Check out the 10 best-selling, highest rated products from The Ordinary. This list of the 10 best The Ordinary products (plus 4 runner ups) will help you decide which products are worth trying out for yourself.
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Recently, I have come across several people commenting about skin care products from The Ordinary. Most comments were raving about how effective this skin care line is, and at a fraction of the cost of other skin care brands.
I feel like I’ve been living under a rock, as I had never heard of The Ordinary up until about a month ago. So, naturally, being the skin care fanatic that I am, I decided I needed to learn more about the brand and find out which products were the best.
This list of the 10 best products from The Ordinary was formed by taking the best selling products and the highest rated products from both Sephora and Ulta and seeing which 10 showed up the most between both websites.
Table of Contents
What Is The Ordinary?
If you’ve been living under the rock that was next to mine, you might be wondering what The Ordinary is. It is kind of a strange name for a beauty brand.
The Ordinary is a brand from DECIEM, a company that was formed in 2013 and now has several beauty brands under its umbrella. They are proud to be known as “the abnormal beauty company” and create the products for all of their brands.
The Ordinary is a collection of skin care treatments that are priced very modestly. Their goal is to offer these clinical-quality, well-tested products to consumers at a fraction of the cost. They are huge on integrity and don’t disguise commonplace technologies used to to develop their products as “groundbreaking” to inflate the price.
It’s all about being honest, having integrity, and putting out effective products at a fair price.
Which Products From The Ordinary Should I Use?
Trying to figure out which products you should use from The Ordinary can be a bit confusing, to say the least. The names of the products are very clinical, so it’s best to thoroughly read the descriptions to begin.
Even after reading the different product details, it still may not be super easy to know what products to buy for your own skincare needs. Thankfully, The Ordinary has a Regimen Guide on their website that you can use as a guide for different skin care needs such as anti-aging, pigmentation, acne, and so on.
If you skill need more help deciding, you can also chat with one of their ambassadors online in real time.
The 10 Best Products From The Ordinary
Once again, this list of the 10 best products from The Ordinary is a combined list using readily available data from Sephora and Ulta around the time of this post going live. It may vary slightly as sales and reviews continue to grow with this popular beauty brand.
I have not personally tested all of these products yet, but plan to. As I do, individual reviews will be posted and linked to under each product below.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is meant to reduce the appearance of blemishes and skin congestion by balancing sebam. It’s not meant to actually treat acne, though. Some studies suggest it may also aid in skin brightening.
It should be used before oils and creams and not in conjunction with Vitamin C, as it may diminish the effectiveness of the Vitamin C. If you do use vitamin C, alternate the time of day you use these products. Use niacinamide in the AM and vitamin C in the PM.
Positive reviews state that this product reduces acne and the size of pores, as well as reduces the appearance of acne scaring. The main issue noted in negative reviews were that the product caused the skin to break out.
I am undecided if I will review this product individually yet. I do not have acne or acne scarring issues, but I may try it to reduce the appearance of the pores on my nose and cheeks.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hyaluronic acid is used to attract moisture to dry skin and provide a barrier to help hold it in. The B5 is added for even more hydrating benefits.
You apply this serum in the AM and PM before other creams. There are no conflicting products listed.
A large majority of the reviews are 5 stars out of 5 stars. Most reviews state that the product is hydrating and plumping with several also saying it helps with redness.
The negative reviews are kind of all over the place. Many mention that the product is sticky, but some mention it’s drying or made the skin peel, and some simply say that it doesn’t work.
I am going to be testing this product. I don’t have dry skin, but I have heard it’s great to use before applying concealer to keep it from settling into fine lines or caking. Once that review is posted, I will link it here.
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is used as a masque. The recommended use is 1-2 times per week, preferably in the PM.
Alpha hydroxy acids provide a deeper exfoliation that removes the top layer of the skin to brighten and even the appearance. Beta hydroxy acids exfoliate and help clear the pores. Continued use can also reduce the look of fine lines.
This product also contains Tasmanian pepperberry, hyaluronic acid, B5, and black carrot to help limit irritation and soothe the skin.
It is NOT recommended for those with sensitive or compromised skin or for those who do not have experience with acid peels. It should not be combined with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1%, or Peptides.
