If there’s one thing we love, it’s skincare that delivers. Enter The Ordinary, the cult-favourite beauty brand adored for its straightforward products and potent ingredients. But with so many bestsellers lighting up Instagram and beauty blogs, we had to put some of them to the test ourselves.
After weeks of adding these to our routines, we’re spilling the tea on three of the brand's standout products.
Niacinamide—you’ve probably heard the name more times than you’ve checked your DMs. But does this serum live up to the buzz? For us, it absolutely did. This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum is a multitasker’s dream. Niacinamide targets issues like excess oil, large pores and uneven skin tone, while zinc swoops in to calm inflammation. From the first week of use, we noticed a striking difference in texture and shine control (goodbye, mid-day T-zone grease). Perfect for combination-to-oily skin types, this serum could be your go-to if blackheads and redness have overstayed their welcome. Pro tip? Use it sparingly if you’re layering it with other actives, like vitamin C, to avoid irritation.
Morning and/or night, after cleansing and before your heavier serums or moisturisers
Exfoliation—necessary but tricky territory. The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid Toner is an honestly priced take on chemical exfoliation, packed with a 7% punch. We’ve all heard how glycolic acid works wonders to reveal glowy, smooth skin by gently dissolving dead skin cells. And trust us, this toner did exactly that. After just a few uses, dry patches vanished, dullness diminished and our skin had that I-just-had-a-facial radiance.
But here’s the catch—it’s strong. If you’re new to acids, start slow. And sensitive skin types? Proceed with caution, as it might be a bit much. Apply it with a cotton pad post-cleansing, but avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and your lips.
Stick to evenings and no more than three to four times a week. And don’t forget sunscreen during the day—exfoliation makes your skin more vulnerable to UV damage.
Thicker, healthier hair in a bottle? Yes, please. This is The Ordinary stepping into haircare—and after testing it, we’re officially on board.
The Multi-Peptide Serum is designed to improve scalp health and boost hair density with key ingredients like peptides, caffeine and castor oil derivatives. After a month of use, sparse spots (hello, thinning temples) started to look fuller and the hairline felt noticeably stronger. It’s lightweight, non-greasy and easy to apply directly onto the scalp.
This one’s for anyone wishing for a more voluminous mane. Be patient, though; results might take a few weeks to show.
Apply a few drops to your scalp every night before bed. Massage it in and leave it to work its magic while you sleep.