The Ordinary is not an ordinary name among beauty aficionados. When it launched its cheaper and more effective line of skincare products, they sold out the stock quicker than expected. The brand is synonymous with inexpensive skincare. With a gamut of solutions and serums for every possible skin related problem, it is easy to get confused.
To make it easier for you to pick the right skincare solution targeted at your skin problem, we have compiled a list of best The Ordinary Face Serums for Different Skin Concerns. From pigmentation to dry and sensitive skin, we have covered everything to provide a custom routine for better, healthier skin.
Table of Contents
List of Best The Ordinary Face Serums
Without further ado, let’s explore what works for you and how to use it for an effective skincare routine. The below-mentioned face serums can be used in combination with other ‘The Ordinary’ products to treat different skin concerns. However, there are limitations to combining different acids and solutions together.
Thus, we have mentioned the proper morning and evening skincare regime for better reference. You can either follow similar routines or make a few changes depending on how each product works out for you and its availability.
For sensitive skin (irritation and redness)
People who experience redness, irritation, and instant flare-ups when trying new products are in dire need of skin hydration and a gentle routine. Ingredients with low pH values, strong acids, and harsh surfactants should be avoided.
The formulations with such ingredients damage the epidermal lipid layer which acts as a barrier. The Ordinary face serums for sensitive skin as mentioned below help remedy such harsh effects.
MORNING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
It is a water-based formula that contains hyaluronic acid that aids in anti-aging and pantothenic acid or B5 that helps in repairing and moisturizing skin. It should be applied in the morning before any cream or lotion. Just apply a few drops all over the face.
Step 2
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
It is a lightweight moisturizer that repairs and rehydrates your facial skin. It is a powerful blend of dermal lipids, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid that protects the outer layer of skin. It is used after the serum over the entire face for a non greasy, yet moisturized finish.
EVENING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
It is a 100% plant-derived Squalane that aids in hydration and prevents the loss of skin hydration. A few drops, if applied to dull or damaged hair, reduces breakage and boosts luster. For the skincare routine, apply a few drops all over the face after water-based treatments.
For pigmentation and uneven skin tone
Vitamin C is known for skin brightening properties. It loosens the top layer of skin and reveals the more radiant layer from beneath. Uneven skin tone, pigmentation, dull and rough skin texture can be treated with chemical Exfoliants. The brightening serum as mentioned below is composed of such Exfoliants and hydrating ingredients.
MORNING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
The serum uses a combination of pure alpha arbutin and hyaluronic acid to treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation to improve the uneven skin tone. In the morning, apply just a few drops over the entire face, followed by sunscreen to prevent skin sensitivity caused by acid ingredients.
Step 2
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
It is a high vitamin and zinc formula that reduces blemishes and the appearance of enlarged pores. It also inhibits excessive oil production. It should not be used with Vitamin C as they alter each other’s effect. Therefore, it must be used as an alternative to Vitamin C over the face, before using toner and creams.
Step 3
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
It is a facial serum with Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate as a key ingredient. It is a stable derivative of Vitamin C which is oil soluble and enhances skin brightening.
It fights aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines as well as improves skin texture and dullness when applying a few drops in the morning.
EVENING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
It is a gentle exfoliating serum that improves skin radiation and boosts skin clarity. Cleanse the skin and massage a few drops all over the face.
Step 2
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
This serum contains active retinoids that prevent irritation, boost skin tone and texture by reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Apply a small amount after water based treatments and prior to other heavier treatments.
Step 3
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
It is a peeling formula with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that reduces the appearance of skin tone, lightens the dark spots, and facilitates skin exfoliation. Lactic acid is good for improving skin tone and texture. It also contains Tasmanian Pepperberry which reduces skin inflammation and sensitivity.
It can be used twice a week. However, limiting its contact with skin is advisable.
For dry skin
The underlying cause behind dry skin is the reduced hydration capacity of the skin. Some formulations contain harsh surfactants that result in reduced moisture and damage to epidermal lipids. However, the serums and solutions mentioned below help in restoring the lost moisture and acts as a treatment for dry skin. They contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and emollients that enhance your skin’s hydration capacity.
MORNING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
As mentioned earlier
Step 2
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
As mentioned earlier
EVENING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
As mentioned earlier
Step 2
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
As mentioned earlier
For oily skin
Sebum is like your natural body oil produced by sebaceous glands. It moisturizes and protects your skin by acting as an epidermal barrier. When these glands produce excessive sebum, it results in shiny skin texture and visibly enlarged pores that are major concerns for people dealing with oily skin.