The reviews are mostly very positive. Negative reviews do state the product burns, causes irritation, and in a few cases even caused the skin to peel.
This is one of the products that I am most excited to try. The skin on my face is not sensitive at all, but the skin on my neck is, so I will only be testing this on my face. I will post the link to the full review here once it is live.
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is used very similarly to traditional toner. You would use this after cleansing the skin, before applying oil or cream.
This solution does provide mild exfoliation and is made with Tasmanian Pepperberry to help prevent irritation. It should not be used on sensitive or compromised skin or combined with other strong acids, EUK 134 01.%, or Peptides.
Benefits of this toning solution include improved skin radiance, clarity, and texture with regular use over a period of time. It is recommended to use this product only once per day, preferably in the PM.
Again, the reviews are mostly very positive. Some do state that the product burns, and some feel that they haven’t seen much change in their skin.
I am definitely going to be testing this product and will link the full review here once it is posted.
“Buffet”
Buffet is a combination of several different “technologies” or peptide complexes in addition to a probiotic complex, 11 amino acids, and hyaluronic acid complexes. It’s basically a smorgasbord of anti-aging and firming ingredients all packaged up in one little bottle.
It should be used in the AM and PM after cleansing, and before creams or oils. It should not be combined with direct acids or Vitamin C.
Most reviewers rave about this product and it’s effectiveness. Some mention that their skin broke out due to the use of this serum.
Anti-aging is the biggest concern that I have now that I’m in my 40’s. I will absolutely be testing this product and will share a link here to my full review when it is posted.
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Before learning more about The Ordinary, I had never heard of azelaic acid, nor had any idea what it would be used for. When I think of acids, I tend to think more of peels.
Azelaic acid is actually found on the skin naturally. It’s produced by yeast that live on “normal” skin and in grains.
It promotes an overall brightening of the skin, improves skin texture, reduces the appearance of blemishes, and is an antioxidant.
You use this in the AM or PM (preferably PM). You should not use this at the same time as other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% or Peptides.
Positive reviewers state that they have seen an improvement in redness, acne scarring, rosacea, and even hyper-pigmentation and melasma.
I do plan on testing this product out and doing a full review. I will share the link here when it’s posted.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors is simply a skin moisturizer. It’s made with a combination of ingredients that are naturally found in the skin to provide not only hydration, but a barrier to protect the skin.
It should be applied in the AM and PM as the last step to your skin care routine. There are no conflicting products noted.
The reviews are mostly positive, with some reviews stating that it doesn’t work as well for combination or oily skin, and even fewer stating that is causes break outs.
I will be testing and reviewing this product. I will add the link here when the review is posted.
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCC is a water-based serum meant to target under-eye puffiness and dark circles.
EGCC stands for Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside and comes from green tea leaves.
You use this before applying moisturizer in the AM and PM. There are no conflicting products listed for this solution.
The Ordinary website does make the disclaimer that this product will not reduce the appearance of shadowing from hollowness around they eye area, nor reduce fat deposits around the eyes that resemble puffiness.
The reviews on both Ulta and Sephora balance out to 4 out of 5 stars. Most people say the product works for puffiness, improves dark circles (at least somewhat) and is moisturizing. The majority of the 3 star and less reviews state that the product doesn’t work and was drying.
I am most excited to test out this product because I have always had dark circles. Even some improvement will be exciting.
Unfortunately, this product didn’t work wonders for me. You can read my full review here: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Review.
100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Rose Hip Seed Oil is meant to target signs of aging, dehydration, and dullness.
The Ordinary uses cold-pressed rose hip seed oil to avoid degrading the linoleic acid and vitamin A components. It’s also unrefined so it has a “natural” scent and is more effective than those without any scent.
You use this product in the PM after any water-based treatments. There are no conflicting products listed.
The reviews on Ulta and Sephora average just over 4 stars out of 5 with a large majority being 4 and 5 star reviews. Most positive state that the product is very effective and hydrating, while negative reviews state it’s too oily, caused breakouts, and smells bad (as in the “natural” scent is bad).
I have been using rose hip seed oil for years. I’m not sure if I have always been using cold-pressed oil though.
