The ordinary regimen is formed by different types of skincare products, there are a huge variety.
In this section, you can find tips to build up your regimen based on the best the Ordinary products.
Basically, ordinary products include different categories and classifications as for example:
- Hydrators & Oils, Retinols & Retinoids, Antioxidants, Acids, Vitamin C, Peptides, Cleanser
We are going to walk through each of these classifications so you can understand the basics of each.
Hydrators
Hydrators can be serums, and products that are different from oils.
After cleansing, use their moisturizer alone or after serums and oils, for an extra boost.
Many of their serums, as for example HA and Marine Hyaluronics, are very hydrating.
Take a look at the following table for examples of Hydrators:
best the ordinary products |
Skin Type |
Key Ingredients |
Benefits |
How often to use |
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA |
All Skin Types |
multiple AA, ceramides, HA |
Protects and hydrates skin |
Daily AM / PM |
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics |
Hydration for normal to oily complexion with super light texture |
Marine Hyaluronics, exopolysaccharide, Hawaiian red algae, Glycoproteins |
Hold water onto skin with a super light texture / Retains skin moisture |
Daily AM / PM before creams |
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 |
ordinary hyaluronic acid is good Especially for Dry to Very Dry Skin |
low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, Vitamin B5 |
ordinary hyaluronic acid provides Deep hydration / boost hydration/ protects your skin |
Daily AM / PM before creams |
The Ordinary AA + B5 |
Dehydrated Skin |
AA and AA derivatives, D-Panthenol |
non-greasy hydration |
Daily AM / PM before creams |
Source: TheOrdinary
Oils
There are quite a few oils for all skins and hair as well. From dry to sensitive skin you may find something suitable.
They are all 100% organic, cold-pressed, vegan and natural, and here are options if you are allergic as well.
How To Use Ordinary Oils?
You can normally apply the oils after water-based treatments and the frequency depends on the oil you choose.
Here’s the comparison table, with this and other essential information about the ordinary oils:
Oil |
Key Ingredients |
Skin Type |
Benefits |
How To Use |
Rose Hip Seed Oi (organic cold pressed rose hip seed)l |
linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and pro-vitamin A |
rose hip seed oil is good for All Skin Types |
Anti-ageing, fade spots, Calms sensitive irritated skin / soothes skin |
Use Hip Seed Oil Daily, Evening time, after water-based treatments |
Moroccan Argan Oil |
fatty acids, vitamins, phenols, may contain traces of nuts |
Hair and Skin / Dried skin |
Hydration, flaking reduction / soothes skin |
Daily or every time you need |
Borage Seed Oil |
gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic, oleic, stearic and palmitic acids |
Dry and / or Irritated Skin |
soothes , calms your skin, |
Daily or every time you need, after water-based treatments |
Virgin Marula Oil |
rich in antioxidants, oleic acid, linoleic acid, procyanidin, catechins and flavanoids |
Hair and Skin / Dry Skin / Dehydrated Skin |
Hydration, even skin, protects your skin barrier |
AM or PM after water based lightweight serum formulations |
“B” Oil with rosehip seed oil |
squalane + oils of marula, argan, baobab, pataua, brazil nut, inca inchi, rosehip seed oil and borage |
All Skins/ 100 organic cold pressed |
boost hydration, Calms the skin, promotes skin overall health, soothes irritated and stressed skin |
AM or PM after serums |
Virgin Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Oil |
palmitoleic acid (Omega 7), fatty acids, antioxidants tocopherol (Vitamin E), |
All Skin Types / 100 organic cold pressed |
Highly Hydrating, protect the skin from free radical damage / anti-ageing |
Use in the evening after application of water-based treatments / mix a few drops with other products |
Virgin Chia Seed Oil |
essential fatty acid, linoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants |
Hair and skin / All Skin Types / 100 organic cold pressed |
hydrating / soothes the skin |
AM or PM after water based serums |
Source: The Ordinary website
Exfoliators
Exfoliating is cool because they remove dead skin cells, and leave your skin smooth, brighter and remove wrinkles and boost collagen production.
But to actually enjoy the good results, you have to make sure you are not overdoing it.
If you use too much chemical exfoliator, your skin may break out and get overy dry. So, exfoliate with moderation.
And start slow, this way your skin can get used with the active ingredients of the formulas.
For your face, I like exfoliating once a week, but I have friends that are pretty happy doing this twice a week.
Well, to be honest, I try to do it once a week, but sometimes I forget, so I should be pushing myself to do it at least once a week.
The ordinary has six exfoliating products so far by the date of this article ( I’ll keep it updated in case changes occur).
It is important that you pick just one exfoliator, as using them all will make you upset your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
For the exfoliators, it is probably better to use one that is correspondent to your skin.
Down below we have a quick table to help you identify it:
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution |
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution |
The Ordinary Lactic A. 5% + HA 2% (£5.50) & Lactic A.10% + HA 2% |
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA |
The Ordinary 7% Toning Solution |
exfoliates dead skin cells /Best For Professionals / contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that promotes an even skin /boost collagen production |
salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin cells / For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin / soothes acne scars |
For Sensitive Skin /dull skin |
For Sensitive / Acne-Prone Skin / soothes acne scars |
For Dried Skin |
Facial Serums For a Serious Glow
Facial Serums are a little bit polemic. Some people love it, some people just say they are worthless.
