The time has finally come. After more than three months of using The Ordinary products, here is my very honest and serious review.
Disclaimer: this is a non-sponsored post. I genuinely heard a lot of good things about this brand and decided to try it for myself.
Before we start, here’s a bit about my skin so you’ll know if this review might be helpful for you. My skin is combination to oily, but it also dries out very easily. I struggle with acne, mostly on my body but also on my face, especially on my cheeks. I’ve been dealing with acne for quite some time. A few years ago, I went to a dermatologist, but the prescription she gave me didn’t make any difference.
My skin also scars easily and tends to stay red or marked for weeks after a breakout.
To make it easier, I’ve put together a list of the products I’m currently using. Below, you’ll find each product’s name, a direct link, and my personal review with thoughts and experiences for every item.
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
100% Organic ColdPressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Serum Foundation SPF 15
Squalane Cleanser
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
High Adherance Silcone Primer
High Spreadability Fluid Primer
Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
Now, as a disclaimer, I don’t expect the products I’m using to cure my acne as I know it’s a much complex problem but I do want to improve my face skin.
My journey with The Ordinary I started by purchasing 4 products ( The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 50ml, The Ordinary High-Adherance Silcone Primer 30ml, The Ordinary Serum Foundation SPF 15 Fair 1.1N 30ml, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 30ml ) I’ve put all of my current beauty products on a side and replaced them with The Ordinary products.
Just a little disclaimer: I don’t expect the products I’m using to completely cure my acne, as I know it’s a much more complex issue. What I do hope for is simply to improve the overall condition of my skin.I began my journey with The Ordinary by purchasing four products:
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (50 ml)
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer (30 ml)
The Ordinary Serum Foundation SPF 15 Fair 1.1N (30 ml)
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (30 ml)
I put all my previous skincare products aside and replaced them entirely with these from The Ordinary.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (50 ml)
Product description:
“Squalane Cleanser efficiently dissolves makeup and other impurities while leaving the complexion smooth and moisturised.”
When you hear the word cleanser, you probably imagine foam and lots of bubbles — but not in this case. This product has a balm-like, slightly oily consistency that you warm up in your hands before massaging into dry skin.
Since it’s meant to remove makeup, I decided to put it to the test and see if it actually works. For context, I usually wear quite heavy everyday makeup that includes a smoky eye, eyeliner, and mascara. After the first application, the cleanser removed most of my makeup — I could see the foundation melting off nicely — but it didn’t perform as well on mascara and eyeliner, leaving my eyes still a bit dark.
After using it a second time, however, my skin was completely makeup-free. I’m very happy with this cleanser and now use it twice a day. In the evening, I first remove my eye makeup and most of my foundation with a basic remover, then follow up with this product to make sure every trace of makeup is gone.
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer (30 ml)
Product description:
“A lightweight serum-like primer that prepares skin for the application of makeup.”
I’ve tried both versions of this primer, and my absolute favorite is the fluid one. Even though it has a slightly unusual smell, I love its consistency and how it makes my skin feel soft, smooth, and perfectly prepped for makeup.
I’ve also noticed that my foundation lasts longer when I use it, which might be because I’m pairing it with The Ordinary foundation, and they seem to work really well together. Either way, it’s an absolute thumbs-up from me.
The Ordinary Serum Foundation SPF 15 (Fair 1.1N, 30 ml)
Product description:
“A lightweight, natural coverage liquid foundation.”
The consistency was probably the biggest surprise for me. When you think of a coverage foundation, you usually expect something thick and heavy but this one is almost like water. Despite being so light, it still manages to cover everything beautifully.
The only downside is that the shade I chose turned out to be a bit too pale for my skin, so I mix it with a slightly darker foundation. When I do, I have to work quickly because The Ordinary foundation runs down my hand if I leave it for even a few seconds.
I really like this foundation for a few reasons:
Consistency: it’s incredibly light yet gives great coverage and lasts all day.
Finish: it dries nicely and isn’t sticky. (We all know that feeling of using a foundation that just never sets, creases easily, and makes your brush sticky even with setting powder!)
To be fair, I still use a bit of setting powder afterward, but just a few light taps to set everything in place. Overall, it’s a fantastic everyday foundation that feels weightless yet gives beautiful, even coverage.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (30 ml)
Product description:
“A high-strength vitamin and mineral formula that targets blemishes and visible signs of congestion.”