I bought my current bottle on a whim at TJ Maxx and didn’t realize it was actually a blend until later. My current bottle has soybean oil, vitamin E and fragrance added to it, and I’ve been less than impressed.
I’ll post of full review of The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil after testing it for a period of time.
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
The Salicylic Acid Acid 2% Mask is a 10 minute (maximum) rinse-off masque. It’s made with charcoal and clay to help cleanse the skin of impurities.
It removes dead skin cells that clog pores on the surface of oily and acne-prone skin types to reveal healthier, more radiant skin.
Do not use this product on sensitive or compromised skin. This product should not be combined with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1%, or Peptides.
The reviews of this product are mostly positive when it comes to the effectiveness and lack of irritation. Negative reviews are mostly regarding the fact that the tube is not completely full (although the correct amount of product is inside, as The Ordinary fills the tube by weight).
This is the only product in my list of the top 10 The Ordinary products that I didn’t purchase. I don’t typically have acne or excessive oily skin these days. While I do get an occasional blemish here or there, I just don’t feel that I have a skin type that will show any difference with this product.
Runner Ups
The following 4 products from The Ordinary were very close to being in the top 10. They show up in the top 10 best sellers and/or highest rated lists on at least one website and have mostly positive reviews.
Lactic Acid 10% + HA
Lactic Acid is a mild exfoliator. The ingredients include Tasmanian pepperberry to help reduce any inflammation associated with such exfoliation. The Ordinary also has a milder 5% formula.
This product is used in the PM before oil or creams to improve skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and dullness. It should not be use in sensitive or compromised skin.
It should not be combined with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1%, or Peptides.
This is one of the highest rated products on this list with most reviews stating that it improved skin texture and reduced dry, peeling skin. The negative reviews were mostly regarding irritation and burning.
I did not buy this product, but wish that I did. I do plan to purchase it, as well as a few other products from The Ordinary that I’m personally interested in not included in this post.
Once I purchase and test them, I will share full reviews.
Squalane Cleanser
The Squalane Cleanser is the only cleanser currently in the The Ordinary product line. It is intended for makeup removal and should be used in the AM and PM before any other treatments are applied to the skin.
This cleanser has a balm-like consistency, but after rubbing it between your fingers for 10-30 seconds, turns into a clear oil. This activates the ingredients within it to trap the makeup particles and rinse them away with water.
It’s suitable for all skin types and the website states that the formula is non-drying.
While the majority of the reviews are positive – especially as to how effective this product is at removing makeup, some people really dislike the “oily” feeling.
I have tested this product. You can read my The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Review which includes a video showing makeup removal for more information about this product.
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is meant to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.
You use this in the AM and PM before oil or cream. There are no conflicting products noted.
This formula of 2% is higher than the standard 1%. The addition of Hyaluronic Acid is to enhance the delivery of the Alpha Arbutin.
Most of the positive reviews are regarding this product being very effective on acne scarring and redness. The reviews on dark spots seem to be mixed as far as effectiveness.
I have one larger dark spot on my cheek, and a few small ones around my eyes. I also have some areas of melasma, so I am very interested in testing this product.
A link to my full review will be shared here once it’s posted.
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
The Ordinary has many different Vitamin C options. If you are interested in using Vitamin C in your skincare routine, I would recommend thoroughly reading about each one to choose the right formula for your skin.
The Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is the formula that shows up the most often for best sellers and highest rated.
Vitamin C is meant to help reduce signs of aging and brighten the skin. It also provides antioxidant support.
This formula provides a high concentration of Vitamin C directly to the skin. It is very potent and stinging may occur, especially during the first 1-2 weeks of use. It also leaves a gritty texture on the skin, so PM use is recommended.
Do not combine this product with Niacinamide or EUK 134 0.1%.
The positive reviews rave about how well this product brightens and improves the texture of the skin. The negative reviews were mostly regarding the burning sensation, grittiness, and the smell.
I will be testing this product and will share the link to my full review here once it is posted.
Where To Buy The Ordinary Products
You can purchase The Ordinary products directly from the DECIEM website, online at Amazon.com, or at Ulta and Sephora.
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