Known for their extensive range, simple packaging and purse-friendly prices, The Ordinary has fast become one of the most loved skincare brands on the beauty scene! With such a huge range to choose from, we know finding the best The Ordinary products to suit your skin type may be confusing- but we’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of the top 10 products from The Ordinary 2020 and a guide on how, when and why to use them.
Why you need it: One of the brand’s best sellers, The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is not your average toner- due to the inclusion of it’s key ingredient; glycolic acid! Amazing for all skin types, this product gently exfoliates the outermost layer of the skin, resulting in visible clarity and radiance. Sensitive skin types need not shy away as this product contains soothing aloe! (However we would recommend doing a patch test first)
How and when to apply:
- Use at night time, no more than once per day.
- Use in place of a toner, soaked on a cotton pad and applied all over the face, avoiding the eye area. No need to rinse
- If you’re an inexperienced acid user then we’d recommend alternating use with Vitamin A products (retinol)
- Make sure to up your SPF game while using acids, as they can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2+ B5 Hydration Support Formula
Why you need it: Hyaluronic acid is a moisture retaining ingredient that’s perfect for all skin types (read more about it here) One of the best The Ordinary products, The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2+ B5 Hydration Support Formula helps to plump, hydrate and protect skin, while fighting fine lines and the signs of ageing.
How and when to apply:
- Safe to use morning and night. Apply after cleansing and toning.
- Your skin should be damp for hyaluronic acid to work to its full, moisture-retaining potential. In fact, using it on dry skin can actually draw moisture from deeper layers of the epidermis, in turn dehydrating your complexion.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% High Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula
Why you need it: Niacinamide is one of our favourite multi-tasking ingredients and is beneficial for all skin types. If you suffer from breakouts, pigmentation or oily skin then this product is for you! The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% High Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula has been proven to minimise pores, redness and discoloration, fight bacteria and smooth the texture of the skin. Zinc is also great for regulating oil production.
How and when to apply:
- Use in place of/with your serums.
- Safe to use morning and night. This product is water based so should be applied with other water based serums, before occlusive products.
- Sensitive skin may benefit from using in conjuction with retinol.
- Alternate morning and night when using Vitamin C based products to avoid irritation.
The Ordinary “Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum
Why you need it: The Ordinary’s Buffet Multi- Technology Peptide Serum is made up of a whopping 11 different peptides, which are essentially building blocks that help with the creation of new collagen and elastin. With regular use, this serum will smooth your complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to give you a youthful look that is ultra-nourished.
How and when to apply:
- Use in place of/with your serums.
- Safe to use morning and night. This product is water based so should be applied with other water based serums, before occlusive products.
The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres
Why you need it: The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA contains Vitamin C, which is another staple ingredient that works to improve skin’s brightness and clarity. The Ordinary have many different Vitamin C’s to choose from for varying skin types- but this is one of their most effective due to it being formulated with 23% of pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) as well as hylauronic acid to hydrate and plump.
How and when to apply:
- Use in place of/with your serums.
- Safe to use morning and night. This product is water based so should be applied with other water based serums, before occlusive products.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Why you need it: The Ordinary’s 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil delivers an array of anti-ageing and photo-ageing benefits, as well as visibly improving other skin conditions, including dryness and flakiness. This ultra nourishing oil penetrates the skin and works to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration to reveal a youthful and uniform complexion.
How and when to apply:
- Safe to use morning and night.
- This product is oil based so should be applied as one of the final steps in your skincare routine.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
Why you need it: The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA is the perfect lightweight moisturiser for all skin types! It sinks into the skin quickly and easily, meaning it works great as a day time moisturiser under makeup. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps plump and retain moisture.
How and when to apply:
- Ok for both morning and night use. Extra dry skin types may benefit from using in conjunction with an oil- based product (such as The Ordinary’s 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil) for added hydration.
High-Spreadability Fluid Primer
Why you need it: Along with a good skincare regime, the use of a primer will ensure you get the most out of your makeup. If you have more of a dry skin type that has trouble with the way your foundation sits ( it looks cakey or starts to disappear after a few hours) we’d recommend trying The Ordinary’s High-Spreadability Fluid Primer. A hydrating formula with flexible silicones, it’s been formulated to smooth the skin and help fill in fine lines.
How and when to apply:
- Use after moisturising (and sunscreen) and before foundation.
High-Adherence Silicone Primer
Why you need it: Normal to oily skin types with visible pores will love The Ordinary’s High-adherence Silicone Primer. Non-oily, and long lasting, this primer effectively blurs pores, fine lines and imperfections, while helping your foundation last all day.
How and when to apply:
- Safe to use morning and night. This product is oil based so should be applied as one of the final steps in your skincare routine.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Why you need it: The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser
from removing make up and impurities to hydrating and restore your skin with malic and alpha hydroxy acid to promote the production of collagen in the skin, improving its suppleness and elasticity.
How and when to apply:
- Use after moisturising (and sunscreen) and before foundation.
Can’t get enough of The Ordinary? Shop their entire range here or discover our edit of the ordinary FAQ.