Some people use them alone, or apply them before the facial moisturizer.
If you ask my humble opinion, as a user, until the moment I’m writing this article, I prefer to use them alone.
Why?
Firstly because I like to make it simple, I believe that for my skin the less is really more.
My skin doesn’t respond too well to the quantity of products, so I like to stick with the minimum.
Serums That Are Good For Dryness
Product |
Benefits |
100% Plant-Derived Squalane |
Extremely hydrating / Prevent loss of skin hydration / Softens and smooth dried skin / Can be used on hair and skin |
Argireline Solution 10% |
Improves appearance of lines around the eyes and the forehead / Hydrating |
Marine Hyaluronics |
Super Light weights hydration serum / Normal to dry skin / soothes and brightens skin / protects your skin barrier / won’t clog pores |
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA |
Treats dark spots and hyperpigmentation |
Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 |
Provides intense, long-lasting moisture, smoother skin |
Amino Acids + B5 |
Hydrating and anti-irritating |
100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane |
Hydrating / Can be used on hair and skin |
The ordinary skin care Anti Ageing Serums
- “Buffet”
- “Buffet” + CP 1%
- Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
- Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
- Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
- Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
- Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
- Argireline Solution 10%
- Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Matrixyl 10% + HA
Serums For Sensitive, Oily & Acne Prone Skin & Blemishes
- Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% lightweight serum
For Acne & Persistent Blemishes
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Retinoic Acid
- Salicylic A. would help
- Salicylic A. would help
- Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Retinol 1% in Squalane
Uneven Skin Tone Serums
- Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
- Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
- Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
- Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
The Ordinary Oxidants
Before we jump to The Ordinary Oxidants, let’s recap some of the key benefits we can get from them.
What are antioxidants and how do they help your skin?
Antioxidants are substances that help protect skin from pollution and possible unprotected sun exposure (UV rays).
When used daily, antioxidants can help reduce sun spots, restore skin and minimize aging signs.
They also help to prevent skin damage caused by pollution and uv rays also known as free radicals.
Generally speaking, consistent use of oxidants can help with:
- Calming skin
- Restoring skin
- Hydration
- Rejuvenating / Anti-wrinkles
Now that we are done with our quick recap, let’s finally talk about the ordinary antioxidants!
The ordinary oxidants will be your ally in fighting damage caused by free radicals and premature aging.
Down below we have a couple of products on the oxidants comparison table:
Product |
Benefits |
How To Use |
Avoid Using With |
Pycnogenol 5% Serum |
Skin Hydration / Skin Elasticity |
Apply alone / after water-based serums / before oils or heavier creams. |
Copper Peptides (Ordinary Buffet + Copper Pep. / NIOD CAIS / NIOD CAIL |
EUK 134 Antioxidant Support |
Redness Improvement |
Apply alone / after water-based serums / before oils or heavier creams. |
strong highly acids (Ex. suspensions of Ascorbic Acid) |
Ordinary Retinols & Retinoids
Retinol is a great anti-aging synthetic derived from vitamin A. It restores aging cell structure, improving skin texture.
It’s a powerful ingredient to reduce lines, wrinkles in skin care treatments.
Retinoids are also derived from vitamin A and help reduce wrinkles and fine lines by increasing collagen production.
Having this in mind, you can use The Ordinary retinols and retinoids for rejuvenation and skin texture improvement.
How to use Them?
The Ordinary retinols and retinoids in the evening (only), after water based products and before facial oils and creams
Retinol Comparison
The Ordinary offers 3 Retinol products with low, medium and high strength.
As a beginner, you should start with the lower strength before moving to higher levels.
And ah, remember to leave these products stored in the fridge!
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane |
Low strength |
Low irritation |
Do not use with: other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid / Direct acids / Pure Vitamin C / Copper Pep. |
0.5% Retinol in Squalane |
Mild strength |
High irritation | |
1% Retinol in Squalane |
High strength |
Very high irritation |
NOTE: Retinol can cause skin irritations and peeling. If you have never used it before, start with a lower level. Also, consult a dermatologist for personalised doctor support.
They can also leave your skin more sensitive, for this reason, always use SPF protections and limit sun exposure, during this process.
The Ordinary states that retinoids are a more advanced non irritative alternative to retinol.
They actually recommend you to use The ordinary retinoids as a more advanced formula.
Ordinary Retinoids Comparison
Down below we have three ordinary retinoids, two of them moderated strength and one with high strength.
To the contrary of Retinol, Retinoids don’t cause irritation and as I mentioned, the ordinary site recommends using them.
2% in Squalane Granactive Retinoid |
Moderate Strength / No irritation |
Do not use with: retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid / Direct acids / Pure Vitamin C / Cop. Peptides |
2% Emulsion Granactive Retinoid |
Moderate Strength / No irritation | |
5% in Squalane Granactive Retinoid |
High Strength / No to low irritation |
The Ordinary Acids
Acids are welcome to skincare routines and can treat tons of concerns such as acne, signs of aging, some scars, and uneven skin.
