The Ordinary Skincare Routine Guide For all Skin Types

The Ordinary became very popular thanks to their simple formulas and affordable prices. There you can find a variety of products  targeting all types of concerns such as dryness, oiliness, redness and much more. 

With so many options, it can be confusing to establish a skin care routine that combines the right set of products from the brand.

Here’s an in-depth, yet simple, The Ordinary skincare routine guide to help you understand how to layer up a successful skin care regimen! 

What Order To Use The Ordinary Products

The ordinary skincare routine order is very logical. Start applying the lightest products first and the thickest ones after. For example:

1. Liquids First
2. Secondly serums
3. Then the oils 
4. Lastly creams and heavy creams

I have also written a full article with a super easy full guide on How To Layer The Ordinary Products. Go, check it out!

What The Ordinary Products Should I Use?

To follow a simple skin care routine with the The ordinary, you will need to start with the Squalane Facial Cleanser, The Caffeine Solution Eye Serum,  natural moisturizing factors and the mineral sunscreen. They are very simple to use, and ideal for all skin types. Check out the table below for details:

Product	About
Squalane Facial Cleanser	Moisturizing cleanser that supports your skin’s moisture barrier through hydration
Caffeine Solution Eye Serum	Contains caffeine, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory green tea leaves to brighten the under eye area and reduce puffiness
Natural Moisturizing Factors	Immediate and long-lasting hydration and protects the skin against moisture loss.
The Ordinary Sunscreen	The ordinary has SPF 15 and 30 Factors

Take a look at The Ordinary Skincare Routine for beginners full guide to learn more about each of these products and how to use them. 

Top The Ordinary Products

There are some products that you can easily find in various the ordinary skincare regimen. They do a good job treating different skin concerns. 

In this session, let’s talk about some items that you may be interested in adding to your regimen. All the products below are indicated for all skin types:

Product	Targets / Benefits
Hyaluronic A. 2% + B5 Serum (AM + PM)	Dryness
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum (AM + PM)	Visible Shine / Oiliness / sebum production
Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (The old The Ordinary “Buffet”)	Signs Of Aging
Buffet" + Copper Peptides 1% Serum (AM + PM)	Signs Of Aging
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (PM)	Signs Of Aging
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (PM)	Uneven Skin Tone (PM) Apply on cleansed skin to dissolve dead skin cells.
Retinoids	Signs Of Aging

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum

Here we have a Water-based serum with HA and vitamin B5 that hydrates and smoothes the skin, protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. For better results, apply morning and night before creams and moisturizers.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

A Water-based serum with niacinamide (vitamin B3) and zinc, minimizes pores and controls excess of oil and ​​sebum production. This serum is formulated for all skin types especially acne-prone skin. Apply morning and night before creams or moisturizers.

Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (Former “Buffet Serum”)

Its formula combines peptides, probiotics, AA and different molecules of hyaluronic acid, to treat signs of aging and hydrate at the same time. Increases collagen and firms the skin.

“Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%

Combination of various skin-friendly amino acids and various forms of hyaluronic acid, that plump and nourish the skin and combats acne. Apply all over the face morning and night after cleansing, for a healthier and younger looking skin. 

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

It is a lightweight gel with Azelaic Acid that illuminates the skin and reduces acne and redness. Use it in your evening routine after water-based products.

Retinoids

Retinoids are great anti-aging products and The ordinary has five different types of retinoids.

1. Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane (Moderate Strength, No Irritation)
2. Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane (High Strength, No or Low Irritation)
3. Retinol 0.2% in Squalane (Low Strength, Moderate Irritation)
4. Retinol 0.5% in Squalane (Moderate Strength, High Irritation)
5. Retinol 1% in Squalane (High Strength, Very High Irritation)

Further Reading: Take a look at The Ordinary Best Top Popular products full guide to learn more about each of these products and how to use them. 

the ordinary skincare routine for beginners

Firstly I’d like to share a super simple basic routine that will probably work for most skins. Use this suggestion if you want to keep your skin gorgeous and hydrated.

These are the ordinary products you’ll need:

• Squalane Cleanser
• Caffeine Eye Serum
• ordinary hyaluronic acid
• Moisturizing Factors
• SPF 30

Read Also: Korean Skincare Routine Full Guide Step By Step and The Ordinary Skincare Routine For Beginners Full Guide!

The Lazy Days & Nights Routine Guide

Let’s get started with the five steps routine. For this, you just add sunscreen in the morning as the final step.

I like this routine because Hyaluronic Acid 2 B5 is a hydration serum that protects and strengthens your skin barrier.

Skincare Routines Suggestions By Skin Type

IMPORTANT: Please consult a dermatologist to have personalized doctor instructions on how to adopt an advanced routine. 

