In the ever-evolving world of skincare, where luxury and efficacy often come with a steep price tag, The Ordinary Skincare brand emerges as a beacon of accessibility, transparency, and affordability. The brand, a subsidiary of the larger DECIEM beauty group, has swiftly carved a niche for itself in the beauty industry, championing the philosophy of offering high-quality, scientifically-backed skincare products at remarkably affordable prices.
The Ordinary’s product line is a testament to the brand’s commitment to simplicity and effectiveness. Consumers want and deserve transparency which is provided by The Ordinary brand. By focusing on single-ingredient-led formulations, they have stripped down the usual complexities associated with skincare routines, making it easier for users to understand what they are applying to their skin and why. This simplicity, however, does not compromise the potency and sophistication of their products, which range from well-known retinoids and acids to lesser-known but equally powerful molecules.
In this comprehensive review, we will explore the world of The Ordinary and look at the brand’s unique approach to skincare. We will examine the brand’s philosophy, its standout products, its effectiveness, and how it compares to more expensive alternatives in the market.
Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or a novice looking to refine your routine, this review of The Ordinary brand will provide valuable insights and help you better understand the myriad of available options.
The Ordinary Skincare: Foundation and Philosophy
The Ordinary was launched in 2016 by DECIEM, a beauty company founded in 2013 by the late Brandon Truaxe. Truaxe, known for his visionary approach, aimed to disrupt the beauty industry’s often opaque practices and overpriced products. He sought to create a brand that stripped back unnecessary packaging and misleading advertising, focusing instead on high-quality, active ingredients. The Ordinary was born out of this vision, offering straightforward, ingredients-focused products.
The Ordinary Product Line and Innovation
From the outset, The Ordinary focused on single-ingredient products. This was a stark contrast to the industry norm of multi-ingredient, complex formulations. The brand’s debut range included a series of serums, each highlighting a specific active ingredient like Retinol, Vitamin C, or Hyaluronic Acid. These products were not only effective but also transparently marketed, with clear concentrations and straightforward names that told consumers exactly what they were using.
Market Disruption and Growth
The Ordinary gained a cult following rapidly. Its transparent approach to pricing and ingredients, combined with the efficacy of its products, resonated with a wide audience. The brand’s no-frills approach was revolutionary in a market saturated with products claiming miraculous results and cloaked in confusing marketing jargon. By offering products typically associated with high-end skincare at a fraction of the cost, The Ordinary began to challenge the longstanding industry giants and actually surge ahead in popularity.
Challenges and Controversies
The journey of The Ordinary Skincare has not been without its challenges. The brand faced controversies, particularly surrounding its founder, Brandon Truaxe, whose unconventional approach to business and social media communications sometimes sparked confusion and concern. In 2018, Truaxe’s erratic behavior led to his removal from the company, with Estée Lauder, a minority stakeholder in DECIEM, stepping in to take control of the helm.
Legacy and Impact
Despite these challenges, The Ordinary has left an impressive mark on the beauty industry. It has shifted consumer expectations who are now demanding more transparency and affordability in skincare. The brand’s focus on simplicity, ingredient transparency, and affordability has not only won it a dedicated customer base but has also forced other skincare brands to reevaluate their pricing and marketing strategies.
The Ordinary Skincare Top Product Line-Up
The Ordinary offers a wide range of skincare products, known for their effectiveness, simplicity, and affordability. The brand has gained popularity for several key products that stand out for their impressive results and straightforward formulations.
Below are some of the top products by The Ordinary that have garnered widespread acclaim:
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: A hydration support formula, this serum combines low, medium, and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. The addition of Vitamin B5 enhances surface hydration, making it a favorite for its deep moisturizing capabilities.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: This high-strength vitamin and mineral formula is designed to target blemishes, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is known for reducing the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion, while Zinc balances visible aspects of sebum activity.
- The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: This exfoliating formula offers deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and improve skin radiance. The combined 30% Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) offer a comprehensive peeling treatment that targets multiple skin concerns.
- The Ordinary “Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum: This serum is a multi-technology peptide formulation that combines a comprehensive array of studied technologies to target multiple signs of aging at once.
- The Ordinary Retinol Serum in Squalane: Available in different concentrations (like 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1%), this serum incorporates pure retinol, an ingredient that has been proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, photodamage, and general skin aging.
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil: Rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and pro-vitamin A, this oil offers numerous skin benefits, particularly in terms of hydration and signs of skin aging.
- The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG: This light-textured formula contains an extremely high concentration of caffeine and Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves. It’s used primarily for reducing puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
- The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%: A formula that combines high concentrations of Vitamin C for brightening and anti-aging, with HA spheres to smooth skin texture.
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: An exfoliating toning solution that offers mild exfoliation to improve skin radiance and clarity. Glycolic acid is a well-known alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works to unbind the connections holding dead cells on the skin’s surface.
- The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: A lightweight cream-gel that is effective for improving the brightness of skin and reducing the look of blemishes.
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution: This solution is designed for blemish-prone skin. Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), helps to exfoliate the skin’s inner walls of pores to fight the appearance of blemishes and for better visible skin clarity.
