The Ordinary: Affordable, Effective Skincare

When it comes to affordable, effective skincare that truly delivers, The Ordinary is a name that stands out worldwide. Part of the DECIEM umbrella of brands, The Ordinary has transformed how people shop for skincare by offering clinical formulations with proven ingredients—without luxury markups or marketing fluff.

Founded in 2016, The Ordinary quickly became a cult favorite, praised for its transparency, science-based approach, and minimalistic packaging. Each product highlights a single active ingredient (or a few well-researched actives) at concentrations previously reserved for dermatologist offices. From retinol to niacinamide, hyaluronic acid to peptides, The Ordinary empowers consumers to build personalized skincare routines without confusion.

Why Is The Ordinary So Popular?

The brand’s philosophy is rooted in ingredient integrity. Instead of fancy claims, The Ordinary showcases exactly what each formula contains, and why it works. No hidden fillers. No secret “complexes.” Just honest, effective solutions.

• Clear labeling: Each product states its key ingredient and concentration right on the bottle.
• Accessible pricing: Professional-grade actives without the luxury markup.
• Customizable routines: You can mix and match serums to target specific skin concerns.
• Vegan and cruelty-free formulations.

Bestselling Products and What They Do

Here are some of The Ordinary’s most iconic treatments:

• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
  Balances oil production, reduces blemishes, and minimizes the look of pores. A must-have for oily or acne-prone skin.
  ✅ Ideal for: All Skin Type
  ✅ Texture: Lightweight, watery serum
  ✅ Key Benefits: Controls excess sebum, Reduces redness and congestion, Minimizes pores.

  Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin [Update: 12/7/2025]

• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
  A hydrating serum that attracts and holds moisture, making skin plump and smooth. Lightweight and layers beautifully.
  ✅ Ideal for: All skin types, especially dehydrated skin
  ✅ Texture: Clear, slightly viscous serum
  ✅ Key Benefits: Provides multi-depth hydration, Plumps and smooths fine lines, Supports skin barrier function.

  Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Panthenol, Ahnfeltiopsis Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, p-Anisic Acid, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin [Update: 12/7/2025]

• AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
  This viral bright red mask resurfaces dull skin, unclogs pores, and reveals a radiant complexion in 10 minutes.
  ✅ Ideal for: Dull, congested skin without sensitivity
  ✅ Texture: Bright red liquid mask
  ✅ Key Benefits: Exfoliates dead skin cells, Brightens uneven tone, Unclogs pores.

  Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol. [Update: 12/7/2025]

• Retinol and Granactive Retinoid Serums
  Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. Available in different strengths, these target signs of aging, improve texture, and reduce fine lines.
  ✅ Ideal for: Early signs of aging, uneven texture
  ✅ Texture: Milky, lightweight emulsion
  ✅ Key Benefits: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, Smooths skin texture, Improves radiance.

  Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Isoceteth-20, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Behentrimonium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Disodium Edta, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. [Update: 12/7/2025]

• Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%
  A multi-peptide serum that tackles wrinkles, loss of firmness, and dullness while promoting healing.
  ✅ Ideal for: Aging skin needing firmness and repair
  ✅ Texture: Lightweight blue serum
  ✅ Key Benefits: Stimulates collagen production, Improves elasticity, Enhances skin resilience.

  Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Trehalose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, Urea, Sodium Pca, Pca, Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. [Update: 12/7/2025]

• Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
  A stabilized Vitamin C derivative to brighten skin tone and protect against free radicals with less irritation.
  ✅ Ideal for: All skin types, especially those concerned with dullness and uneven skin tone.
  ✅ Texture: Lightweight, water-based serum that absorbs quickly without greasiness.
  ✅ Key Benefits: Brightens skin and improves radiance, Fades hyperpigmentation and dark spots over time, Provides antioxidant protection against free radicals.

  Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Ascorbyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Triethanolamine, Isoceteth-20, Xanthan Gum, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol. [Update: 12/7/2025]

  

How to Build a Routine with The Ordinary

The Ordinary makes it easy to customize your skincare. Here’s a sample routine:

Morning

1. Cleanser
2. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
3. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
4. Moisturizer
5. Sunscreen SPF 30+

Evening

1. Cleanser
2. Retinol or Granactive Retinoid
3. Buffet Peptide Serum
4. Moisturizer

Weekly Treatments: Use the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution once or twice weekly and Vitamin C on alternate nights.

The Ordinary’s Commitment to Transparency

One of the most refreshing aspects of The Ordinary is its refusal to overpromise. Each product page details:

• pH levels
• Clinical study references
• How to combine or avoid combining products
• Clear guidance for beginners

Why We Love The Ordinary

The Ordinary democratized skincare. Whether you’re tackling acne, early signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration, you don’t have to spend hundreds to get dermatologist-level ingredients. And with consistent use, these targeted formulas can deliver visible improvements.

The Ordinary is proof that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It just has to be honest.

Ready to explore The Ordinary? Start with their bestsellers and discover why millions trust these straightforward solutions to achieve healthy, glowing skin.