The Ordinary is a brand that has taken the skincare world by storm, due to its effective, science-backed, and super budget-friendly products. The brand offers a lot of options, but we’ve listed out some of the most-loved and absolute best The Ordinary products for all skin concerns and types. 

The Best The Ordinary Products for All Skin Concerns

Best for Acne, Redness, and Oily Skin

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Best The Ordinary Serum for Acne, Redness, and Oily Skin

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This multi-tasking product helps minimize blemishes and congestion while reducing redness and regulating the production of sebum.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Controlling Sebum Production and Promoting an Even Skin Tone
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, apply the serum to the face. Follow up with a moisturizer.
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Niacinamide is an excellent skincare ingredient that has been shown to control sebum production, reduce redness and inflammation, minimize fine lines, and even reduce hyperpigmentation[1][2]. This product also contains zinc, which further balances sebum production and reduces inflammation[3].

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • May cause flushing in those sensitive to niacinamide (patch test prior to using)

This product is an excellent choice for acne-prone skin. However, those currently fighting acne will also want to introduce other acne-fighting ingredients into their routine, as niacinamide on its own is not an effective treatment for minimizing breakouts.

Best for Brightening and Anti-Aging

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

Best The Ordinary Serum for Brightening and Anti-Aging

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

This is one of the best The Ordinary products to add to your skincare routine, because it contains a potent concentration of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which brightens and evens out overall skin tone while fighting the signs of aging[4].

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Evening Skin Tone and Fighting the Signs of Aging
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, apply the product to the face, neck, and chest. Follow up with a moisturizer.
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Those looking to brighten their skin tone while also fighting against the signs of aging should turn to this product, which has the highest concentration of antioxidant-rich vitamin C of any of the products the brand offers. Since vitamin C has been shown to help with hyperpigmentation, this option is also great for those looking to even out dark spots[4]. In addition to vitamin C, this product contains sodium hyaluronate (the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid), which increases moisture in the skin.

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • May irritate sensitive skin

Since this product contains such a high percentage of vitamin C, some users may experience tingling as their skin adjusts, particularly if they’re newer to topical vitamin C.

Best for Acne, Hyperpigmentation, and Redness

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Best The Ordinary Serum for Acne, Hyperpigmentation, and Redness

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

This is another product from The Ordinary that hosts an impressive variety of benefits. Azelaic acid is a brightening skincare ingredient known for minimizing acne, lightening hyperpigmentation, and reducing redness.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Fighting Acne and Evening Skin Tone
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, apply the product to the face, neck, and chest. Follow up with a moisturizer.
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This product contains a 10% concentration of azelaic acid, a gentle exfoliator that has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties[5]. The lightweight gel-cream helps to improve and brighten skin tone, as well as unclog pores and reduce blemishes for clear, smooth skin.

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Lightweight
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Some reviewers note that this product can be drying

In addition to its ability to fight acne, azelaic acid is often used to treat rosacea to promote a more even skin tone.

Best for Anti-Aging

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Best The Ordinary Serum for Anti-Aging

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

This is a cult-favorite The Ordinary product, and one of the best for preventing and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without the irritation often associated with traditional retinol.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Anti-Aging
Tested on animals: No
How to use: At night, after cleansing, apply the product to the face, neck, and chest. Follow up with a moisturizer.
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The unique, next-generation retinoid actives in this serum makes it one of the best The Ordinary products for those who want to use a retinol but are worried about irritation. Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) are well-known for preventing and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

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 for Dark Circles and Puffiness

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Best The Ordinary Eye Serum for Dark Circles and Puffiness

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

This eye serum contains a high concentration of caffeine to reduce pigmentation and puffiness around the eyes.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Treating Dark Circles and Puffiness
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, gently tap the product around the eye contour. Use both morning and night.
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This is one of the best The Ordinary products for those looking to address two of the most common eye concerns: dark circles and puffiness. Caffeine has been shown to effectively reduce the appearance of dark circles and de-puff the eye area[6].

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Some reviewers complained about the slightly greasy texture

In addition to caffeine, this eye product contains epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves. EGCG is high in antioxidants and can help increase skin hydration and decrease wrinkle formation[7].

Best Chemical Exfoliator

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Best The Ordinary Chemical Exfoliator

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

This chemical exfoliator is one of the most-loved The Ordinary products, with an effective 7% concentration of glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA).

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Exfoliating
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, dispense the product onto a cotton round, and gently sweep across the face, neck, and chest.
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Regular exfoliation is necessary in order to maintain clear, smooth skin. This product contains an effective 7% concentration of glycolic acid, which has been shown to reduce the signs of aging (including wrinkles and sun spots) and minimize texture[8].

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 Peel

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Best The Ordinary Peel

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

This peeling solution is one of the best The Ordinary products, particularly for those looking for a high-strength but budget-friendly at-home peel.

Skin types: Normal to Oily Skin
Best for: Improving Skin Texture and Tone
Tested on animals: No
How to use: Cleanse the skin, and wait for it to fully dry. Once dry, apply the peel evenly over the face and neck. Leave on for up to 10 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water.
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This peel offers a range of benefits, thanks to a high concentration of alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid), as well as an effective concentration of beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid). The AHAs help to exfoliate the top layer of the skin to reduce the signs of aging, improve texture, and minimize hyperpigmentation, while BHA unclogs pores for 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 Hydrator for Acne-Prone and Oily Skin

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

Best The Ordinary Hydrator for Acne-Prone and Oily Skin

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

This squalane product looks, feels, and acts similarly to a light oil, but is actually oil-free. It is excellent for adding an extra boost of hydration to your skincare routine.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Lightweight Hydration
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing and applying serums, gently massage a few drops into the face, neck, and chest. Follow up with a moisturizer. This may also be used on top of a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
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This squalane hydrator is one of the best The Ordinary products for acne-prone skin, because it is non-comedogenic. Even those who aren’t prone to breakouts will benefit from extra hydration this gentle and lightweight plant-based product provides.

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Gentle

Cons

  • May not be hydrating enough for drier skin types

Squalene is naturally found in human sebum, which makes squalane (a derivative of squalene) well-tolerated by most. While this option is particularly great for those with normal to oily skin, all skin types can benefit from this gentle hydrator.

Best Oil for Normal to Dry Skin

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Best The Ordinary Oil for Normal to Dry Skin

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

This oil is cold-pressed in order to maintain the many benefits of rose hip seed oil. It helps to hydrate the skin while addressing aging concerns.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Hydration and Fighting Photo-Aging
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing and applying serums, gently massage a few drops into the face, neck, and chest. Follow up with a moisturizer. This may also be used on top of a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
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Rose hip seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and pro-vitamin A, which help to nourish the skin and target signs of photo-aging. Since this oil is cold-pressed (rather than exposed to heat), it maintains all of the beneficial properties of these components.

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Gentle

Cons

  • May not be suitable for acne-prone skin

In addition to its ability to hydrate and fight signs of photo-aging, rose hip seed oil has been shown to reduce the appearance of discoloration and scars on the skin[9].

FAQs

What is the best product from The Ordinary?

The Ordinary has a wide variety of products that serve different skin concerns. While the “best” product will differ from person to person, some favorites from the brand include the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, and the 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil.

Why is The Ordinary so cheap?

The Ordinary is able to remain so affordable due to the fact that the brand 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. 

What should I apply after The Ordinary peeling solution?

After using the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, you should avoid any products with actives that will irritate the skin, such as chemical exfoliators and retinoids. Instead, focus on soothing and hydrating products. Apply a good moisturizer, and consider layering an oil or hydrator, such as the 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil or the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane. 

The Bottom Line

The Ordinary has excellent products for dry skin, acne-prone skin, and everything in between. If you’re looking for budget-friendly options that work, consider adding some of the best The Ordinary products to your skincare routine.