The Ordinary Review: Can It Really Benefit Your Skin?

What is The Ordinary?

The Ordinary is a company that makes a wide variety of skincare and wellness products. Most of their products are meant to restore moisture to the skin and limit the effects of over-drying.

As such, The Ordinary product may have anti-aging effects like wrinkle reduction and skin-plumping. The Ordinary sells over 50 products through its official website and 3rd party retailers.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean that The Ordinary products will achieve all that for every user. In the following article, we will be discussing the merits and drawbacks of The Ordinary as a brand.

How Does The Ordinary Rate?

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About the Manufacturer

The Ordinary is a brand that is under the DCEIM company. They claim that The Ordinary was started to emphasize integrity in the beauty and wellness industry. The company claims that it focuses on functional beauty.

They also state that their products feature clinically proven formulas. However, it should be noted that these claims are not substantiated on the official The Ordinary website. They make hair, body, and skincare products.

Top Recommended Products

Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

Overview:
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner comes in two sizes. There is a 100-milliliter size and a 240-milliliter size. The intended effect of Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is to help remove dead skin cells so that new ones can form. All the while, it is claimed that this product will also help even out the skin’s pigmentation. It is made for all skin types and it may help correct textural irregularities and dullness in the skin.

Key Ingredients:
glycolic acid, aloe, water

What It Does:
Makes the skin smoother and evens out skin tone

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The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Overview:
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% from The Ordinary comes in two sizes: 30 milliliters and 60 milliliters. The main goal of this product is to help keep the pores cleared and help prevent blemishes such as zits and pimples. This is a water-based serum so the overall effects may be limited. It can be added to your current skincare regimen and applied after you have washed your face.

Key Ingredients:
Zinc, Niacinamide

What It Does:
Help prevent clogged pores and reduce the risk of breakouts.

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The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

Overview:
Squalane Cleanser is one of the products that is meant to be the first step of your skincare regimen. As the name suggests, it is intended to go on first and clean the skin of your face so that it’s ready for other products. Squalane Cleanser is said to be suitable for all skin types and it is said to be an emulsion. There are three different sizes to choose from.

Key Ingredients:
Squalane, sucrose

What It Does:
Cleans and moisturizes the skin

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The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Overview:
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA by The Ordinary is meant to be a sealer. So it is intended to be applied after you have washed your face and applied your toner of choice. The main purpose of this product is to lock in moisture on the face for extended hydration. The key ingredients are very common though so it may be as effective as rival brands.

Key Ingredients:
Hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, minerals

What It Does:
Moisturizes the skin and locks in hydration

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How Does The Ordinary Work?

One of the main roles of many The Ordinary products is to draw moisture to the skin and seal it there. This will allow for moderate protection against environmental contaminants and pollutants.

So it’s safe to say that The Ordinary products are at least intended to work by strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier. This may help prevent common signs of aging and overly-dry skin conditions.

However, it should be noted that hyaluronic acid and other such The Ordinary ingredients are commonly found in the products of other skincare brands. Mostly The Ordinary work as topical skincare treatments.

The Ordinary Key Ingredients - Are they Safe & Effective?

In the following section, we take a look at the ingredients that appear most prominently in The Ordinary products.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient in skincare, celebrated for its ability to hydrate, plump, and rejuvenate the skin. As highlighted in our Beverly Hills MD Review, hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the skin that plays a crucial role in maintaining moisture levels. It has the remarkable ability to attract and retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an exceptional hydrator for the skin.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that can hold much more than its own weight in moisture. It may also retain moisture for long periods. According to the National Institutes of Health:

Several clinical studies indicate that HA (hyaluronic acid) is both well tolerated and effective, adjuvant to both post?surgical and facial rejuvenation procedures.^[1]

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a type of B vitamin that can penetrate the skin deeply. It may act as an antioxidant for the skin, eliminating and scavenging free radicals^[2].

Still, not all products contain pure forms of niacinamide so the effects can vary widely from product to product. This ingredient is also found in Geologie products, where it's mentioned that niacinamide can improve epidermal barrier function.

Squalane

Squalane is a naturally occurring substance that has displayed the ability to moisturize the skin and help treat the symptoms of overly dry skin conditions. It may also reduce oxidative stress in the skin which can cause irregularities^[3].

The Ordinary Review - FAQs

Q: How do you use The Ordinary products?

A: Most The Ordinary products can be applied directly to the face. Read the instructions for each The Ordinary product carefully.

Q: What sets The Ordinary apart from the competition?

A: Their products may be more effective than others at hydrating the skin. But it should be noted that The Ordinary ingredients are very common.

Q: What is the The Ordinary return policy?

A: You can return The Ordinary products within one year of your purchase, but the product has to be at least 50% full.

Q: Is The Ordinary worth it?

A: The Ordinary may be worth it if no other skincare product has worked for you. Just be careful about the return policy.

Q: Where can I buy The Ordinary products?

A: You can get The Ordinary products directly from their website. Here are the prices for some of their most popular items:

• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - $6.70
• Squalane Cleanser - $10.50
• Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner - $8.70

What Do the The Ordinary Reviews Say?

The Ordinary reviews have been mixed. Some like their products while others complain of skin irritation.

I do not recommend this product. AT ALL. It gave me about a quarter-sized burn in the middle of my forehead. Blistering and painful. I 100% do not recommend and will be throwing this out. –Jest

This product burns so bad and It gave me chemical burns all over my face so bad that I have to go to a dermatologist to fix them. –Jazzie

It makes my skin smooth and lightens dark areas without bleaching my skin. –Lia

The Ordinary Review - Conclusion

The Ordinary might be a worthwhile brand for you if you seem to be having lingering issues with skin dryness. Most of their products are formulated to help the skin retain more moisture.

But there are apparently concerns over the side effects of The Ordinary products. Some customers have complained about a burning sensation when applying certain The Ordinary products.

It would be best to compare The Ordinary products to other skincare brands before you make a purchasing decision.