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Today, I’m getting up the courage to list absolutely ALL of The Ordinary’s facial care products for you. The order of the categories follows that of the brand’s official website.
Resellers only distribute the bestsellers. To find all The Ordinary products, I advise you to buy them directly on the official website. The delivery is free for orders from 25€. 0 customs fees. I already told you how to get a refund (within 365 days) if you don’t like a product
You can also buy them on Sephora, Nocibé, FeelUnique and Lookfantastic, but there are less products than on the official website.
The Ordinary, what is it?
It is a brand known for its high concentration of active ingredients in its products – without the high price tag that goes with it.
So, you can have access to peeling, moisturizing, skin barrier repair products… to the star ingredients of facials – for less than 10€.
Be careful with the % of active ingredients. The more concentrated an active ingredient is, the more likely it is to be irritating. If the brand has several concentrations, always start with the least concentrated before increasing the dose.
Exfoliators – Exfoliants
All exfoliants should be used preferably in the evening, 3 times a week maximum. Then, during the day, you must use sunscreen. Whatever the exfoliant’s concentration, you should do a patch test (behind the ears) before applying it to your face.
Mandelic Acid 10% + HA: 6,8€ (link The Ordinary) Contains mandelic acid (exfoliant) and hyaluronic acid (humectant). Mandelic acid is part of the AHAs, which help to get rid of dead cells. It is one of the gentlest acids, so if you are new to exfoliating or have sensitive skin, this is the one to use. Use in the evening, after cleansing, with a cotton pad.
Lactic Acid 5% + HA: 6,5€ (link The Ordinary) Contains lactic acid (exfoliant) and hyaluronic acid (humectant). Lactic acid is part of the AHAs, which help to get rid of dead cells. Lactic acid is more aggressive than mandelic acid but milder than glycolic acid. Start with the 5% concentration before moving on to the next product with a 10% concentration. Use in the evening, after cleansing, with a cotton pad.
Lactic Acid 10% + HA: 6,8€ (link The Ordinary) Contains lactic acid (exfoliant) and hyaluronic acid (humectant). Lactic acid is part of the AHAs, which help to get rid of dead cells. Lactic acid is more aggressive than mandelic acid but milder than glycolic acid. Start with the 5% concentration before using this version with a 10% concentration, unless you are already used to acids. Use in the evening, after cleansing, with a cotton pad.
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: 7,2€ (link The Ordinary Sephora link Lookfantastic link, Nocibé link) Best-seller of the brand, often out of stock. Contains several types of AHA and BHA. The AHA helps eliminate dead skin cells, while the BHA goes deeper into the skin to clean the dirt in our pores thoroughly. However, you have to be extremely careful because 32% acid concentration can create burns and acid burns are much harder to treat than a simple sunburn. Use once a week, in the evening, after cleansing, as a mask. Dry the skin well, then use this product as a mask for 10 minutes maximum (but 5 minutes ideally because it is too strong), and rinse thoroughly with water afterward. Be careful. I had a big purge with this peel, so be very careful if you have dark skin or sensitive skin. Do a test patch behind your ears before putting it on your face. I’ve already done a detailed review here, if you’re interested In sensitive skin like mine, it did more damage than good. But if yours is tough, you’ll be happy.
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: 8,7€ (The Ordinary link, Sephora link, FeelUnique link) One of the bestsellers too. Glycolic acid is stronger than lactic acid. This concentration (7%) is quite high, so I wouldn’t recommend using it for the face. Other glycolic acid products are better formulated than The Ordinary. However, I recommend it for the body: it is miraculous against keratosis pilaris, smelly armpits, back acne… I already did a detailed review here if you’re interested.
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution: 5,3€ (link The Ordinary) Salicylic acid is a BHA form, which is oil soluble. It can go deep into the skin to get rid of impurities. That’s why it’s a popular treatment for acne-prone skin. However, if your skin is too impure, the salicylic acid will bring it all out at once, resulting in a huge purge. This product is to be used in a localized manner, i.e., only on the pimples.
Eye Serums – Serums for the eye area
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG: 6,7€ (The Ordinary link) anti-puffiness, anti-dark circle product. Independent studies have shown that topical use of caffeine and EGCG can help reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. One drop is sufficient. Use morning and night. Questionable effect. If you have too many dark circles and puffiness, it won’t work.