The Ordinary cleansing serums mentioned below can help mitigate any disruptions to the epidermal barrier. The gentle cleansers prevent loss of moisture and excessive stripping of natural surface lipids.
MORNING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
As mentioned earlier
Step 2
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
As mentioned earlier
EVENING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
It is an exfoliating solution with beta hydroxy acid (BHA) as its main ingredient. It also improves skin clarity.
Directly apply small dots on the blemishes or over the entire face. It is advisable to avoid contact with eyes and mouth. Thus, steer clear of eye and mouth contours.
Do not forget to wear sunscreen as sun exposure should be avoided when salicylic acid is working which makes the skin sensitive.
For occasional breakouts
For people who experience minor, but occasional breakouts, avoiding the use of ingredients such as retinoids, topical acids, and comedogenic ingredients can help prevent the onset of such skin concerns. Some precautions can help mitigate such breakouts. It often results in congested skin.
However, the skincare routine mentioned below can help rebalance your skin, prevent breakouts, and clear up any blemishes. It is a less intense approach in comparison to frequent acne prone treatments.
MORNING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
As mentioned earlier
Step 2
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
As mentioned earlier
EVENING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
It is a multifunctional brightening formula that contains Azelaic Acid as the main ingredient. It possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that aid in clearing acne by removing bacteria from the pores. The 10% Azelaic Acid of high purity uses the Azelaic Acid produced by yeast that lives on the skin and is found in grains as well.
To use it for skin brightening and reduction of dark spots and blemishes, apply it at night. It is a lightweight cream, gel, but avoid contact with the mouth and eyes.
Step 2
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
As mentioned earlier
For wrinkles and fine lines
Wrinkles and fine lines are a result of aging, which cannot be avoided. As the skin starts losing collagen and elastin, fine lines (often anxiety-inducing and concerned with stress) and wrinkles start appearing on the face.
Although one cannot fight aging, there are ingredients that possess properties to slow down the aging signs. The ingredients such as acids, retinoids, and topical peptides play a major role in maintaining skin texture, firmness, and elasticity. Following the below regimen, you can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
MORNING REGIME
Step 1
It is a Multi-Peptide Serum that targets the signs of aging. It comprises amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and bio derivatives that reduce dullness, dryness, and uneven skin texture. Apply a few drops all over the face after morning cleansing.
It should not be used with ELAA (Ethylated Ascorbic Acid), LAA (L-Ascorbic Acid), direct acids, and strong antioxidants.
Step 2
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
As mentioned earlier
EVENING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
As mentioned earlier
Step 2
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
As mentioned earlier
Step 3
The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil
The cold-pressed virgin Marula oil is lightweight and rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E. It is easily absorbed by the skin; thus, it restores hydration and boosts radiance. It offers protection against UV rays and pollution and fights free radicals. For beautiful and glowing skin, apply a few drops all over the face at night.
Step 4
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% (evening – twice a week)
As mentioned earlier
For acne prone skin
It is important to note that persistent and chronic acne is a medical condition that can be treated by a dermatologist or doctor. However, the routine mentioned below can help people who suffer ongoing acne, or acne scars, blackheads, whiteheads, and deeper cysts.
MORNING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
As mentioned earlier
Step 2
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
As mentioned earlier
EVENING REGIME
Step 1
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
It is a pure 1% Retinol solution that acts as a good skin treatment. It reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and treats blemishes.
It must be used as a night skincare routine. Apply a small amount after water-based treatments and before heavy moisturizers or creams.
It increases skin sensitivity. So, sun exposure must be avoided and it should not be combined with other retinoid treatments.
For the first four to eight weeks, skin purging and peeling occurs. Nevertheless, if it becomes persistent, immediately stop using it and consult a doctor.
Why are most of the products repeated for different skin concerns?
You might notice several face serums are repeated for different skin concerns. The reason is some products work for all skin types. They offer added advantages such as improved, even skin tone and healthier skin. You can customize the skincare routine based on what works for you by selecting the right treatment, tonic, and the solution as per your need.
Final thoughts
The above-mentioned products are targeted at different skin concerns from dry skin to hyperpigmentation and acne breakouts. However, the products and their reactions vary for different skin types. Rest assured most of the products by The Ordinary are free of allergens, alcohol, silicone, and oil.
That doesn’t mean you can take patch tests lightly. As the serums contain acidic ingredients, the patch test is not something to skip. Therefore, make sure you follow the proper instructions as directed and consult a doctor or dermatologist in case of prolonged effects such as redness or irritation.