The Ordinary products are game-changing but also pretty damn overwhelming. Not only are there dozens to choose from, but quite a few of them have names that you really - let’s be frank - need a science degree to understand. I have three science GSCEs and physics, well what even was that?! But I’ve used my decade + of beauty knowledge to decipher all The Ordinary products and their uses and whittled it down to the 10 best.
Of course, with any skincare products, what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another and while there are some skin concern-specific products below, I’ve included a few suits-all options that are well worth snapping up. And, that’s the thing, with most buys under £10 you can experiment without your bank account going into meltdown.
Keep scrolling for the 10 best The Ordinary products…
The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%
Suits: All
A seriously smart antioxidant, derived from pine bark, pycnogenol protects collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep skin plump and bouncy) preventing free radicals from breaking them down. Plus, it can restore oxidised Vitamin C making it potent again (Vitamin C is an antioxidant too, but also acts as a skin brightener).
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Suits: Most skin types, except very sensitive
Whether you have dull skin or you’re prone to blemishes, this acid mask is a potent exfoliator. The AHAs nibble away at dulling dead skin cells, while the BHA drives down into pores to exfoliate within, preventing breakouts. Use it once a week but be warned it does sting a little at first.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Suits: Spot-prone complexions
Anyone who gets spots (that’s pretty much all of us then) should have this in their bathroom cabinet. I start to use it a week before my period on the areas I usually breakout. Salicylic acid (a BHA) sloughs away dirt and grime at the surface but also drives down into pores to exfoliate them, preventing the pore from getting clogged.
Note: This product is currently being updated but should be back in stock soon.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Suits: All, but especially dry and dehydrated skin
Stress, central heating, lack of H2O all contributes to a dehydrated complexion. Every skin type can get dehydrated, even oily skin and if oily skin gets parched it creates more oil to try and balance things out (not good!). Whether you were born with dry skin (think eczema-prone) or your skin gets thirsty, layer this on after cleansing twice a day to keep skin hydrated.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Suits: Spot-prone complexions
Niacinamide helps to keep your skin barrier calm, happy and intact preventing water loss and reducing redness, whilst zinc is anti-inflammatory. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts or eczema flare-ups this serum is a must.
The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder
Suits: Dull, pigmentation-prone and older skin
This multi-tasking Vitamin C powder can be mixed with water, cleansers, serums or moisturiser. It has two key functions: it protects the skin from environmental aggressors like pollution, whilst also brightening and evening out skin tone. It tingles, so go easy.
Note: Use separately to Vitamin C especially if you’re sensitive. Mixing the two at once can cause skin to flush.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Suits: Dry and dehydrated complexions
For those who know me, you’ll know I’m not a fan of face oils because they clog my pores and cause me to breakout. Each to their own, of course, but if you’re on the same page but do love the sensorial effect of an oil then try squalane. It’s non-comedogenic (which means it shouldn’t clog pores) and often derived from olives. It’s brilliant at hydrating and is an emollient which means it will soften and soothe stressed out skin.
The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic Acid 5%
Suits: Stressed-Out Skin
Another potent anti-inflammatory antioxidant, ALA can calm redness, smooth out skin texture and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
The Ordinary Buffet+ Copper Peptides 1%
Suits: Ageing skin
Buffet contains a host of anti-ageing peptides (short chain amino acids), including copper peptides, that are the building blocks of young, healthy skin. Peptides support the skin’s immune system, trigger the cells to work more efficiently and take down inflammation. They’re vital in the formation of collagen and elastin too, so they help to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Buffet also contains probiotics to keep skin bacteria in check (P.acnes bacteria is a breakout BFF, FYI). Essentially, if you want a does-it-all serum, then you could do a lot worse than this.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Suits: Dry or sensitive skin
If you have sensitive, dry or dehydrated skin but still want to get in on the exfoliating action, then look to this serum that combines lactic acid which is a gentle and hydrating exfoliating AHA with hyaluronic acid. Expect smoother, glowier skin.
Find out why I’m not a fan of straight-up face oils here…
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