Mask / Scrub
Salicylic Acid 2% Mask 12€ (link The Ordinary) a bestseller often out of stock. It’s a bit like a chemical scrub. A salicylic acid is a form of BHA, soluble in oil. It can go deep into the skin to get rid of impurities. This mask helps the skin get rid of impurities and gives a smoother look. Use on clean, dry skin. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes MAXIMUM. Use once or twice a week. Use of sunscreen is strongly recommended.
Face Oils – Oils for the face
Last step of the facial. Oil helps seal in moisture
100% Organic Virgin Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Oil (The Ordinary link) £14.9: Our skin needs water and oil. So you can use an oil to seal in moisture after applying a ton of moisturizers. This sea buckthorn oil is so orange that it’s best to use it at night only. 100% virgin sea buckthorn oil, sustainably sourced, organic, unrefined. You can use it mixed with aloe vera or other water-based moisturizing serums. It simply protects and nourishes the skin.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil: $14.9 (The Ordinary link) our skin needs water and oil. So you can use an oil to seal in moisture after applying a ton of moisturizers. This is an economical dupe of rosehip seed oil from Pai Skincare. This oil is comedogenic, so only very dry skins will appreciate it. It shares the same properties as retinol: anti-aging. One drop is enough for the whole face because it is very active
100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil : $9.9 (The Ordinary link) our skin needs water and oil. So you can use an oil to seal in moisture after applying a ton of moisturizers. This oil is a dupe of Drunk Elephant’s famous marula oil. It’s especially rich in antioxidants and is obtained from the kernels of the marula fruit. This formula contains only cold-pressed, 100% unrefined virgin African marula oil. Apply to damp hair daily. Application on the skin – a few drops on the face once a day (or more if needed).
100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil: 7,7€ (link The Ordinary) This oil calms, soothes and nourishes the skin. But it can also be used for the hair. Apply to damp hair every day. For the face, you can use it mixed with aloe vera, or other water-based moisturizing serums.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil: 6,8€ (link The Ordinary) everyone knows argan oil. It is suitable for all skin types. It simply protects and nourishes the skin. There are more elegant alternatives, like Melchior & Balthazar for example
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil : 4,2€ (link The Ordinary) Borage seed oil offers a calming effect, helps maintain healthy skin and is particularly suitable for dry and/or irritated skin. This formulation contains 100% pure, sustainably sourced, organic, cold pressed borage seed oil.
“B” Oil: 9,2€ (link The Ordinary) It is a mix of oils, composed of micro-algae in a mixture of squalane and oils of marula, argan, baobab, pataua, Brazil nut, Sacha Inchi, rosehip and borage. It is used to maintain a healthy skin, give brightness, fight against free radicals and calm irritations. The formula imparts a golden green hue and a slight herbal scent due to its high concentration of micro-algae.
Cleansers – Cleansing agents
Squalane Cleanser : 7,2€ (link The Ordinary) it’s the only cleanser from The Ordinary and everyone loves it. It’s more of a makeup remover, so use it at night to remove makeup and sunscreen. It’s oil-based, non-irritating, non-comodegenic, soap-free. You must use it on a dry skin, before emulsifying it with water (by massaging all the face), then rinse with tepid water. For a complete cleansing, you must use another normal cleanser, just after this one.
Moisturizers – Moisturizing creams
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA : 5,8€ (link The Ordinary) it is the only moisturizing cream proposed by The Ordinary. NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factors) are made up of several amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid and many other compounds naturally present in the skin. Basically, this cream provides the skin with the components it normally secretes, allowing it to be further moisturized. Use after serums. I don’t understand the craze for this cream, which is difficult to spread and too greasy to be absorbed easily. The hyaluronic acid in the cream is too much. The cream should rather seal in moisture, no need for hyaluronic acid in a cream, either. Dry skin will appreciate it more than combination or oily skin.
Serums
Anti-aging serums
Argireline Solution 10% : 7,2€ (link The Ordinary) Argireline is a registered trademark. Argireline improves the appearance of fine lines, especially around the eyes (crow’s feet) and on the forehead (frown lines). Since Argireline is most effective in a water-based formulation, Argireline Solution 10% serum contains no oil or silicone. To be applied where you have wrinkles/wrinkles
Matrixyl 10% + HA : 11,5€ (link The Ordinary) Matrixyl is a proprietary peptide composition developed by Sederma in France. This highly effective composition has been shown to reduce the appearance of static and dynamic wrinkles. This formulation contains hyaluronic acid, a humectant. Please note that it is not compatible with acids, retinols, antioxidants and vitamin C.
Antioxidant serums
Pycnogenol 5% : 9,9€ (link The Ordinary) Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract derived from the bark of French maritime pine trees. It contains procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids that act synergistically to rejuvenate the skin, with the goal of improving skin hydration and elasticity. With the ability to bind to collagen and elastin, Pycnogenol® protects these proteins from degradation, helping to nourish the skin from the inside out. Being a unique and powerful antioxidant, Pycnogenol® eliminates free radicals. It can also recycle oxidized vitamin C to restore its activity. It takes a little time to be absorbed by the skin, so using it in the evening seems more appropriate. To be used after a moisturizing serum and before the cream.
EUK 134 0.1%: £8.8 (The Ordinary link) EUK-134™ is one of the most powerful antioxidants on the market. EUK-134 ™ itself is very expensive, the maximum concentration in other brands is only 0.05%. The Ordinary’s formula uses EUK-134 ™ at an extremely high concentration of 0.1%. The formulation contains no oil, water or silicone. Cannot be used in conjunction with acids, peptides or vitamin C. Use after a moisturizing serum and before cream.
Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% : 7,2€ (link The Ordinary) Antioxidant serum, can be used at the same time as the Vitamin C. The Ordinary’s 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder, mixed with this serum, creates a dupe of SkinCeuticals’ Ferulic C Serum. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phenol found in many plants. Ferulic acid is a high-potency phytochemical antioxidant found naturally in plant cell walls. Use after a moisturizing serum and before cream.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an extraordinary antioxidant and has anti-spot effects. Unless otherwise stated, it is recommended to use them also in the morning, to boost the effects of the sunscreen
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F : 17,7€ (link The Ordinary) Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a derivative of Vitamin C. It has the advantage of being more stable but it is not as potent as L-ascorbic. This formulation is oily. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is the best form of Vitamin C derivative. It has antioxidant effects and effects on spots.
Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% : 12,9€ (link The Ordinary) Ascorbyl Glucoside is a Vitamin C derivative. It has the advantage of being more stable but it is not as powerful as L-ascorbic. This formulation is aqueous. Has anti-stain effects. Ascorbyl Glucoside has anti-spot effects according to lab tests, but more studies and human testing are needed to confirm its effects.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% : 9,6€ (link The Ordinary) Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a derivative of Vitamin C. The skin does not absorb it much, so it will not be irritating, even for the most fragile skins. MAP has the advantage of being more stable. This formulation is creamy. To use after a moisturizing serum and before the cream.
Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution: 18€ (link The Ordinary) Unlike other vitamin C derivatives, this ethylated form acts directly like vitamin C, its molecular weight is closer to the real vitamin C, which allows visible results more quickly. It is more stable than L-ascorbic.
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%: $5.8 (The Ordinary link) Since vitamin C is unstable in water, The Ordinary found a way to deliver the freshest vitamin C possible, in a water-free, silicone-free formulation. Here you have 23% pure L-ascorbic acid (in powder form) that remains completely stable due to the absence of water. Vitamin C is suspended in an oily formulation, filled with dehydrated spheres of hyaluronic acid to provide surface smoothing. 23% is a very high concentration, to be reserved only for extremely heavy skin (without acne, pimples, lesions). This treatment is to be used at night
Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone: 6,5€ (link The Ordinary) Since vitamin C is unstable in water, The Ordinary found a way to deliver the freshest vitamin C possible, in a waterless but silicone formulation. Here you have 30% pure L-ascorbic acid (in powder form) that remains completely stable due to the absence of water. The Vitamin C is suspended in a silicone formulation. 30% is a very high concentration, to be reserved only for extremely tough skins (without acne, pimples, lesions). This treatment is to be used in the evening. Personally, given the high concentration of silicone, I don’t feel like it.
