinol.
Best Exfoliator
Best The Ordinary Exfoliator for Wrinkles
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
This chemical exfoliator has an effective concentration of glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that works to reveal smooth, even skin.
Glycolic acid works on the surface of the skin, exfoliating dead skin cells and debris to reveal more even and smoother skin. It has been shown to reduce the signs of aging (including wrinkles and sun spots) and minimize texture[5].
Pros
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
This chemical exfoliator also contains Tasmanian pepperberry, which helps reduce irritation, as well as aloe vera and ginseng, which soothe the skin.
Best Eye Serum
Best The Ordinary Eye Serum for Wrinkles and Fine Lines
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
This eye serum is one of the best The Ordinary products for wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness around the eyes,
This eye serum contains epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves. EGCG is high in antioxidants and can help increase skin hydration and decrease wrinkle formation[6].
Pros
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about the slightly greasy texture
Two other incredibly common eye concerns are dark circles and puffiness. In addition to fighting wrinkles, this serum can de-puff and minimize the appearance of dark circles, thanks to the high concentration of caffeine[7].
Best Peel
Best The Ordinary Peel for Wrinkles
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
This peeling solution is one of the best The Ordinary products for fighting the signs of aging and revealing smooth, even skin.
This peel offers a wide range of benefits. The high concentration of alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid) helps to exfoliate the top layer of the skin to reduce the signs of aging while also improving texture and minimizing hyperpigmentation[5]. BHA also unclogs the pores to maintain a clear complexion.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- High probability of irritation (best used by those experienced with acids)
This peel contains ingredients to help counteract irritation, including Tasmanian pepperberry and vitamin B5. However, this peel is still very strong for an over-the-counter product, and is best suited for those who already have experience using chemical exfoliators in their routine.
Best Face Oil
Best The Ordinary Face Oil Blend for Wrinkles
The Ordinary “B” Oil
“B” Oil contains a blend of face oils that offer a wide variety of benefits for the skin, including fighting the signs of aging and providing antioxidant protection.
This oil is excellent for anyone who wants a multipurpose oil that helps hydrate and nourish the skin. Some of the key oils include jojoba, rose hip seed, argan, borage seed, and marula. These oils boost hydration, repair the skin’s barrier, fight inflammation, boost elasticity, and provide antioxidant support, making it one of the best The Ordinary products for wrinkles and overall skin health[8].
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Not suitable for those with nut allergies
- Some reviewers complain about the greasy texture
In addition to the oils, this product contains squalane and micro-algae extract. Squalane helps further hydrate the skin, while micro-algae extract soothes and reduces redness.
FAQs
Are The Ordinary products good for mature skin?
Yes, The Ordinary has a variety of products that are excellent for mature skin, from nourishing and hydrating oils like the “B” Oil to more active treatments like the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion.
Which The Ordinary product is best for fine lines?
While it is hard to narrow down to just one product, some of the most effective The Ordinary products for fine lines include the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, the Retinol 1% in Squalane, the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, and the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.
Why is The Ordinary so cheap?
The Ordinary is one of the most affordable skincare brands available, largely due to the fact that the company takes a “no frills” approach to its products. The packaging and marketing is simple, and there aren’t any unnecessary filler or “luxury” ingredients – just straightforward, science-backed ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Those who would like to address aging concerns can easily build an effective skincare routine including some of the best The Ordinary products for wrinkles. As you create your routine, if you don’t already have one, remember to also include an effective sunscreen for protection and prevention.