When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
- The Ordinary makes functional skincare products at sensible prices.
- With its caffeine solutions and hyaluronic serums, there's a product to target every skin need.
- Below you'll find the most popular products, plus advice on what to consider before you buy.
The Ordinary is an evolving collection of science-based skincare treatments that are made with familiar, low-maintenance formulas.
With most of its products priced at less than $10, the skincare line is arguably the greatest and most painless introduction into the world of serums, toners, and peeling solutions. All of The Ordinary products are free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, preservatives, animal oils, dyes, mercury, and oxybenzone. They're also vegan and cruelty-free, which can be hard to find in inexpensive skincare.
The Insider Reviews team has been covering the company since 2017, and overall, we've found that its products are accessible, inclusive, and ethically sourced while delivering noticeable results. You'll find some of the most popular products from The Ordinary below, plus our advice and application tips for each one.
Click here to jump to The Ordinary products that are best for your skin type:
All skin types
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, starting at $5.90
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, zinc
- Benefits: reduces inflammation and redness, brightening
- Usage: once daily
- Size: 30 ml/$5.90 and 60 ml/$10.60
This high-strength vitamin formula uses niacinamide, a skin-brightening ingredient that's typically used to treat rosacea or redness, inflammation, and wrinkles. Just three drops can help to reduce redness around blemishes.
In a conversation with Insider, Dr. Dendy Engelman said this formula has similar benefits to retinol but is better for sensitive skin since retinol can cause extreme dryness and irritation. If you use vitamin C products, make sure to use them in the AM and the niacinamide in the PM because if used together, the integrity of vitamin C can be negatively impacted.
In general, you should apply water formulations before oil formulations. The Ordinary recommends using a maximum of three serums in a single regimen.
Read our full review of the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% here.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Check price at Sephora Check price at Ulta Check price at The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, starting $7.90
- Key ingredients: squalane, sucrose
- Benefits: dissolves makeup while cleansing
- Usage: as needed
- Size: 50 ml/$7.90 and 150 ml/$19.90
Makeup remover wipes and washcloths are rough on your skin. For a gentler cleanse, grab The Ordinary's Squalane Cleanser instead.
As you massage the moisturizing facial cleanser onto dry skin, it changes from a balm-like texture to a loose oil. One wash later and about 90% of makeup is dissolved.
It's a simple balm that can be used every day without over-drying your skin, making it a match for any skin type.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Check price at Sephora Check price at Ulta 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, $9.80
- Key ingredients: rosa canina seed oil
- Benefits: anti-aging
- Usage: once in the evening
- Size: 30 ml/$9.80
The Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is tiny but mighty. It's a 100% organic one-ingredient formula that's rich in vitamin A to boost skin health.
Like all of the brand's serums, this mini potion is encased in UV protective packaging. Its subtle mint scent is extra refreshing and feels like an at-home facial treatment for under $10.
If you apply it once a day after water-based products, you'll begin to notice an added plumpness to your skin.
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil Check price at Sephora Check price at The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, $17.90
- Key ingredients: caffeine, Redensyl complex, Procapil peptide complex, Capixyl peptide complex, Baicapil complex
- Benefits: thicker, denser hair
- Usage: a few drops in the evening
- Size: 60 ml/$17.90
This concentrated hair formula is designed to support hair health so that it looks thicker, denser, fuller, and healthier.
Its lightweight formula makes it easy to massage in. Apply a few drops to a specific area on a clean, dry scalp. This is a leave-in treatment, so it's best to apply before bedtime.
After just a week, you may start to notice thicker hair strands and less sparse hair areas.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density Check price at The Ordinary Oily/combination skin
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, $7.20
- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, salicylic acid
- Benefits: unclogs pores and removes dead skin
- Usage: one to two times a week
- Size: 30 ml/$7.20
One of The Ordinary's most talked about products, the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, is a 10-minute mask that exfoliates pores.
This cheap, powerful exfoliant dissolves dead skin cells, reaches deep below the skin's surface to clear pore congestion, and reveals a smoother, more evenly toned complexion. After regular use, the solution noticeably lessens visible blemishes and brightens skin.
Since this formula has a high concentrate of acids, people with sensitive skin should avoid it, especially if they have peeling or broken skin areas. In an interview with Insider, skincare specialist Hyram Yarbro recommends wearing sunscreen while using this because the AHAs and BHA make your skin super-sensitive to the sun.
Read our full review of the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution here.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Check price at Nordstrom Check price at Sephora Check price at Ulta Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, $6.70
- Key ingredients: caffeine, epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside
- Benefits: reduces puffiness and dark under eyes
- Usage: twice daily
- Size: 30 ml/$6.70
The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is a unique coffee and green tea concoction that evens under-eye pigmentation and puffiness.
If you're prone to staring at a screen all day or you've been going to bed later than usual, this green tea leaf-infused formula diminishes color inconsistencies around your eyes to match the rest of your complexion.
This formula uses lactic acid, which is the gentlest of the AHAs, so most people can use it without much of an issue. But do not use this at the same time as a retinoid or retinol.
