Haven't Tried The Ordinary Yet? Here Are Their Top 5 Products To Add To Cart

There's something really refreshing about The Ordinary. Yes, their products really are as good as people say they are.

They're science-backed and use cutting edge ingredients to treat every skin gripe imaginable - it's impressive.

I love their formulas (truly), but what sticks out to me as a customer is their no-frills approach and down-to-earth ethos.

Since its inception in 2016, the brand has been on a mission to demystify skincare and empower consumers with the knowledge they need to take control of their routines. Notable stuff, right?

From the packaging that is simple and clean to the ingredient-lead product names that tell you exactly what's in them, they've completely shifted how consumers perceive skincare - and how other brands create and formulate. A total industry shake-up.

They encourage individuals to be as educated as possible and make considered choices when it comes to their skincare,

Their concious ethos trickles down to the formulations themselves with the range being vegan, cruelty-free, and free from fragrance and silicones. They take considered measures to ensure formulas are suitable for even the most sensitive or reactive skin types.

The cherry on top? Their high-powered formulas come at a ridiculously affordable price point. Proving that you don’t need to break the bank to create a comprehensive and effective skincare routine.

Launching with a cool 27 products, they've since expanded their offerings, branching out to body care, hair care, and even the occasional makeup product.

As The Ordinary continues to set the bar for accessible, science-backed beauty, we take a look at their 5 top selling products (in-no particular order) below.

If you're new to the brand - here's what we suggest trialling first.

ICYMI, this might just be the most-beloved Hyaluronic serum...ever? It's a global bestseller, with one bottle sold every few minutes. The brand fondly refer to it as their “gateway” product hooking new brand-loyal customers in once they've trialled it. It's that good.

A hydration powerhouse, the cult-serum combines low, medium, and high molecular-weight hyaluronic acid to hydrate multiple layers of the skin. This multi-molecular weight technology sets it apart from other hyaluronic acid serums, which typically only hydrate at one skin depth.

The impressive technology is paired with Vitamin B5 to further enhance surface hydration, soothe, and support the skin barrier. The serum boasts a skin-friendly pH of 6.5–7.5 which makes it compatible to use with most products, including acids and retinoids - with no irritation!

Listen to the many fans, skincare enthusiasts, professionals and us - this is one to try!

Suitable for all skin types. Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening before creams.

Hyaluronic Acid tends to need water to work effectively. For best results, The Ordinary recommends using the serum on damp skin and following with a moisturiser to ensure it draws in hydration from the environment rather than from your skin.

"My skin feels so hydrated and plump after using this. It's a staple in my routine."

"Lightweight and effective. It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling refreshed."

Ridiculously gentle, this effective formula is loved for treating every skin type and every skin gripe.

It's a balm to oil formula that melts into the skin, removing dirt, debris and excess oil. Its buttery texture makes for an easy dissolve of makeup (and stubborn mascaras), whilst effectively cleansing without stripping.

The formula is bolstered with squalane (a plant-derived moisturising agent) to hydrate skin and protect. Squalane is a non-comedogenic oil that mimics the skin's natural oils to nourish and enhance the skin’s barrier without clogging pores

It's PH balancing and great for sensitive skin types. It's easy to see why this all-rounder is deemed an A++ for everyday use.

Ideal for all skin types, including dry, oily, and sensitive skin. Use morning and evening. Apply to dry skin, massage to melt the product into an oil-like consistency, then rinse with warm water.  

"I love the texture of this cleanser on my skin. It's super smooth when used as directed and I love that it effectively removes makeup without stripping my skin."

"This is a creamy and moisturising cleanser and a little goes a long way. I like this size as it travels easily. Good for double cleansing.”

What: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

You know a product is good when it's receives the revered tick of approval from the fiends of #BeautyTok. While touting incredible skin benefits (we'll get there in a second), it's actually its body-loving attributes that have won favour online.

Slathering the resurfacing toner across arms and legs, users have found it to be a gamechanger for treating textural gripes like Keratosis Pilaris (aka strawberry skin). Some users have even found it beneficial for deodorising pits. The more you know!

Used as intended, the exfoliating toner resurfaces and brightens for an even, radiant complexion. It contains 7% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells and promotes healthy cell turnover.

Supplementary ingredients like amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng root, and Tasmanian pepperberry work together to further exfoliate and improve skin texture. They target things like dullness, uneven texture and congestion (bye-bye clogged pores).

Given its effectiveness and versatility, there's little surprise behind it's virality. Regular use will leave skin looking refreshed and rejuvenated.

Suitable for normal to oily skin types. Use in the evening, no more than once daily. After cleansing, saturate a cotton pad and sweep across the face and neck. Avoid the eye area. Use sunscreen during the day when using this product.

"This toner has transformed my skin. It's smoother and brighter, and my pores look smaller."

"I was hesitant to try an acid toner, but this one is gentle yet effective. My skin feels refreshed."

Targeting blemishes, excess oil, or uneven skin tone? This high-powered serum could be the saviour.

It heroes Niacinamide (aka vitamin B3), a powerhouse ingredient that helps regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and visibly improve skin texture. It's paired with 1% zinc to aid in oil control and minimise pores, effectively balancing the skin and preventing breakouts.

This formula is perfect for those with oily, acne-prone, or congested skin, as it effectively targets blemishes, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. Regular use can result in clearer skin with improved texture and radiance. Niacinamide's anti-inflammatory properties also make this serum ideal for calming irritated or inflamed skin.

In addition to its blemish-fighting benefits, the serum helps to brighten the skin, giving it a more even and luminous complexion.

Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types. Apply to the entire face morning and evening before heavier creams. Do not use with vitamin C products.

"This serum has helped clear up my skin significantly. My breakouts have reduced, and my skin looks more even."

"I've noticed a real difference in my skin's oiliness and texture since using this. Highly recommend."

This is a perfect example of how The Ordinary utilise impressive technologies while keeping things simple and efficacious.

The hero, Natural Moisturizing Factors are compounds naturally found in your skin. Think: things like amino acids, urea, and sugars. They work by attracting and holding onto water, keeping the outer layer of the skin hydrated and healthy. The Ordinary replicates these NMFs synthetically to give your skin exactly what it needs - no fluff, no fillers.The formula is packed with amino acids, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid, to deliver an intense level of hydration and barrier support, ensuring skin is balanced and healthy. Impressively this concoction can actually enhance the skin’s ability to hold moisture throughout the day, for long-term smoothness and plumping.

Suitable for all skin types (particularly great for dry or sensitised skin). Use morning and/or night as the final step in your routine to lock in hydration. Pairs especially well after serums. Use a small amount, it's a fast-absorbing cream texture, so a little goes a long way.

“I have sensitive skin and this is one of the few moisturizers that never irritates me. It’s soothing and effective without being heavy.”

“My skin feels instantly more comfortable after applying this. Great under makeup too — no pilling or greasiness.”