The Ordinary Skincare Guide

written by: Kristen - Beauty Editorpublished on 9 Nov, 2023

The Ordinary Skincare Range. Affordable and effective.

The Ordinary boasts an impressive lineup of skincare products that combat a wide variety of concerns. The trouble is though, unless you’re a well-versed beauty enthusiast, it can sometimes be tricky to understand (let alone pronounce) some of The Ordinary's products. We've decided to take the guesswork out of it for you, by outlining the perfect beginners guide to your personalised skincare routine using The Ordinary to help brighten, soothe, clarify and treat your skin with impressive results.

Your Personalised The Ordinary Skincare Regimen

From the occasional breakout to concerns of premature ageing, The Ordinary dips more than a toe into the cosmeceutical skincare space to bring you cutting-edge formulations at a price your purse will love. And the best bit? It actually works! That’s right, The Ordinary’s serums & treatments, skin care face masks, face oils and hair care products target specific skin concerns to deliver transformative results. Their secret lies in high potency active ingredients including Vitamin C, Retinol & Vitamin A, Hyaluronic acid, and Glycolic acid & AHAs that do all the heavy lifting to refine and refresh your complexion. Read on to discover your perfect skincare routine with The Ordinary.

Anti-ageing Skin Care Regimen

Ideal for combating fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness and elasticity.

In the morning:

The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser - a gentle all-rounder water-based cleanser that refreshes and purifies with a light lather whilst protecting the skin’s moisture balance and respecting sensitive skin.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum – an advanced combination of concentrated peptides, amino acids, hydrating Hyaluronic acid and probiotic complex actives that work to smooth, firm and refine the skin to reduce the appearance of ageing. Collagen synthesis is well supported whilst the appearance of age spots, wrinkles and sun-damage diminishes.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - this cruelty-free and vegan hydrator effectively plumps, moisturises and protects the skin with Hyaluronic acid, ceramides and amino acids. Combined, these super ingredients lock in the skin’s moisture to keep it soft, supple and healthy.

In the evening:

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser - ideal for melting away makeup, sunscreen and daily debris, this balm-like cleanser hydrates as it cleanly washes surface pollution away ready for your treatment products to be applied.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion - encapsulated retinol & retinoids dramatically rejuvenates the skin to diminish the appearance of lines, sun-damage and ageing for a more youthful complexion. An anti aging skincare secret weapon! Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil – Rich in pro-vitamin A, Linolenic and linoleic acids, this Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil works to strengthen the skin while also fighting off the signs of photo-ageing.

Skin Pigmentation Skincare Regimen

Ideal for combatting dullness caused by hyperpigmentation, sun-damage and age spots.

In the morning:

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% - potent and stable, this highly-effective antioxidant Vitamin C helps to visibly brighten and clarify the skin’s tone and overall appearance.

In the evening:

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution – expertly exfoliates and refines the skin by shifting dull, devitalised dead skin cells without friction for a more luminous, vibrant complexion.

Retinol 1% in Squalane – a powerfully corrective potency of pure Retinol & Vitamin A that works to diminish the appearance of photo-damaged skin as well as combatting fine lines and wrinkles. This helps to deliver a softer and smoother skin appearance.

Dehydration Skincare Regime

Ideal for boosting skin’s hydration and locking in moisture.

In the morning:

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser - refreshes as it cleanses the skin, this balm-like cleanser hydrates as it cleanly washes surface pollution away ready for your treatment products to be applied.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – works to visibly hydrate the skin on many levels leaving you with a plump, hydrated complexion. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 to combat parched and dehydrated skin.

Natural Moisturising Factors + HA – replenishes the natural moisturising factors found within the skin whilst enhancing the hydration of the upper levels of your skin via this readily absorbed super hydration treatment.

In the evening:

The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 - soothing and hydrating, this treatment serum mimics the skin’s natural moisturising factors with additional Pro-vitamin B5 to quench thirsty skins.

100% Plant-Derived Squalane – a non-clogging hydrator that is readily absorbed into the skin to promote a healthy complexion. With the ability to prevent future moisture loss and maintain skin suppleness, the skin is left feeling hydrated and supple. This treatment can also be used in the hair to minimise breakages.

Breakouts and Blemishes Regimen

Ideal for purifying pores, clarifying the complexion and calming down breakout activity.\

In the morning:

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – formulated to combat breakouts, blemishes and congestion while balancing and brightening the skin tone. This treatment helps to regulate sebum whilst encouraging healing post breakout.

In the evening:

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque - works to combat blemishes with a concentrated combination of BHA Salicylic Acid, charcoal and Amazonian clays to exfoliate, clarify and decongest the pores. The mask also works to minimize future breakouts and helps reveal a clearer complexion.