100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder: 5,8€ (The Ordinary link) people mix this powder with Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% serum create a dupe of SkinCeuticals C Ferulic serum. This is really the poor man’s C Ferulic because the texture of the powder is not great and it’s extremely hard to measure just 1/4 of the super cheap plastic pan provided. I’m really not impressed.
Anti-spot serums
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%: 10€ (The Ordinary link) Arbutin is an incredibly effective ingredient on blemishes (acne, melasma, brown spots). Arbutin is a β-glucoside of hydroquinone, so avoid during pregnancy. Combined with Ascorbic Acid (8%, not too strong), you have the cream of the crop spot cream. However, the texture is a bit oily whereas there is no oil. Sensory level, can do better. If you have no other alternatives, use this serum.
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA: £8.9 (The Ordinary link) Arbutin is an incredibly effective ingredient on blemishes (acne, melasma, brown spots). Arbutin is a β-glucoside of hydroquinone, so avoid during pregnancy. Alpha Arbutin has better effects than just Arbutin or Beta Arbutin. I’ve seen quite a few before/after pictures and the results are extremely interesting. I don’t like the texture too much because it’s too thick and viscous, but if you don’t have any other alternatives, use this serum.
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% : 7,2€ (link The Ordinary) The Ordinary must have a problem with their anti-stain products because this one is not great either. The silicon texture is not great. Azelaic acid is a star ingredient. It’s great against acne, against blemishes and it’s one of the only ingredients you can use when you have active acne. But the texture, OMG the texture! It’s to be applied after moisturizer. I don’t know why they classify it as a serum. If you don’t have any other alternatives, use this serum. But there are other products containing azelaic acid, better formulated with a more elegant texture, at DECIEM as well: NIOD Re:Pigment for example or aPAD which I mentioned here.
Serums for acne-prone skin (among others)
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% : 5,9€ (link The Ordinary Sephora link, Nocibé link FeelUnique link ) A best seller and my favorite. It got rid of my hormonal acne and really tightens the pores. The reviews are not unanimous though. It contains 1% Zinc PCA, which is too high for some. It either works or it doesn’t. You have to try it for a few days to see which side you are on. If it works for you, hallelujah, you’ve got your hands on an effective and economical serum. If it doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean that niacinamide isn’t for you, you just need to opt for a less concentrated version or without Zinc. I have already written a detailed review here (with before and after pictures to prove it). If there is only one product to test at The Ordinary, it is this one. It also comes in a 60ml version if you can’t live without it 😉
100% Niacinamide Powder : 5,8€ (link The Ordinary) this is the alternative for those who can’t stand the zinc in the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum. This product is in powder form, so you can mix it with a “Buffet” or Amino Acids + B5 moisturizing serum. I’ve already written a detailed review here
Moisturizing serums
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: 6,8€ (The Ordinary link, Sephora link) Hyaluronic acid is a humectant and can retain up to 1000 times its water. This product is a best seller but as I am used to using other products containing hyaluronic acid, I was extremely disappointed. Other than the viscous texture, the serum makes everything you put on peel off afterward. Read my detailed review here.
Amino Acids + B5: 6,8€ (The Ordinary link, Sephora link) This serum is much better in my eyes. It suits amino acids and B5 (panthenol) which are yummy for the skin, especially damaged skin
“Buffet”: 14,8€ (The Ordinary link, Sephora link) if the other serums give you a headache, it’s simple, opt for Buffet, which contains everything you need to moisturize, protect, maintain healthy skin. However, this serum suits castor oil and some women have noticed more hair growth since using this serum. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a side effect to note.
“Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% : 28,9€ (The Ordinary link, Sephora link) this is a product that The Ordinary wants to promote more because it is too effective. I don’t know why it’s not trendy yet. Maybe because of its price? This is the most expensive The Ordinary product. I love it. It’s an alternative to my overpriced NIOD CAIS 2. I’ve shown you my before and after pictures here. If you have to buy a second product from The Ordinary, this is the one to buy. Beware, it is not compatible with acids, retinols, antioxidants and vitamin C
To seal in moisture
100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane: $3.6 (The Ordinary link) Both squalane and hemi-squalane are excellent non-comedogenic emollients that can help reduce moisture loss. However, due to its low molecular weight, hemi-squalane has greater spreadability and leaves a light, dry aftertouch, making it very suitable for reducing frizz in hair. Use on clean, damp hair or directly on the skin.
