The Ordinary Bestsellers Reviews

The Ordinary brand from Deciem | The Abnormal Beauty Company, is being talked about by thousands of bloggers and professional artists. I would give you my own experience of a few of the Ordinary skincare bestsellers that I have been using for some time now. It is worth appreciating that their products are free of silicone, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Also, The Ordinary skincare is very economically priced because their formulas are somewhat simple. They do not include any add-on ingredients, which keeps their prices low. Now, I have used a few of their bestselling products in the following categories which I would list down along with my own reviews regardless of what the product claims to do. So let's read some of The Ordinary reviews of their bestsellers.

Direct Acids

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, 30ml, 8.00 USD

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a cult classic and a rave! It is a very low-priced product but with excellent results. The product targets blemishes and dull skin. It treats the skin in two ways, it exfoliates the topmost layer of skin with AHA, while the BHA exfoliates the deeper epidermal skin layer. The advanced acids reduce blemishes and boost the radiance of your skin. And with time, would also improve your skin texture. It would be a great product to use during Covid lockdown and your Maskne days, as it would help to clear pore congestion.

Apply this low-viscosity solution on your face like a masque, not more than twice per week in PM. Leave on for nine minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water.

The serum has a deep beetroot color. The combined solution offers acids in a very high concentration dose of 30% AHA and 2% BHA that are suggested for advanced acid users only. It is not for sensitive skin. If you are new to acids then Lactic Acid 5% + HA, Lactic Acid 10% + HA, and Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (caution: contains witch hazel) would be better options to start with.

Hydrators and Oils

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, 7.50 USD

The Ordinary HyaluronicAcid 2% + B5 is a lightweight, oil-free serum that contains three hyaluronic acids of different molecular sizes i.e. small, medium, and large. It is another cult classic that offers visible plumping and moisture retention. While Vitamin B5 strengthens the skin's barrier function, leaving your skin plumped and strengthened.

Apply a few drops of the serum in AM and PM before your moisturizer or cream. Be careful not to apply too much and it may start to pill and turns into little flakes. However, I have found this product to be very good. The Ordinary ambassadors say that a little goes a long way for all the serums. Just two to three drops are sufficient. If you intend to wear foundation, then as little as one to two drops would work just fine. Allow it to absorb fully for one minute and then follow with a moisturizer and foundation. Do a patch test, and if it still does not sit well under makeup in the test, depending on your skin type, then I would say that use it only as your skincare regimen, and opt for some other serum for makeup, since formulations are different for skincare products vs makeup products.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, 30ml, 5.80 USD

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is a thick moisturizer that targets surface hydration and protection. I have found NMF to be good in all the seasons as it gives a matte finish. It is probably one of the mildest moisturizers in the market, is gentle on the skin, and does not clog pores. The non-greasy formula majorly contains your skin's natural lipids, plus amino acids, fatty acids, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. For an even more effective surface moisturization, apply a water-based serum before this lightweight cream. This is a cult classic and one of my staple moisturizers so far. 

The only downside I have experienced is its packaging. It's a thick moisturizer in a tube. When less quantity is left, one has to squeeze it really hard to get the product out. If too much comes out, one only has to use it as it does not go back in. It would have been good had it been in a tub. 

For those people who do not wear foundation regularly, this would be a great moisturizer on top of your water-based serums or toners, but do not apply it under your foundation. As this is an oil-free moisturizer, it would repel your usual oil-based foundation and would not sit well. On the other hand, if you do want to wear it under your foundation, then apply your sunscreen on top of this moisturizer, and then put your foundation on for better results.

And don't be wronged by the thick texture. Again I'm going to assert that this is a non-greasy, mild, and gentle moisturizer. It is a great choice for summers as well. I personally tried it on the hottest and most humid days and found it comfortable. You can use this as your go-to moisturizer while wearing your face masks because it is mild, has no add-ons, and is unlikely to cause skin congestion.

Peptides

The Ordinary “Buffet”, 30ml, 16.80 USD

The Ordinary “Buffet” targets multiple signs of aging with its peptide complex, similar to retinol function. This would suit those people not having acne-prone skin. One downside I have experienced from using only one bottle is that the peptide complex causes muscle sagging. And that’s why I would want to avoid using such products.  But if I compare it to “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%, then I would recommend using copper peptides because it is more effective in producing collagen and elastin in your skin. Unfortunately, I could not take its picture because the cap started leaking so I had to change the bottle and throw it away.

Retinoids

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, 30ml, 7.50 USD 

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is a highly stable, water-free solution that contains high strength 0.5% pure retinol. Another cult classic, retinol, aka Vitamin A1, is an active ingredient that improves the appearance of aging skin, treats photodamage, and increases skin turnover. The product has an oily texture and is also suitable for denting and scarring caused by acne. 