Have in mind that some advanced products from this brand can cause conflicts when mixed together. At the first signs of irritation, suspend the usage immediately!

I have also written a full article with a super easy full guide on How To Layer The Ordinary Products.  Additionally, take a look on How to layer Skincare in general!

Dry Skin Type

If you have dry skin concerns, it has difficulty retaining moisture. You can try oils that will nourish your skin.

As for example, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil is perfect for this job as it contains a moist blend rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants to help nourish and protect the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid has amazing hydrating properties. You can also try Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, which contains a powerful blend of amino acids, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid and other natural ingredients found in your skin to repair and rehydrate your skin.

Morning Ordinary Routine For dry skin

1. Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye Serum
3. Serum: Amino Acids + B5
4. Moisturizing Factors + HA
5. Sunscreen: Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 

Night Ordinary Routine For dry skin

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Serum: AA + B5
3. Skin Oil: 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
4. Moisturizing Factors + HA

Products that are good for dry skin: Hyaluronic Acid 2 b5, Squalane, Glycerin, Shea Butter, Niacinamide, Borage Oil, Panthenol, Rosehip Oil.

Anti-aging 

The peptide serum buffet treats wrinkles, skin texture and dehydrated skin. It contains Matrixyl 3000, which stimulates collagen production and repairs the skin.

Just make sure not to mix the buffet serum with ordinary vitamin C in the same routine, as it can cause reactions.

Morning skincare routine

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye cream: Caffeine 5% + EGCG 
3. Serum: “Buffet” + CP 1%
4. Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 

Night skincare routine

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Toner: The Ordinary 7% Toning Solution
3. Serum:Buffet (Check Full Review Here)
4. Skin Oil: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

Early Signs Of age skincare routine

When you hydrate your skin, you are consequently delaying the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Hyaluronic acid 2 b5 – is a great skin hydrator that will consequently delay signs of age.

There are many benefits of using hyaluronic acid, but a very known function is to retain skin natural water retention. In addition, it will leave your skin firmer while boosting collage stimulus.

Vitamin C – Is another great contributor to collagen production. So, it is a good idea to add it to your skincare routine.

Tip: Just make sure to check on The ordinary website what products you can use with vitamin C and which ones will cause conflict.

There are many Vitamin C products, however, to treat early signs of age, many dermatologists recommend products with light formulas such as Ascorbyl Glucoside 12%.

The Ascorbyl Glucoside 12% is ideal to treat early signs of age, maintain the skin hydrated and illuminated.  

The Láctico 5% + HA 2% Is also a good option to reduce fine lines, stimulate skin regeneration and minimizes age spots, and contains hyaluronic acid which is hydrating.

The ordinary has different options of retinoids. Make sure not use them together in the same skincare routine as it may cause conflicts.

You can use retinols once per day and two to three times per week to reduce early signs of age.

Mature Skin

For mature skin concerns, you can use the Buffet Serum, that targets wrinkles and fine lines, improves skin texture, treats dark circles and hydrates the skin. It contains Matrixyl 3000 that stimulates the skin collagen production and repairs the skin.

Alternatively, you can try ordinary retinols. O Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion contains a high concentration of pure retinol that reduces fine lines, hyperpigmentation and sagness.

Another option for mature skin is Vitamin C Serum. You can try the Solution 20% in vitamin F that is derived from Vitamin C, is an oil based solution that clears spots and reduces fine lines (ideal for dry mature skin).

If your skin normal to oily skin types, you can opt for the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%.

Dull / Uneven Skin Type

Excess dead skin cells can cause dullness and you are left with the feeling that skin is dry and uneven.

Morning Guide

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye Serum (also for dark circles)
3. Hylamide Low Molecular HA / or Hyaluronic Acid
4. Ascorbyl Glucoside
5. ordinary mineral uv filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants to protect skin

Night Routine Guide

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. The Ordinary Glyc. Acid Toner 
3. Hylamide C25
4. ‘B’ Oil

Tip: Try Roller and Gua Sha To improve Dull Skin

Oily Skin

Products that are good for oily skin and acne prone skin: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, Marine Hyaluronic, Benzoyl Peroxide.

Morning 

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye cream: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (also for dark circles)
3. Niacinamide (to improve skin texture)
4. Moisturizer to hydrate skin
5. Ordinary mineral uv filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants to protect skin

Night skincare routine

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner
3. Salicylic Masque 
4. Niacinamide 
5. Ordinary natural moisturizing factors

Niacinamide is great to treat congestions and breakouts. It will also keep skin protected and strengthen your skin barrier.

Read Also:Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide: Can You Mix Together?

Oily, Sensitive Skin & Redness

Some products can be harsh on the skin especially if the product has a high concentration of actives. 