Apply this serum in the evening so it resets your skin for the next morning. It stores best in cabinets since EGCG is sensitive to light. Similar high-end formulas can range anywhere from $25 to $70 while this one works just as well and at a lower price tag.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Check price at Sephora Check price at The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, $8.70
- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry, ginseng root, aloe vera
- Benefits: brightening and clarifying
- Usage: once in the evening
- Size: 240 ml/$8.70
Even high-end toners can burn and strip the skin, but The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution has mild exfoliation with an ideal acidity balance that's less likely to irritate your skin.
The toner works to improve the skin's radiance while enhancing its clarity thanks to its blend of glycolic and amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepperberry — the latter helping to reduce acid-based irritation.
People who have eczema or rosacea should avoid solutions with glycolic acid. And since it uses AHA, which increases sun sensitivity, make sure you have a good sunscreen as part of your routine too.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner Check price at Nordstrom Check price at Sephora Check price at Ulta Beauty Dry skin
Amino Acids + B5, $6.80
- Key ingredients: amino acids, vitamin B5
- Benefits: repairs skin barrier, improves elasticity
- Usage: twice daily
- Size: 30 ml/$6.80
Amino Acids + B5 offers non-greasy hydration to help restore healthy skin. Combining a 17% amino acid concentration and 5% vitamin B5 concentration, this solution works to enhance the skin barrier and improve elasticity.
The bottle warns of a slight tingling sensation after application. So if the sensation is too strong, try mixing the serum with your moisturizer to dilute the strength.
It feels very sticky in my experience so I recommend patting just two to three drops on. I like to use this alongside my other serums and then roll a jade roller across my skin.
The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 Check price at Sephora Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, starting $6.80
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
- Benefits: hydration
- Usage: twice daily
- Size: 30 ml/$6.80 and 60 ml/$12.20
The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum is not only beloved by the Insider Reviews team for its compatibility with sensitive skin but also by the internet.
Although many brands will tell you otherwise, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a large molecule that cannot reach into the skin. It sits on the surface and pulls moisture, softening the surface temporarily. The Ordinary's formula offers three forms of HA, which means multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water from your skin.
This gentle formula restores hydration to all skin types, but especially those with dryness. You can apply a few drops in both the AM and PM before adding face creams.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Check price at Sephora Check price at Ulta Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, $7.90
- Key ingredients: azelaic acid
- Benefits: brightens skin tone and reduces the look of blemishes
- Usage: twice daily
- Size: 30 ml/$7.90
The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Suspension offers a high antioxidant concentration in the form of a lightweight cream-gel. It layers easily on top of serums without feeling heavy or greasy.
Found in grains, azelaic acid is produced naturally by yeast that lives on our skin barrier. This suspension system uses the acid to brighten your complexion and visibly improve the evenness of skin texture. It makes the skin feel super bouncy and healthy while reducing the look of blemishes.
Something to note is that you'll want to use this in conjunction with an SPF during the day, and be careful not to include it in a routine that contains retinoids or vitamin C.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Check price at Ulta Sensitive skin
100% Plant-Derived Squalane, $7.90
- Key ingredients: 100% squalane
- Benefits: replenishes moisture and strengthens the skin barrier
- Usage: twice daily
- Size: 30 ml/$7.90
For dry skin, the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane oil is the ultimate for boosting hydration.
Squalane is a non-comedogenic oil that's suitable for all skin types and works to restore skin's suppleness. Just one drop before applying your everyday moisturizer can help to increase hydration levels. It has a very high emollience, so just be careful not to go overboard or your skin will feel super oily. We suggest applying it after water-based treatments in both the morning and evening.
In oil form, squalane is multi-functional; you can also apply this product to your hair to protect it from heat, increase shine, and reduce the likelihood of hair breakage.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Check price at Ulta 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil, $9.90
- Key ingredients: sclerocarya birrea seed oil
- Benefits: hydrating and brightening
- Usage: once daily
- Size: 30 ml/$9.90
The 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil is one the purest, most revitalizing products to have in your skincare collection.
Much like the Rose Hip Seed Oil, the Marula Oil is refreshing and provides radiance to your skin. Derived from a Marula tree's fruit kernels, it's filled with antioxidants and can be used on your hair, too.
The formula only contains the standalone ingredient, so there's no grocery-like list of unpronounceable ingredients. When paired with the Rose Hip Seed Oil, you get a dynamic duo for your skincare regimen for less than $20.
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil Check price at The Ordinary 
Jacqueline Saguin Style & Beauty Reviews Fellow Jacqueline Saguin is a style & beauty fellow with Insider Reviews, covering everything from the latest TikTok trends to sustainability in the fashion and beauty industries. Before joining Insider, she was a freelance writer at Giggle Magazine and Wellness360 Magazine, where she wrote and edited feature stories, product roundups, and expert reported stories. Her work has appeared in Her Campus, PBS/NPR-affiliate WUFT News, and more. Jacqueline earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication studies from the University of Florida. Although she is focusing on e-commerce and style & beauty, she has a background in entertainment, health, and parenting writing as well as social media management. Say hello at jsaguin@businessinsider.com or @jackiesaguin on Twitter. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnkpqutsDYaKuhnV2kv6W1zZqpsmWimsOqsdY%3D