The Ordinary claims that this retinol series causes irritation and to avoid that, they suggest getting granactive retinoid series. But if I compare this to the Granactive Retinoid series, I would say that according to studies, retinol may cause irritation, but is a more proven and superior ingredient in producing skin collagen and combatting signs of aging. It is also safer than HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate) which although does not cause irritation, but binds to retinoid receptors of skin cells, whereas retinol improves the skin on its own without binding to the skin's retinoid receptors. Definitely try the Granactive Retinoid series as it is gentle on the skin and could be used around the eye area, but I would personally say that the Retinol series in Squalane is a better option. A great thing the Brand has done is that the retinol is in squalane, so you get two ingredients from this product. Squalane acting as a moisturizer and helps in the absorption of other ingredients such as retinol. So chances are you might not get any flakiness and irritation from the product.

Also, if you are new to retinol treatment, then start with Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and work your way up to higher strengths as your skin builds tolerance. But if you are having retinol treatment for at least a year then you can start with 0.5% retinol and go up to 1%. It is also recommended to avoid retinoids or retinol when breastfeeding or pregnant.

Use it in PM as it would make you a little photosensitive during the day. Apply a few drops after water-based serums. Avoid the eye area. 

As per skin issues, the most needed vitamins are ranked in the order A, then B, and then finally C and direct acids. If you are done with A and B and want to splurge and try other ingredients, then get vitamin C and direct acids. Having said that, it is important to know that if you have acne spots, then Vitamin C would be helpful in lightening and fading them.

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, 30ml, 8.00 USD

Product description says The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is a highly stable, water free solution of 1% direct retinol. It is a vegan product with plant based squalane. The serum reduces appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin aging, and photo damage.

The Ordinary Retinol 1% Ingredients: It has only eight ingredients. Retinol, squalane, jojoba seed oil, tomato extract, rosemary leaf extract. And it is fragrance free.

The Ordinary Retinol 1% Texture: If we compare it to The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, the texture is only slightly thinner, though unnoticeable, but feels less oily.

Review: There is something to consider here. Retinol is an active ingredient aka Vitamin A. It causes irritation, and peeling. If you were to wear it regularly, you might need to dilute it with a certain skincare product to reduce that effect. But The Ordinary retinol products come in squalane oil. Squalane is anti-inflammatory and a great barrier against skin dryness. It is often recommended as one of the best skins oils for dryness. So it is less likely for you to get peeling especially if you buy low retinol concentration. I have taken prescriptive vitamin A, as well as topical. So retinol usually doesn't cause me peeling, because my skin is used to both by now. The Ordinary retinol products are effective and work. It is also said to reduce skin pigmentation by increasing skin turnover. However, I personally never saw pigmentation reducing on my skin with topical or oral vitamin A. But it improved my skin texture.

How long does it take for ordinary retinol to work: Keep in mind that retinol takes time to give results. Generally speaking, it takes around two months for retinol to start improving your skin. Retinol takes time. Be patient. If you want to know the difference, take image of an area of your troubled skin before using and see for result after around three months.

Can I start with the ordinary 1% retinol: If you are new to retinol, do not start with 1%. Start with 0.2% retinol, and then move up. It would take you a few months before your skin gets used to it, go up to 0.5% and then to 1%. If you are used to it like me, then 1% is the highest topical dose from The Ordinary retinoid series so you can use that.

If your skin is extra dry or sensitive, you may want to forego retinol for other anti-aging ingredients such as bakuchiol. Or else start with lowest concentration of The Ordinary granactive retinol 2%, as it is a newer technology, and is said to cause less skin irritation. Otherwise your skin could get flakier and drier.

Which retinol is best for beginners: Ideally, the lowest amount of The Ordinary granactive retinoid series is best for beginners among their retinoids. Granactive retinoid is known to be more gentle on skin that retinol. Start with low concentration and move your way up.

How to use The Ordinary 1% Retinol: Apply The Ordinary 1% Retinol in Squalane after water based products for better absorption, but before oil based products, heavy moisturizers, or creams. However if you notice peeling, apply a water based moisturizer before. Use about two to three drops in the PM.

What shouldn't you use with retinol: When you are using retinol, do not use vitamin C, and AHA with it. Alternate times between am and pm. Or even alternate days if needed. Using all the three ingredients under a single skincare routine package, even with different am and pm could get too much for skin health and tolerance. And don't use more than one retinoid treatment at a time.

Can I put retinol under my eyes: If you want to use retinol around the eye, go for a retinol eye cream because that is diluted, or mix a drop of lowest concentration of retinol product with your regular moisturizer or cream. Use it around the eye avoiding the lash area.

    

If you like any of the products I suggested, do give a shout-out and comment below. I would love to hear you out. If you liked the post, Pin it, share it with your social media friends. Check my other posts and get caught up. I have a lot of things to show you all of which I will keep sharing. Thanks for your time and reading. Bye-bye.

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