The Ordinary [1] has taken the skincare world by storm due to the affordable pricing and focus on ingredients. But as miraculous as the fancy science names sounds, getting a grip on what the ingredients do can be pretty confusing if you don't have a chemistry degree. Luckily, The Ordinary is so reasonably priced that it's easy to experiment, or even try a whole new regime. One thing's for sure: you won't be waylaid by pretty packaging or exotic product descriptions. The people of Deciem believe that "skincare is not like fragrance or fashionable — it's functional, and it's not about telling stories."
To help you dive into the world of The Ordinary, we've compiled a rough guide to help find out which products suit each skin type, which can be easily adapted for a mix-and-match approach. When trying new skincare products, particularly when acids are involved, it's often best to introduce just one or two new products at a time in conjunction with products you trust. By doing this, you can see which products work and which cause irritation.
This guide does not contain a step to cleansing your skin, so be sure to cleanse properly before applying these products. If you wear makeup regularly, double cleansing [2] can be effective to ensure skin is prepped for treatments.
Acne-Prone Skin
There are multiple causes of acne, so it is a good idea to visit a dermatologist if necessary to determine the specific type and causes of acne. However, topical products can help immensely with treating acne, which is all about reducing inflammation and maintaining a healthy skin barrier by not skipping on moisture altogether. Be sure to add moisture when you feel your skin needs it. Completely drying out your skin will not get rid of your acne any more effectively and will leave you with flaky patches.
- What to use in the morning: Salicylic Acid 2% Solution [3] (£4), will help reduce inflammation and penetrate deep into clogged pores and exfoliate the skin. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% [4] (£5) helps to repair the skin barrier and is best combined with retinol in a routine.
- What to use in the evening: Retinol 1% [5] (£6). Retinol can sometimes cause irritation when using it for the first time, if this is the case, start using retinol once or twice a week and build up to more once the skin is used to it. Sun protection is very important when using retinol products so always wear SPF during the day such as The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants [6] (£9). Moisturise with 100% Plant-Derived Squalane [7] (£5), a noncomedogenic (nonclogging) product that will maintain moisture in the skin without clogging the pores.
Sensitive Skin
It can be difficult to add new products into your skincare routine if you have sensitive skin because the most simple of changes can make it angry. Sensitive skin occurs when the natural skin barrier has been compromised leaving symptoms such as redness, itchiness, flaking, and tightness. Keeping the skin moisturised with minimal irritation is key to maintaining a healthy functioning skin barrier.
- What to use in the morning: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 [8] (£6) and Natural Moisturising Factors + HA [9] (£5).
- What to use in the evening: Natural Moisturising Factors + HA [10] (£5).
If you have sensitive skin and want to experiment with acids, try using a small amount of lactic acid [11], The Ordinary's most gentle of all the acids. If you begin to have a reaction to this, immediately discontinue use.
Blemishes and Congestion
Is you suffer from congestion and blemishes without active acne, your routine will differ slightly from acne-prone skin. This routine focuses on reducing inflammation with salicylic acid whilst using azelaic acid to brighten the skin and reduce redness caused from breakouts. The main type of products to look out for here are noncomedogenics (say goodbye to coconut oil and shea butter).
- What to use in the morning: Salicylic Acid 2% Solution [12] (£4), Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% [13] (£5) will help restore the skin barrier with other benefits including including brightened skin tone, pores appearing minimised, and improving dullness.
- What to use in the evening: Salicylic Acid 2% Solution [14] (£4), Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% [15] (£6) acts as an effective antioxidant and helps to brighten and even skin tone whilst helping with the appearance of blemishes. And 100% Plant-Derived Squalane [16] (£5).
- Once a week: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution [17] (£6). This 10-minute facial helps to clear pore congestion, offers deep exfoliation, and fights the appearance of blemishes. However, this shouldn't be used on sensitive or peeling skin. Best of all, it's bright red and resembles the vampire facial [18].
Dry Skin
Dry skin is different from dehydrated skin, so the first step is finding out which one you have. Dry skin needs help maintaining a healthy skin barrier through long-lasting hydration. Some people prefer the hyaluronic acid from NIOD [19] (a sister brand) due to the slightly sticky texture of the Ordinary one, however it is a more expensive option.
- What to use in the morning: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 [20] (£6) is great for skin types in need of extra moisture, as this oil-free solution enhances the skin's surface hydration. Natural Moisturising Factors + HA [21] (£5) contains 11 amino acids (great for tissue repair) amongst a cocktail of other hydrating ingredients to provide immediate and long-lasting hydration.
- What to use in the evening: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 [22] (£6) followed by 100% Plant-Derived Squalane [23] (£5), which is a stable hydrocarbon naturally found in the skin that prevents hydration loss. It is a noncomedogenic and suitable for all skin types. Natural Moisturising Factors + HA [24] (£5)
- Once a week: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution [25] (£6).
Mature Skin
Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is all about hydration. As we age, our skin loses it's natural production of collagen and elasticity, so maintaining moisture is key. This routine combines moisture with acids targeted at improving the appearance and texture of mature skin.
- What to use in the morning: Buffet [26] (£13) has an impressive list of combined technologies for a powerful anti-ageing solution. And Natural Moisturising Factors + HA [27] (£5).
- What to use in the evening: Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution [28] (£7), offers gentle exfoliation to improve skins radiance and texture. Buffet [29] (£13), Advanced Retinoid 2% [30] (£8), (optional 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil [31] or Squalane [32]).
- Once a week: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution [33] (£6).
Pigmentation
Pigmentation can be one of the most difficult skin concerns to improve as it takes time and perseverance. Glycolic acid can help immensely with gently exfoliating the skin and brightening overall skin tone. Again, don't forget to use a moisturiser, such as Natural Moisturising Factors or Squalane, to maintain moisture whilst treating the hyperpigmentation.
- What to use in the morning: Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA [34](£7), has a high 2% concentration rather than the standard 1%, which reduces the appearance of spots and hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% [35] (£5), Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F [36] (£15) is one of the most stable derivatives and provides overall skin brightening.
- What to use in the evening: Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution [37] (£7), Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA [38] (£7), Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% [39] (£6), or Advanced Retinoid 2% [40] (£8).
- Once a week: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution [41] (£6).
Oily Skin
The biggest misconception about those with oily skin is that you shouldn't add extra moisture to your routine. You absolutely still need moisturiser when you have an oily skin type. The acids will help to unclog pores and reduce any blemishes and the moisturiser maintains a healthy hydrated skin barrier.
- What to use in the morning: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% [42] (£5), Natural Moisturising Factors + HA [43] (£5). The High-Adherence Silicone Primer [44] (£4), is also good to use in the morning, particularly if you wear makeup regularly.
- What to use in the evening: Salicylic Acid 2% Solution [45] (£4), Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% [46] (£4).