They help your skin get renewed by replacing old cells with new ones.
The ordinary has quite a few acids and a good advice is to be careful and do not combine acids at the same time.
This is because some acids cannot be mixed together in the same routine so use it with caution.
Note: Always check professional advice while planning to adopt such advanced skin care. Always double check with The Ordinary Website what products should not be mixed together in the same routine!
TIP: Remember to use SPF protections and limit sun exposure, during this process!
WARNING: DO NOT MIX Vitamin C, Retinoids & Direct Acids In the same routine
Mandelic Acid |
Treats skin dullness / Improves texture / Evens skin |
AHA 30% Peeling Solution |
Treats skin dullness / Improves skin |
Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% |
Treats skin dullness / Improves skin/ Evens skin / Anti-ageing |
Salicylic Acid |
Treats Blemishes |
Glycolic Acid |
Glycolic Acid Treats skin dullness / Improves skin / Evens skin / with aloe vera and ginseng and amino acids. |
Salicylic A. Masque |
Treats Blemishes |
Lactic A. 5% |
Treats skin dullness / Improves skin / Evens skin / Anti-ageing |
Alpha Lipoic |
Treats skin dullness / rejuvenating |
ordinary azelaic acid suspension |
ordinary azelaic acid suspension Treats skin dullness / Improves skin / Evens skin |
The Ordinary Vitamin C
It is an oxidant, but we talk about it separately because the ordinary offers quite a few vitamin c options.
It is great for brightening skin, has rejuvenating properties (given the collagen) and softens dark spots.
Down below we have a comparison table
Vitamin C |
Benefits |
Conflicts |
Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% |
|
EUK 134, Retinoids, Peptides, Ordinary Niacinamide, Direct Acids |
Suspension 30% in Silicone |
Evens Skin / Rejuvenating |
EUK 134, Retinoids, Peptides, Ordinary Niacinamide, Direct Acids |
100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder |
Evens Skin / prevent wrinkles and lines |
EUK 134, Retinoids, Peptides, Ordinary Niacinamide, Direct Acids |
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% |
Treats hyperpigmentation and spots / prevent wrinkles and lines |
EUK 134, Retinoids, Peptides, Ordinary Niacinamide, Direct Acids |
Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% |
Evens Skin / prevent wrinkles and lines / treats dullness |
Niacinamide powder |
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% |
Evens Skin / prevent wrinkles and fine lines / treats dullness |
Niacinamide powder |
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F |
Evens Skin / anti fine lines / treats dullness |
Niacinamide powder |
Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution |
Even Skin tone / rejuvenating |
EUK, Ordinary Niacinamide, Peptides |
The Ordinary Peptides
Peptides are great for your anti-wrinkles skin care routine, improve skin texture and are very hydrating.
You can ideally use peptides when you start noticing signs of aging, but if you want to use it as a preventive, it is best to consult a dermatologist to check if this is really needed.
Down below we bring to you a table with a list of the ordinary peptides products:
Product |
Benefits |
The Ordinary Buffet |
Anti-lines, Hydrating, Nourishing, |
The Ordinary Buffet + CP |
Anti-lines skin repairing |
The Ordinary Argireline 10% |
Anti-lines also know as a serum botox |
The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% +HA |
Firming, Anti-lines, Hydrating |
The ordinary Peptides Conflicts
You need to pay attention while combining some skin care products, in order to avoid conflicts.
There are some products that shouldn’t be mixed in the same routine and down below we give a list for your reference.
NOTE: I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to consult a dermatologist before mixing formulas in the same routine and adopting a more advanced skincare. What one person uses, may not indicate your own use. It is important to read online for personal education, but the final verdict should be given by a doctor!
Peptides |
Conflicts |
Copper Peptides |
Strong AntioxidantsDirect AcidsRetinol/RetinoidVitamin C |
ArgirelineMatrixylBuffet |
Vitamin CDirect Acids |
Read Also:Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide: Can You Mix Together?
Best Serums For Dry Skin
Below you can find other Serums that are great to treat dryness that you can add to your Ordinary Routine.
Product |
benefits |
100% Plant-Derived Squalane |
Prevent the loss of skin hydration / Softens and smooth dried skin / Can be used on hair and skin / improves hair density |
Argireline Solution 10% |
Reduces fine lines around the eyes and the forehead / Hydrating |
Marine Hyaluronics |
Lightweight hydration serum / soothes and brightens the skin /won’t clog pores |
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA |
Treats spots and hyperpigmentation |
Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 |
Ordinary hyaluronic acid Provides intense, long-lasting moisture |
AA + B5 |
Hydrating and anti-irritating |
100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane |
Hydrating / good for hair and skin |
best the ordinary products: Anti Aging Serums
You have a variety of anti-wrinkle serums that you can add to the ordinary skincare regimen, as listed below.
Anti Ageing Serums List
- “Buffet” Serum
- “Buffet” + CP 1%
- Retinol 1% in Squalane
- Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
- Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
- Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
- Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
- Argireline Solution 10%
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Matrixyl 10% + HA