100% Plant-Derived Squalane: 7,2€ (link The Ordinary) Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that is naturally found in the skin. It has a very high emolliency. It is an exceptional moisturizer and can prevent continuous moisture loss that alters skin suppleness. Squalane is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types. It can also be applied to hair to increase thermal protection, add shine and reduce breakage.
Retinol
Read my article on retinoids here
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (Previously Advanced Retinoid 2%): 9,8€ (link The Ordinary) 2% of Granactive Retinoid is equivalent to 0,2% of Hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR). Creamy texture. I did not test it because there are very few studies on this active ingredient, unlike retinol.
Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane : 9,6€ (link The Ordinary) 2% of Granactive Retinoid is equivalent to 0,2% of Hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR). Creamy texture. I did not test it because there are very few studies on this active ingredient, unlike retinol.
Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane : 13,9€ (link The Ordinary) 2% of Granactive Retinoid is equivalent to 0,5% of Hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR). Creamy texture. I did not test it because there are very few studies on this active ingredient, unlike retinol.
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane : 5,3€ (link The Ordinary) It is recommended to start with the lowest concentration when starting to use retinol. This retinol is bathed in squalane, I don’t know if it’s the retinol in The Ordinary or the squalane I don’t like, but I don’t like this product at all. Dermatologist Shereen Idriss also expressed her dubious opinion of retinols bathed in oil, because retinol likes oil and if possible, it will stay in oil, instead of converting and doing any work to the cells. So she strongly discourages products where the retinol is delivered in oil, andbeware, you have to keep it in the fridge as soon as you open it.
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane: £5.8 (The Ordinary link) This retinol is bathed in squalane, I don’t know if it’s The Ordinary’s retinol or the squalane that I don’t like, but I don’t like this product at all. Dermatologist Shereen Idriss also expressed her dubious opinion of retinols bathed in oil, because retinol likes oil and if possible, it will stay in oil, instead of converting and doing any work to the cells. So it strongly discourages products where the retinol is delivered in oil, sobe careful, you have to keep it in the fridge as soon as you open it. I recycled it for my stretch marks. Results after 2 months: no change. No change at all! I am really not impressed.
Retinol 1% in Squalane : 6,7€ (link The Ordinary) This is the strongest retinol of The Ordinary. It’s best to start with 0.2% and then 0.5% before using this one. This retinol is bathed in squalane, I don’t know if it’s The Ordinary’s retinol or the squalane I don’t like, but I don’t like this product at all. Dermatologist Shereen Idriss also expressed her dubious opinion of retinols bathed in oil, because retinol likes oil and if possible, it will stay in oil, instead of converting and doing any work to the cells. So she strongly discourages products where the retinol is delivered in oil, andbeware, you have to keep it in the fridge as soon as you open it.
Sunscreens
Mineral UV Filters SPF 15 with Antioxidants: 8,7€ (link The Ordinary) difficult to spread, fluffy. Nope
Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants: 9,4€ (link The Ordinary) difficult to spread, fluffy. Nope
Product to make hair grow
Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density; 17,9€ (link The Ordinary): I applied it every day for several months on JB’s incipient baldness. I can’t really see a noticeable difference. I feel like it’s not getting worse, but it’s not completely resolved either. I feel like there is more baby hair than before, but it’s so thin that it doesn’t show up very well in the pictures. Anyway, for the price, you don’t lose anything by buying it and trying it out.
Phew! I finally finished this long list. Don’t hesitate if you have any questions!
Resellers only distribute the bestsellers. To have access to all The Ordinary products, I advise you to buy directly on the official website . The delivery is free from 25€ of order. 0 customs fees. I already showed how to get a refund (within 365 days) if you don’t like a product here.
You can also buy them on Sephora, Nocibé, FeelUnique and Lookfantastic, but there are less products than on the official website.
This post is also available in:
Français
