The Ordinary Skincare Review: Affordable and Effective?

Skincare can be overwhelming, especially with so many products promising flawless skin. I prefer products that are affordable, backed by science, and deliver noticeable results. That’s why I turned to The Ordinary, a brand known for its no-nonsense approach to skincare. Their formulas focus on active ingredients without unnecessary fillers, making them a great choice for anyone who wants effective skincare without the luxury price tag.

Here’s my in-depth review of some of their most popular products and how they worked for me.

1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

✅ Best for: Oily skin, acne-prone skin, and reducing hyperpigmentation
⭐ My rating: 9/10

One of the first products I tried from The Ordinary was Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, and I was amazed at how quickly it improved my skin. Niacinamide is known for its ability to regulate oil production, reduce breakouts, and fade dark spots. Since I have combination skin with occasional acne, this was a game-changer.

I apply a few drops every morning after cleansing. The texture is lightweight, and it absorbs fast without feeling sticky. Within a few weeks, I noticed fewer breakouts, and my skin looked brighter and more even-toned. The added Zinc 1% helps with inflammation, making it great for calming red, irritated skin.

🚨 Things to note: If used with Vitamin C in the same routine, it may reduce the effectiveness of both ingredients. I prefer to use niacinamide in the morning and Vitamin C at night.

💡 Final Thoughts: If you struggle with oily skin, breakouts, or dullness, this serum is a must-try!

2. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

✅ Best for: Hydration, dry or dehydrated skin, plumper and smoother skin
⭐ My rating: 8.5/10

Hydration is the foundation of healthy skin, and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 has become an essential step in my routine. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture in the skin.

I apply it on damp skin immediately after cleansing. The first time I used it, I didn’t feel much difference, but after consistently using it for a few weeks, I noticed that my skin felt softer, plumper, and more hydrated throughout the day.

The Vitamin B5 in the formula helps to soothe and repair the skin barrier, which is a great bonus. It works well under moisturizers, and I like that it doesn’t pill when layered with other products.

🚨 Things to note: This serum can feel a bit sticky if applied to dry skin. To avoid that, I always use it on damp skin.

💡 Final Thoughts: A simple yet effective hydrating serum that’s perfect for all skin types, especially if you have dry or dehydrated skin.

3. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

✅ Best for: Exfoliation, removing dead skin cells, improving texture and glow
⭐ My rating: 9/10

This red exfoliating mask is one of The Ordinary’s most famous products, and I can see why. It’s a powerful chemical exfoliant that helps remove dead skin, unclog pores, and leave my skin looking brighter and smoother.

I use this once a week for 10 minutes, and the results are immediate. My skin feels incredibly smooth afterward, and over time, it has helped fade acne scars and improve texture. The AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) 30% exfoliates the top layer of skin, while the BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) 2% penetrates deeper into the pores to clear out blackheads and congestion.

🚨 Things to note: This is a strong treatment, so I never leave it on for more than 10 minutes and always use sunscreen the next day. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend patch-testing first.

💡 Final Thoughts: A powerful exfoliant that gives instant and long-term results, but it must be used with caution.

4. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

✅ Best for: Reducing puffiness, dark circles, and tired-looking eyes
⭐ My rating: 7.5/10

Dark circles and puffy eyes are something I constantly battle, so I was excited to try The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG. This lightweight serum is designed to reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles by using caffeine and EGCG (a powerful antioxidant from green tea).

I apply a tiny amount under my eyes every morning and gently tap it in. Over time, I noticed that my eyes looked less puffy and slightly brighter, especially when I had a bad night’s sleep. However, if you have genetic dark circles, this may not be a miracle cure—it works best for puffiness caused by lack of sleep or fluid retention.

🚨 Things to note: It can be drying, so I always follow up with an eye cream to keep the under-eye area hydrated.

💡 Final Thoughts: A great pick if you struggle with under-eye puffiness, but it won’t completely erase dark circles.

Final Thoughts: Is The Ordinary Worth It?

The Ordinary delivers effective, science-backed skincare at affordable prices, making it a fantastic brand for anyone looking to improve their routine without overspending. While not every product works for everyone, the ones I tested gave me visible results.

💡 Would I recommend The Ordinary? Absolutely! If you’re looking for simple, no-fuss skincare that actually works, this brand is worth trying.

My Top Picks:

✔ Best for breakouts & oil control: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
✔ Best for hydration: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
✔ Best for exfoliation & glow: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
✔ Best for puffy eyes: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG