The Ordinary is a well-known skincare brand with over 50 products. Most of them are designed to highlight one ingredient and address specific skin concerns like dryness, hyperpigmentation and acne-prone skin. The Ordinary is a standout among its competitors due to their targeted, effective formulas and very low retail prices.
It is easy to buy multiple products with this low price structure. However, it can be difficult to combine them. The Ordinary website is a good place to start to learn about product ingredients and how you can combine The Ordinary products.
It can be difficult to know how to use The Ordinary’s products. I decided to make some samples of skincare routines that contain The Ordinary products for various skin types as well as skin concerns, including dry, oily/combo, acne-prone, hyperpigmentation, textural problems, normal and sensitive skin.
For optimal layering and absorption, The Ordinary suggests that you use no more than three serums in one regimen.
These examples do not include Caffeine Solution + EGCG for eye area. Caffeine Solution 5%+EGCG is a serum. You may need to apply a layer of moisturizing cream on top.
This article on how to create a skincare routine using The Ordinary includes affiliate links. Any purchases made through these links will result me in a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to my Disclosure.
Correct Order of Skincare Application
The Ordinary recommends that you apply the products in order of priority. First, use water-based formulas. Then, use anhydrous or oily formulas. Then, use cream-based or suspension formulas. Multiple water-based serums should be applied in order of concern or priority.
This post will provide a more detailed explanation of the correct ordering of skincare applications. The Ordinary’s skin routines are listed below in order of their application. They start with cleansing, and end with either sunscreen in AM or PM.
These are the Ordinary Products for Most Skin Types
The core products of The Ordinary are their skincare serums and treatments . The Ordinary offers only one product for each type of skin, so you can use these products for all types of skin.
Cleanser (AM+PM): The Ordinary Squalane cleanser – Gentle cleanser that can be used in the morning and evening to remove makeup.
Eye cream (AM + PM: The Ordinary Caffeine Solutions 5% +EGCG – Dark circles, pigmentation, puffiness, and skin texture around the eyes.
Sunscreen (Last step in AM Skincare Routine: Mineral UV Filters with Antioxidants – Broad Spectrum SPF30 UVA/UVB Protection that also includes antioxidant, hydration and anti-irritant support
For your Skincare Routine, Stand Out Products From The Ordinary
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 22% + B5
Many products will be used in every The Ordinary skincare regimen. Some products are better for certain skin types or concerns. The Normal Hyaluronic Acid 2 % + B5 is a product which will benefit all skin types. It draws moisture to the skin and plumps it. It also supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
The Ordinary “Buffet”.
The Ordinary ‘Buffet, a powerful peptide serum that targets the signs of aging is included in many of these The Ordinary regimens. The serum contains multiple peptide complexes that enhance collagen to firmer skin, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Zinc 1% + Ordinary Niacinamide 10%
The Ordinary Nickelamide 10% + Zinc 1 regulates sebum production and supports the skin barrier. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for oily or acne-prone skin. It prepares the skin for actives like retinol or retinoid products. It can also help with hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
The Ordinary Retinoids
These routines also include retinoids, which are known for their ability to combat the signs of aging. Retinoids can improve many signs of aging such as fine wrinkles, photoaging and hyperpigmentation, skin texture , and roughness . The Ordinary has a variety of Granactive Retinoid products and retinol products. This post contains more information about The Ordinary’s entire collection of retinoids.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + H
The Ordinary Nature Moisturizing Factors+ HA contains hyaluronic acid. This provides non-greasy hydration, as well as sterols and sterol esters.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived, Squalane
The Ordinary has a wide range of facial oils at affordable prices. The Ordinary 100 Plant-Derived Scqualane is a moisturizer made from plant extracts that can be used on all skin types, including oily or acne-prone skin.
Precautions for Combination
The Ordinary warns you not to use the same products in the same regimen. Peptides should not be used together with direct acids (exfoliating acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid) or pure or effethated vitamin C.
Niacinamide can cause damage to vitamin C. If you wish to use both, it is best not to do so in the same day. You should not use retinoids with any other retinoids or direct acids.
To avoid adverse reactions to new products, The Ordinary recommends patch-test. This is helpful for all, but it’s especially useful for those with sensitive skin. The Ordinary website has more information about patch testing, combining products and how to use The Ordinary products.
NOTE: Tinoids and direct acids can make your skin more sensitive than usual. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF 30 or higher, and limit sun exposure for at least a week.
Multiple The Ordinary Products for Every Skin Type
Below are various product options for each The Ordinary regimen. You don’t need to use all the products in these The Ordinary skin-care routines . Start with just a few products, and then build on them or use alternate products on other days.
You don’t have to be satisfied with just one or two The Ordinary products. Stick with the ones that work for you. Because skincare is so personal, everyone will have different needs.
You may want to use fewer products if you are using more than one product from The Ordinary. This will decrease the likelihood of products sticking to your skin.
Concluding Thoughts: How to Create a Skincare Routine Using The Ordinary Products
The Ordinary has many products you can use to make a complete The Ordinary regimen. You don’t need to use all 10 products in your The Ordinary regimen. You can use different products depending on your skin’s response.
Are you new to skincare? These routines may seem too complex for you? Then don’t miss the Ordinary skincare regimen for beginners.
“Buffet”, with its firming peptides and The Ordinary retinoids, such as Granactive Retinoid 22% Emulsion to fight aging and 100% Plant-Derived Scqualane, is my favorite. It provides lightweight moisture and hydration. The Ordinary has many great products, and all are cruelty free and vegan.
Although most of these product links take you to Ulta.com, you can still purchase The Ordinary products at The Ordinary’s website or other retailers such as Sephora.
Thank you for reading!