This is probably one of the most talked-about products from The Ordinary, and I can understand why. I’ve been using it regularly for the past few months, usually once a day in the evening before applying my moisturizer.
The consistency is quite light and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling clean and fresh. I’ve noticed that it helps calm new breakouts and keeps my skin smoother overall. It doesn’t perform miracles, but I can definitely see small improvements in how even and less inflamed my skin looks.
The only thing to keep in mind is not to apply too much — otherwise, it can leave a slightly sticky finish. A few drops are more than enough.
Overall, this serum has earned a permanent spot in my skincare routine.
After about two months of using only The Ordinary products and seeing such an improvement in my skin, I decided to try a few more. This time, I added several new products to my skincare routine.
On The Ordinary’s website, I read that it’s best to introduce one new product at a time and start with a small amount, so that’s exactly what I did. I used each new product for three to four days, slowly increasing the amount. At first, I applied the tiniest amount only to my problem areas (mainly my cheeks) to make sure my skin wouldn’t get irritated.
As it turns out, that was a great decision. Why? You’ll find out below.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Product description:
“A pure blend of cold-pressed and organic rosehip oil that hydrates and supports healthy skin.”
As much as I love most of The Ordinary products, this one unfortunately didn’t work for me at all. I’m not sure if it’s because my skin is on the oily side, but after using this face oil I started getting new pimples every single day. And not just small whiteheads. I’m talking about the painful kind that feels like something is living under your skin.
After only three days and seven new breakouts, I stopped using the product and haven’t dared to try it again since. If I ever decide to give it another chance, I’ll make sure to share an update, but for now, it’s a definite no from me.
Lactic Acid 10%
Product description:
“Visibly targets uneven tone, textural irregularities, and fine lines. Offers a very mild exfoliation at a 10% concentration.”
I’ve been using this product for about two months now, and I really like it. It helps fade dark spots faster and leaves my skin feeling smoother overall. I’ve noticed, though, that when I use more than three products in one routine, it doesn’t seem to work as effectively, so I prefer to use it as the first step in my nighttime skincare routine.
Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
Product description:
“Protecting and hydrating the skin’s outer layer, Natural Moisturising Factors + HA is made up of compounds found naturally in the skin.”
I really like this moisturiser because my skin absorbs it instantly. I can’t stand moisturisers that feel sticky or heavy on the skin when my hair sticks to my face and everything feels greasy, it’s a definite no for me.
This one, however, absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling hydrated without any oily residue, both right after applying and the next morning. Thumbs up from me!
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Product description:
“A gentle exfoliating toner to brighten and refine skin texture.”
This toning solution is quite a strong product. The label clearly states to use it only on unbroken skin and to minimise contact with the soaked cotton pad. When I applied it all over my face, my skin became slightly red and irritated, so now I only use it on specific areas mainly my cheeks and chin, where I have the most blemishes.
Used carefully, it really helps smooth out texture and clear up small imperfections without over-drying.
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Product description:
“Treating the top layer of skin, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution exfoliates for a brighter and clearer complexion.”
A peeling like no other no scrub, no beads, just a liquid formula. The Ordinary manages to surprise again with its unique consistency.
This is definitely a strong product, and I highly recommend not leaving it on for more than 10 minutes. After using it, your face might look a bit red, but just wait until the next morning. I absolutely love how my skin feels the next day fresh, smooth, and glowing.
Highly recommend!
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Product description:
“The mask works to target the removal of dead skin cells on the surface of oily and blemish-prone skin, revealing a more radiant complexion beneath.”
I use this masque alternately with the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, about once a week. Since both products exfoliate and target dead skin cells, I don’t want to overdo it and make my skin too sensitive.
This masque works in a very similar way to the peeling my skin is slightly red right after using it, but by the next morning it feels incredibly fresh and smooth. I’ve also noticed that my overall redness has improved since I started including this product in my routine.
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Product description:
“A high-potency gel-like serum that visibly targets hyperpigmentation and dark spots.”
As I mentioned earlier, dark spots are quite a problem for me. Even weeks after a breakout, I can still see exactly where it was. Makeup covers them during the day, but it really bothers me when I take it off at night.
This serum has helped minimise my dark spots noticeably. They still appear from time to time, but now they fade within a few days instead of lingering for weeks. That’s a big improvement for me!
That’s everything! I hope this post was helpful for some of you, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on The Ordinary products. How are they working for you? Let me know in the comments below — I’m always curious to compare experiences.
Until next time, xx
