If you have been on social media at all over the last few months chances are you’ve heard about The Ordinary. Whether it’s Kim K swearing by their retinoid or a blogger with the simple, black and white bottles in their flat lay, this brand is all over the net. (Remember when people used to say net?! Or “Web” lolz.
Anyway. This brand is a win-win-win – high quality ingredients, scientifically proven formulations AND SO CHEAP. I’m talking, like, $8 a bottle kind of affordable. They are definitely the Queen of affordable skin care that really works. Great for the bougie babe on a budget. She wants great skin but doesn’t want to drop $150 on a single serum!
In fact, you can order every single item on this list- 10 products- for $104. Less than one serum from most other brands.
Did I mention they’re vegan and cruelty free too? Yassss.
HOWEVER. Pretty sure the reason they can keep their products so affordable is because they don’t spend any money on marketing or, apparently, anyone that can make the purpose of an item clear or how to use it?
Luckily, I am a bit of a skincare junkie. I have had a skincare obsession for years now, made more intense by my skin cancer and surgery, which left me with a pretty intense scar down the side of my nose.
I have tried many a product, BUT my current obsession is def The Ordinary. Seriously, using the products makes me EXCITED because I can see them working. Using it before bed is especially satisfying because I feel like every morning when I wake up my skin looks better than when I went to sleep.
However, not all of The Ordinary’s products are created equal.
I was LOVING the results I was getting from the products I randomly decided to try, but I wanted to know which ones I NEEDED, the absolute best, and how I should be using them. So I scoured The Ordinary’s website, Sephora and its reviews and the rest of the “web” to find out the scoop.
Please note, this is just what has worked for ME, I’m not a dermatologist and can only share from my own experience and lotsss of research.
Ten Must Have Products from The Ordinary – What They’re for and How to Use Them
Application Overview
In general, you want to wash your face, tone, then apply serum layers starting with the lightest first and building from there. I like to top it all off with an oil for moisture. Plus it feels like I’m sealing in all my hard work, you know?
Typically water solutions are the lightest, I’ve listed those all together here (numbers 2 through 5). Most water solutions can be used with other water solutions, but some are better suited to different times of day.
Within any program, you want to layer products from lowest ph to highest for maximum effectiveness. Luckily, the ordinary gives Ph levels for most products so I’ve included those too, where applicable.
Remember- consistency is KEY so setting up a regimen for yourself and sticking to it is where you’ll really see results {although, I swear I can see some of these products work almost instantly} I’ve included my regimen at the end as a sample for you. Again, I’m not a Derm or esthetician- this is just what works for me!
1. AHA/BHA Peeling Solution
This mask is one of the first products I purchased from the brand and I was HOOKED. Yes, it looks like you’re putting vampire blood all over your face but, you know what? Maybe you freaking are because when this mask comes off it’s like you’ve slathered the secret to youthful, glowing skin on yourself. It is STRONG so only use if your skin isn’t sensitive. ph 3.5 – 3.7
What is Does:
Texture & Dullness, be gone, this basically takes off all the dead, icky ish on the top layer of your skin, makes it feel tighter and lifted, and clears out your pores, making them appear smaller. Big fan.
When to use it:
PM. On its own, after washing your face and letting it DRY- don’t use this on wet skin. Use as a mask 1- 2 times per week. Wash off and follow with your serums. This is strong, so if you have sensitive skin consider following with just a moisturizing cream or oil rather than using with other actives.
2. Buffet
This is exactly what it sounds like, a little bit of everything. It’s kind of like the ordinary took a bunch of products you’d want to use together and did the hard work for you. Yes, plz. ph 4.5 – 5.5
What is Does:
Fights signs of aging, helps skin firmness and moisture retention
When to use it:
AM and PM right after cleansing, but it can be pretty sticky. It definitely soaks in, but takes some time, so if using in the AM use sparingly. A little goes a long way because it’s very gel-like and on the thicker side. Works well with Vitamin C in the AM. Can be used with a retinoid in the PM.
3. Matrixyl 10% + HA
Water solution. Some call this solution liquid botox. I’m obsessed and, call me crazy, but I feel like I when I apply it I can basically watch it erase on fine lines and wrinkles, especially under my eyes. ph 5-6
What is Does:
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – almost like a serum version of botox or filler. Use it to spot treat fine lines and wrinkles. The HA adds moisture and plumps skin.
When to use it:
Can be used twice a day, AM & PM. It is thicker and almost gel-like, so a little goes a long way. Put it under your eyes to help get rid of crinkles, or on smile lines & forehead wrinkles, great for your 11’s in between botox sessions. This is actually one of the ingredients contained with the “Buffet” but this is a stronger ingredient concentration, so I’ll tend to use Buffet all over and spot treat with this.
4. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Water solution. I actually heard about Niacinamide from my dermatologist after my skin cancer diagnosis because some studies have shown it can help prevent skin cancer when taken orally or applied topically. ph 5.5 – 6.5
What is Does:
Helps regulate sebum, clears up congestion and blemishes, shrinks pores, fades hyper pigmentation, reduces fine lines – and makes your skin GLOW.
When to use it:
You can use Niacinamide AM & PM. Some will say not to use with Vitamin C as is renders both products ineffective, some say that research is outdated. Make your own judgement. I used to keep these separate but now I mix. PS this is one of my ride-or-die products from this line.
5. Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
Water solution- A high strength peeling formulation (also comes in 5% if you have sensitive skin). This is a great dupe for Sunday Riley Good Genes at a much better price point. Because it’s formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, which holds onto moisture, and Tasmanian Pepperberry, which helps with inflammation and sensitivity, the typical side effects from acid exfoliation like redness and peeling are minimized. Def moisturize after. ph 3.6 – 3.8
What is Does:
Improves evenness of skin tone and texture, reduces fine lines and wrinkles – resulting in smooth, even skin.
When to use it:
PM before oils and creams due to increased sun sensitivity. This acid is strong, so it can be used with oil as a carrier if skin is sensitive.
6. Ascorbic Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
Or in layman’s terms: basically a vitamin C oil solution with fatty acids. Not as strong as straight Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) products, but incorporates other benefits like skin plumping.
What is Does:
Helps block pigment production and increases the turnover of skin cells- meaning brighter, more even skin. Targets dullness, uneven skin tone and signs of aging. The vitamin F aspect helps plump with Fatty acids.
When to use it:
Can be used AM and/or PM. Because Vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals I love using it AM. However, vitamin C accumulates in your skin, so nighttime application is still beneficial as it can protect once you’re in the sun. Since this is an oil solution use it after your water solutions. It soaks in quickly, another benefit for AM use because it’s a quick set before your makeup.
7. Granactive Retinoid in Squalane
Comes in two levels: 2% and 5% – if your skin is sensitive start with the 2%, but the great thing about this is it doesn’t irritate or dry out skin like regular retinol because of the way the retinoid is formulated.
What is Does:
Smooths out texture, reduces signs of aging, shrinks pores, brightens and moisturizes. Basically All. The. Things. Yes plz. Also, Kim K uses it.
When to use it:
Night only. Retinoids make your skin sensitive to sun and can breakdown with sun exposure so they shouldn’t be used in daytime. (Again, research is mixed on this but IMO, better safe than sorry.) You should never use this product with any other retinoids, and make sure to use sun protection during the day {which, duh, do that anyway}.
Use it after water serums (labeled in this list as such) but before heavy creams or oils. This formulation is actually really moisturizing but I still like to top with an oil like rosehip to wake up extra glowy.
8. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
A multi-functional brightening formula, this acid actually comes in the form of a cream or as The Ordinary calls it, a “suspension” ph 4-5
What is Does:
Brightens and smooths, very effective in eliminating blemishes- good for scars. Helps diminish redness- and even reported improvement with Rosacea. Great with hyperpigmentation, even when caused by melasma- found to be as effective as Hydroquinone without the risk.
When to use it:
PM after water solutions. Spot treatment is most effective as it can pill if you apply too much. A little goes a long way- use sparingly. Pat in instead of rubbing. Be sure to wait a few minutes before applying the next serum.
9. Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Oil
This oil is full of vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. Plus, Miranda Kerr uses it. Sold.
What is Does:
Moisturizes, helps brighten skin tone and reduce fine lines.
When to use it:
Only use PM because it’s heavy. Some rosehips I’ve used in the past make great makeup bases if applied sparingly, but this one is a bit heavy so I keep it for night-time only. Always my last step after all other serums. make sure to let your serums soak in a few minutes before topping with this.
10. Glycolic Acid Toner
Unlike the other products in this list, I haven’t been able to try this yet because it is CONSTANTLY sold out. Lo and behold I actually got an email this very morning saying it was back in stock so I immediately snatched up 2 bottles. I’ll keep you posted, but it is VERY highly rated, and sold out for months at a time, so I think we’re in for a treat. ph 3.5 – 3.7
UPDATE: This product is one of my TOP 3 from this line! An absolute MUST-HAVE. Run, don’t walk!
What is Does:
Mildly exfoliates for improved skin radiance and clarity. Users report diminished appearance of acne and acne scarring, blackheads as well as improvement with the common issue of keratosis pilaris.
When to use it:
No more than once per day in the PM only. After washing your face, swipe this all over face and neck with a cotton round. Let it soak in and follow with your other serums.
Possible Regimen
Geared toward fighting signs of aging, brightening complexion and radiance, fading dark spots and reducing minor blemishes. Again, I’m not a dermatologist, simply sharing what works for me based on my research. PS your last step in the AM should ALWAYS be SUNSCREEN.
Mon AM: Buffet, Matrixyl Spot treat, Niacinamide
Mon PM: AHA/BHA Peeling Mask. Then, Ascorbic Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F, Rosehip Oil
Tues AM: Niacinamide
Tues PM: Buffet, then, Granactive Retinoid in Squalane, Rosehip Oil
Wed AM: Buffet, Ascorbic Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
Wed PM: Glycolic Acid Toner, then Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%, spot treat with Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Thurs AM: Niacinamide
Thurs PM: Buffet, then, Granactive Retinoid in Squalene, Rosehip Oil
Fri AM: Buffet, Matrixyl spot treat, Niacinamide
Fri PM: AHA/BHA Peeling Mask. Then, Ascorbic Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F, Rosehip Oil
Sat AM: Niacinamide
Sat PM: Just rosehip oil. Give your skin a break.
Sun AM: Matrixyl, Niacinamide
Sun PM: Glycolic Acid Toner, then Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%, spot treat with Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Research Sources:
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10
Conclusion
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts- if you love/hate-have tried The Ordinary. I love hearing from you guys and what works best for you!
Xx,