Having this in mind, sensitive skin and oily skin in general can benefit from Niacinamide and zinc 1% that are more gentle on skin. These two products are also very efficient for redness and irritated skin.

Niacinamide (vitamin b3) improves skin texture and softens the skin. At the same time, it calms the skin and reduces excess sebum.

Zinco is anti-inflammatory, calms irritated skin and neutralizes redness.

Tip: If you have oily skin read this Clay Masks Benefits guide.

Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin concerns (or very sensitive skin), it’s important to be really careful about what you put on your face, otherwise, you may face redness and irritation. Down below I bring to you a quick suggestion to treat your sensitive skin in your skincare.

Sensitive Skin 

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye Serum
3. NIOD MG Modulating Glucosides
4. Natural Factors + HA to hydrate skin
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants (Day Time)

Normal Skin

Oh la la! You have normal skin! This is great, but it is always important to continue to take care of it!

Morning Guide

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye cream: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 
3. “Buffet” + CP 1% 
4. Natural Factors + HA
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Night Routine Guide

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. The Ordinary Glyc. Acid 7% Toning Solution
3. Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (keep skin barrier strong)
4. Natural Factors + HA

Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, you can normally use Ordinary products for oily and dry or normal skin on specific areas.

Morning Routine Guide

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye cream: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 
3. Pycnogenol 5%
4. ordinary natural moisturizing factors
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Night Routine Guide

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Vit C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres
3. Moroccan Argan Oil
4. Natural Factors + HA

Acne Prone Skin

If you suffer from acne, down below is a nice suggestion for acne prone skin and similar concerns.

Acne Prone Skin Morning Routine Guide

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye cream: Caffeine 5% + EGCG
3. Salicylic A. 2% Solution 
4.  Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Acne Prone Skin Night Routine Guide

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Salicylic A. / Ordinary Lactic Acid/ Glyc. Acid (twice a week)
3. Marine Hyaluronics
4. Moisturizing Factors + HA

Read Also:The Ordinary For Acne Scars 101 | A Powerful Regimen Guide

You can also use The Ordinary 7% Toning Solution, which is great if you have acne scaring. Just make sure not to use it more than once per day and use it only in the evening time.

This is an exfoliating serum that removes dead skin cells, impurities, and can reduce acne scars. If you want to use the The Ordinary 7% Toning Solution, you can try this alternative night routine:

Alternative Acne Prone Skin Night Routine Guide For Acne Scars

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
3. Marine Hyaluronics
4. Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Note: So, I’ve never seen anywhere The Ordinary claiming to totally cure acne scars.

However, they claim to have great treatments that may prevent and even diminish them. SO, if you are suffering from superficial acne scars, you can give it a try.

Acne & Blackheads

Here you can find a few tips for all types of acne prone skin, be it normal, oily or sensitive, etc. In addition, the following routine can help with spots, large pores, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, sebum control, fine line and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

For this you can use:

Squalane cleanser – It is a gentle cleanser that leaves the skin hydrated and soft. 

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque – Contains charcoal, Amazonian clays and squalane. It’s also great to treat fullness and texture irregularities. 

Ideal to remove dead cells, renovates the skin, which will prevent acne and leave it more radiant. You can use it once or twice a week in your nightly routine

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – It’s also called Vitamin B3 – Great serum that contains vitamins and minerals that will help you minimize spots and control excess of sebum.

Nicotinamide is an essential B-complex vitamin that hydrates the skin by increasing the synthesis of natural ceramides. 

In addition, the substance works as a strong ally in controlling the production of sebum in the sebaceous glands, preventing the appearance of blackheads and pimples on the face.

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 30ml – Is a highly hydrating moisturizer, with a nice lightweight texture

it is composed of several amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid and many other compounds that are naturally present in the skin

Dark Spots

Here are some products that you can use for dark spots: Alpha Arbutin, Azelaic Acid, Hydroxy Acids, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinoic Acid, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid.

Hyperpigmentation

For Hyperpigmentation, you can try using HAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

The  HAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a Weekly exfoliating mask with alpha and beta hydroxy acids.

Function: brightens the skin, evens out the tone and fights acne.

How to use: apply to the skin for 10 minutes once a week. Wash well after this period.

Rosacea

To treat rosacea, you can cleanse your face with the squalane cleanser, apply hyaluronic acid serum, and natural moisturizing factors and sunscreen during the day.

In the evening, you can just cleanse your face and apply the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. Lightweight gel that contains azelaic acid.

By doing this regularly your skin may get illuminated, and you may notice acne and redness minimization.

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That’s it, guys; I hope you enjoyed it! If you like this blog, please follow me on Instagram @themakeup.insta 🙂 Love you! Thanks a bunch!

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