- The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA: A high-strength exfoliating serum with lactic acid and hyaluronic acid. Lactic acid offers mild exfoliation to promote a smoother, more even-toned complexion, while hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin.
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: This non-greasy moisturizer supplements the skin with a mix of natural moisturizing factors (NMF), including elements like amino acids, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid, to keep the skin hydrated and protected.
- The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA: A serum designed to reduce the appearance of spots and hyperpigmentation. Alpha arbutin is a safe skin-lightening ingredient that works by reducing melanin production.
- The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser: A gentle, moisturizing cleanser suitable for all skin types. This formula incorporates squalane, known for its exceptional hydration properties, and effectively removes makeup while leaving the skin smooth and moisturized.
- The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA: This anti-aging serum combines two forms of Matrixyl (a peptide complex) with hyaluronic acid. It targets fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and repairing damaged skin.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide Powder: Offering the same benefits as the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, this powder form allows users to mix with their preferred serums and solutions for a personalized skincare experience.
- The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA: This gentle AHA exfoliant is suitable for more sensitive skin types. Mandelic acid exfoliates the skin’s surface to improve texture and pigmentation, while hyaluronic acid provides hydration.
- The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%: A peptide serum that targets the appearance of dynamic facial lines. Argireline is known to reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the eyes and forehead.
- The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane: A lightweight, non-comedogenic hydrator that is suitable for all skin types. It provides surface hydration and can also be used to reduce hair frizz.
Each of these products follows The Ordinary’s ethos of using scientifically proven ingredients in straightforward, effective formulations, catering to a wide array of skin concerns.
The Ordinary’s products, free from fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, and also cruelty-free, don’t fall under the ‘clean beauty’ category and they do not advertise themselves as such.
Evaluating The Ordinary Skincare: A Game Changer in Beauty?
The Ordinary emerged as a disruptor in the beauty industry, distinguishing itself from traditional brands through a unique approach. Eschewing elaborate packaging and extravagant advertising, The Ordinary has been a pioneer in prioritizing straightforwardness, and affordability, with numerous offerings priced below $10.
The excitement surrounding The Ordinary’s top products, including their widely acclaimed peeling solution popularized on TikTok, remains high. The brand adopts a scientific, evidence-based approach to skincare, focusing on products powered by single ingredients known for their specific benefits.
Impressively, everything in their line is priced under $30, with most items available for less than $10. This affordability is a direct result of The Ordinary’s commitment to price transparency, avoiding substantial mark-ups.
Despite the attractive price points, navigating The Ordinary’s product range can be daunting. Their product names reflect the active ingredients rather than the benefits they offer, often sounding like excerpts from a complex scientific publication. This can leave consumers puzzled about what products like ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (a form of Vitamin C) or epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (a compound from green tea with anti-inflammatory properties) actually do for the skin.
The Bottom Line – Why Pick The Ordinary Skincare Product Line
The Ordinary has undoubtedly made a significant impact in the skincare industry with its unique approach. The brand has democratized skincare by making high-quality, effective ingredients accessible and affordable to a broader audience.
Their focus on transparency, simplicity, and no-frills formulations has not only won them a loyal following but has also sparked a wider conversation about the true value and efficacy of skincare products.
Whether addressing aging, blemishes, hydration, or pigmentation, The Ordinary offers a straightforward solution, challenging the norms of a traditionally complex and opaque industry. For anyone looking to refine their skincare routine without breaking the bank, The Ordinary stands as a beacon of innovation and accessibility.
FAQs about The Ordinary Skincare Brand
What makes The Ordinary different from other skincare brands?
The Ordinary stands out for its commitment to transparency, simplicity, and affordability. Their products focus on single-ingredient formulas, allowing consumers to understand exactly what they are applying to their skin – most consumers appreciate the transparency. The brand is known for providing high-quality, effective skincare at exceptionally low prices, challenging the traditional notion that good skincare must be expensive.
Are The Ordinary products suitable for all skin types?
The Ordinary offers a diverse range of products suitable for various skin types, including sensitive, oily, dry, and combination skin. However, due to the high concentration of active ingredients in many of their formulas, it’s always recommended to do a skin patch test before full application, especially if you have sensitive skin.
How do I know which The Ordinary products are right for my skin concerns?
The Ordinary’s product range addresses a variety of skin concerns, from aging and blemishes to hydration and pigmentation. It’s important to identify your skin concerns and research which ingredients are best suited for those problems.
Can I use multiple The Ordinary products together?
Yes, many of The Ordinary products are designed to be used in conjunction with each other. However, it’s essential to understand how different ingredients interact. Some ingredients shouldn’t be used together (like niacinamide and vitamin C), as they can reduce each other’s efficacy or cause irritation. The Ordinary provides regimens and guides on their website to assist with product selections.
Why are The Ordinary’s products so affordable?
The Ordinary offers affordable prices due to their minimalistic approach to packaging and marketing, and a focus on single-ingredient formulations. This reduces the overall cost of production and allows them to pass on the savings to the consumer. The brand’s philosophy is to make effective skincare accessible and affordable.
Are The Ordinary products cruelty-free and vegan?
The Ordinary prides itself on being a cruelty-free brand. Most of their products are also vegan, meaning they don’t contain animal-derived ingredients.
