I followed the basic ordinary skincare routine for six months, but boy I was baffled because there were so many different products, it took me a while to figure out what to do.
After all the testing, I started to see improvements, mainly in skin texture, after 15 days of constant usage; by this, I mean following the basic AM and PM routine that I am about to share.
Here’s an in-depth, simple The Ordinary skincare routine guide to help you understand how to layer up a successful skin care regimen!
I posted the basic routine initially, but you will find other alternatives for specific skin types if you scroll down.
Basic the ordinary skincare routine
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Morning
- Wash: Squalane Cleanser is not my favorite, but this is a good option if you don’t need to get rid of makeup.
- Hydration Serum: Hyaluronic acid serum is my favorite of all products from this brand, and it was responsible for skin texture improvement;
- Antioxidant Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to prevent spots and irritations.
- Eye Serum: The Caffeine Serum is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory option to treat dark circles and puffiness. It did not work in my case, so that I would skip it.
- Moisturizer: I like The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA as it absorbs well; I loved that my skin didn’t get ‘sticky’ and I could experience immediate relief from dehydration;
- SPF Protection
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Beginners Video
The Evening Routine
- Cleanser
- Exfoliation, facial Mask, or Spot treatment (Optional but recommended)
- Treatment Serum
- Moisturiser
- Oil (Optional): The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is nourishing, won’t clog pores, and improves skin texture.
Exfoliation, facial Mask, or Spot treatment
Exfoliation For Deep cleanser and skin renewing
Try The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% toning solution (exfoliator) once a day, after cleansing in the evening, for deeper cleansing and to purify your skin. Continuous use makes skin texture much better, brighter, and refined.
Facial Mask for purifying and improving skin texture
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is a face mask that contains charcoal and clay that cleanses the skin and treats pores.
This step should be done once or twice a week, and it’s better performed in the evening because the sun may irritate your skin while using these products.
Scaring & Dark Spots, Brightening Treatment
The Ordinary AHA + BHA Peeling Solution is a good treatment for clear and brighter skin and is also anti-aging as it can minimize the appearance of fine lines.
This product should not be used if you have sensitive skin, and do not apply it more than twice a week. Also, it’s important to state that if you decide to use this type of treatment, it is better to cut the treatment serum in this routine.
3. Hydration Serum: Use with the same serum you picked for the morning routine.
Treatment Serums (Optional)
After hydrating your skin, you can target specific skin, for example, treating dull skin, texture, oiliness, signs of age, etc.
There are many different options, but a good suggestion is to use The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution of 12% to treat dullness, for example, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% to improve your skin texture or the Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion to treat wrinkles and fine lines.
Dry Skin Type
Morning
- Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
- Eye Serum
- Serum: Amino Acids+B5
- natural moisturising factors + HA
- Sunscreen: Mineral UV Filters SPF 30
Evening
- Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
- Serum: AA + B5
- Skin Oil: 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
- Moisturizing Factors + HA
Products that are good for dry skin: Hyaluronic Acid 2 b5, Squalane, Glycerin, Shea Butter, Niacinamide, Borage Oil, Panthenol, and Rosehip Oil.
Anti-aging
Morning
- Squalane Cleanser
- Eye cream: Caffeine 5% + EGCG
- Serum: “Buffet” + CP 1%
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30
Evening
- Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
- Toner: The Ordinary 7% Toning Solution
- Serum:Buffet (Check Full Review Here)
- Skin Oil: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
Dull / Uneven Skin Type
Morning
- Squalane Cleanser
- Eye Serum (also for dark circles)
- Hylamide Low Molecular HA / or HA
- Ascorbyl Glucoside
- ordinary mineral UV filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants to protect the skin
Night
- Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
- The Ordinary Glyc. Acid Toner
- Hylamide C25
- ‘B’ Oil
Tip: Try Roller and Gua Sha To improve Dull Skin
Oily Skin
Morning
- Squalane Cleanser
- Eye cream: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (also for dark circles)
- Niacinamide (to improve skin texture)
- Moisturizer to hydrate skin
- Ordinary mineral UV filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants to protect the skin
Night
- Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner
- Salicylic Masque
- Niacinamide
- Ordinary natural moisturizing factors
Niacinamide is excellent for treating congestion and breakouts. It will also keep your skin protected and strengthen your skin barrier.
Read Also: Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide: Can You Mix Together?
Sensitive Skin Types
- Squalane Cleanser
- Eye Serum
- NIOD MG Modulating Glucosides
- Natural Factors + HA to hydrate skin
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants (Day Time)
Normal Skin
Morning
- Squalane Cleanser
- Eye cream: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- “Buffet” + CP 1%
- Natural Factors + HA
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
Night
- Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
- The Ordinary Glyc. Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Ordinary HA 2% + B5 (To keep skin barrier strong)
- Natural Factors + HA
Combination Skin
Morning
- Squalane Cleanser
- Eye cream: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- Pycnogenol 5%
- Ordinary moisturizing factors
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
Night
- Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
- Vit C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres
- Moroccan Argan Oil
- Natural Factors + HA
Acne Prone Skin
Morning
- Squalane Cleanser
- Eye cream: Caffeine 5% + EGCG
- Salicylic A. 2% Solution
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
Night
- Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
- Salicylic A. / Ordinary Lactic Acid/ Glyc. Acid (twice a week)
- Marine Hyaluronic
- Moisturizing Factors + HA
Read Also: The Ordinary For Acne Scars 101 | A Powerful Regimen Guide
Dark Spots
You can use some products for dark spots: Alpha Arbutin, Azelaic Acid, Hydroxy Acids, Glycolic Acid, HA, Retinoic Acid, Niacinamide, and Salicylic Acid.
Hyperpigmentation
Try using HAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution for hyperpigmentation, which is a Weekly exfoliating mask with alpha and beta hydroxy acids.
- Function: brightens the skin, evens 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, cleanse your face with the squalane cleanser apply HA serum, moisturizing factors, and sunscreen during the day.
- You can cleanse your face in the evening and apply the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. A lightweight gel that contains azelaic acid.
How to Build A Skincare Routine with The Ordinary?
Start slowly
- Combine one product at a time to observe how a product will react on your skin. If this product worked well for a specific skin concern, you can slowly add other products, following the same method.
How To Layer The Ordinary Skincare Routine?
What Order To Use The Ordinary Regimen?
According to The Ordinary, after cleansing, you can apply water-based formulas and layer it up with anhydrous or oil-based formulation. After that, you can go ahead and apply creams or suspension-based products.
Here’s the order:
- Water-based formulas
- Anhydrous or oil-based formulation (respectively)
- Creams/emulsion or suspension-based products
Important Note: The Ordinary does not recommend using more than two serums simultaneously.
Alternatives To The Ordinary Skincare Routine
Geek & Gorgeous
The Geek and Gorgeous is an excellent alternative to The Ordinary Skincare, with a similar philosophy of creating cosmetics with simple formulas. According to them, less is more.
Their products are organic, fragrance-free, without colorants, anti-allergenic, and free from drying alcohols.
The Inkey List
The Inkey List is another brand that focuses on single-ingredient skincare products. But they may contain products with more robust formulas if you want. The price tag is similar to The Ordinary Skincare, and there, you can find cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and the principal skincare products for your routines.
Garden Of Wisdom
The Garden Of Wisdom is also a cruelty-free brand that produces skincare products with simple formulas. They have serums, pretty much like The ordinary, designed to target specific skincare concerns. You can also find other key products, such as cleansers and moisturizers.
Final Takes
Ordinary Skin Care Tips and recommendations
Keep It Simple
The ordinary recommends that you pick just the essential products and don’t mess around with too many ingredients as it may be ineffective to bring precise results.
Getting Started With Chemical Exfoliators
Be aware that the ordinary contains very powerful chemical exfoliators; having this in mind, it is best to be cautious, especially if you start with them.
To stay on the safe side, start with products that have lower concentrations of AHAs and BHAs. Do a patch test before getting started and, watch out for the appearance of any slight irritation, suspend the treatment.
Pay Attention To Conflicts
Keep in mind that some products may cause conflict, so make sure to double-check any time you are about to start a routine to avoid irritations and make sure to visit the ordinary for more info.
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