When you’re just starting skincare, it’s critical to keep things basic. Overcomplicating your skincare routine can cause irritation and skin problems, and it can be expensive.
Look no further if you’re looking for the most sought-after skin care products: The Ordinary is a skincare brand that has caused enormous upheaval in the beauty industry with its incredibly effective, budget-friendly solutions.
It’s the skincare wardrobe that’s everything but conventional, with a comprehensive clinical selection, minimal packaging, and ingredient transparency. While they may be straightforward, their scientific product names and potency percentages are difficult to grasp, especially if you’re new to the brand.
The Ordinary is a cruelty-free skincare brand noted for its straightforward, no-frills approach to skincare and incredibly affordable products. So, in this The Ordinary skincare regimen for beginners piece, we’ll look at a few simple The Ordinary product options for your routine.
What is The Ordinary Skincare?
The Ordinary is a skincare brand noted for its straightforward, no-frills approach to skincare. They offer effective, cheap skincare solutions by combining clinically established components in high quantities. The brand’s product collection includes serums, moisturizers, and acids, among other skincare goods. Parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, methylchloroisothiazolinone, animal oils, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, and oxybenzone are all absent from The Ordinary’s products. They are cruelty-free and vegan, and the brand is noted for its clarity in labeling and ingredient education.
The Ordinary’s product line is intended to address a wide range of skin issues, including acne, aging, pigmentation, and dryness. They provide many treatments to address these concerns, including serums with high doses of vitamin C, retinoids, and glycolic and lactic acids. The brand is well-known for its product labeling transparency and ingredient education.
Guide To The Ordinary Products
The Ordinary’s product portfolio is extensive, with clinical-quality solutions addressing every skin issue and type. There’s something for everyone, from acne-prone to mature skin; it’s quite inclusive.
But we understand. It’s difficult to begin, and the austere bottles and clinical labels can be frightening. Please take a deep breath and grab an Oatly latte while we break down The Ordinary.
Before we begin the dissection, there is one last point to make. The Ordinary is for anyone, but it is not for everyone. Everyday items can create an entire skincare routine, but we wouldn’t recommend starting there. Instead, get your basics down and add Ordinary products where you need them.
What Are The Basics Of A Skincare Routine?
A basic skincare routine usually consists of the following steps:
- Cleaning: To remove grime, oil, and makeup, use a gentle cleanser.
- Toning: Toning restores the skin’s natural pH balance and prepares it for the next phases.
- Moisturizing: Apply a moisturizer to the skin to hydrate and nurture it.
- Sun protection: Apply sunscreen to your skin to protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
It’s also crucial to remember that your skincare routine should be customised to your unique skin type and demands. For example, you may need to utilize products designed specifically for oily skin if you have oily skin. You may also need to modify your routine as your skin changes.
Depending on your skin concerns, you can incorporate additional activities, such as exfoliating, using a serum, or applying a face mask. Always patch test before introducing a new product into your routine.
The treating and moisturizing procedures vary, sometimes daily, depending on hormones, seasons, settings, and time constraints. The Ordinary products particularly shine in this category. If you know what ingredients your skin needs, you can incorporate them into the treat or moisturizer stage.
So, let us go down The Ordinary Products list:
Cleansers
This business currently only offers one cleanser, but that’s no problem because the Squalene Cleanser is a multi-tasking product suitable for all skin types, including combination, dry, oily, and sensitive skin. Squalene is a unique balm-like oil-based cleaner obtained traditionally from shark liver oil.
The Ordinary’s squalene cleanser is produced with plant-based squalene. Squalene is well-known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The Squalene Cleanser is The Ordinary’s take on the popular Korean double cleanses, which involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a foamy cleanser. However, a double edit can be too harsh for some skin types, especially dry skin. The squalene cleaner is an excellent substitute. It contains emulsifiers that remove excess sebum, grime, and oil from the skin, leaving it feeling clean but not tight from over-washing.
Direct Acids
Direct acids are the mainstays of this skincare collection. Some of the natural acids are produced at a strength suitable for at-home peels, which should be used once or twice a week, and others are skin actives that should be used daily. This line’s complete assortment of direct acids includes:
- Peeling Solution including 30% AHA and 2% BHA
- Toning Solution with 7% Glycolic Acid
- 10% Lactic Acid + HA
- 5% Lactic Acid + HA
- 2% Salicylic Acid Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Masque
Peeling solutions are crucial for long-term skincare goals, especially if you want to reduce UV damage and acne breakouts. Peeling solutions exfoliate your skin and act as heavyweights for bothersome skin issues like acne. To brighten, tone, and balance the skin, toning and acid answers can be used daily or most days of the week.
Antioxidants
Sometimes having perfect-looking skin involves having excellent skin health, which means going for antioxidants to keep your skin appearing fresh and plump. To combat free radicals and other potential ski
n contaminants, The Ordinary offers three antioxidant serums:
- 5% Pycnogenol
- 3% Resveratrol + 3% Ferulic Acid
Antioxidants are vital to include in your skincare routine since they can both reverse and prevent free radical damage. Damage from free radicals, such as UV radiation, can prematurely age your skin, cause skin irritation and redness, and decrease collagen, resulting in skin laxity. You can counteract UV damage and protect your skin’s youthful resiliency by applying an antioxidant.
Hydrators and Lubricants
For a good reason, excellent skincare is all about hydration. Chronically dry skin, for example, frequently overproduces oil and sebum, which can lead to acne outbreaks. And keeping skin hydrated is especially critical for maturing skin due to how quickly skin loses moisture due to the natural aging process. The Ordinary’s hydration products and 100% pure oils include:
- 100% Virgin Marula Oil
- Moroccan Argan Oil is 100% organic and cold-pressed.
- Rose Hip Seed Oil, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed
- 100% Virgin Organic Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil
- Squalane derived entirely from plants
- B5 + Amino Acids
- B5 + 2% Hyaluronic Acid
- Hyaluronic acid from the sea
- HA + Natural Moisturizing Factors
Some hydration and oils, such as marula oil and sea-buckthorn fruit oil, are great for acne-prone skin, while others, such as rosehip seed oil, are ideal for aging skin. Hyaluronic acid 2%, marine hyaluronic acid, plant-derived squalene, and Moroccan argan oil are excellent possibilities to address skin dryness. Hydrators and oils can be used as standalone serums or supplements to your daily moisturizer.
Peptides and Molecules
Molecules and peptides can boost the effectiveness of your skincare products while also rejuvenating and refreshing your skin. Dermatologists realize the significance of incorporating molecules and peptides into your skincare routine, especially if you have skin issues that demand additional attention, such as aging, acne, scars, dryness, inflammation, or sun damage. Consider the following compounds and peptides:
- 2% Alpha Arbutin + HA
- 5% Caffeine Solution + EGCG
- 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc
- 10% Argireline Solution
Some molecules and peptides are superstar skin actives, such as niacinamide, a chemical derived from B Vitamins that improves skin moisture retention and suppleness. Caffeine can also help wake up your skin, plump skin texture, and tighten your skin.
Retinoids
Retinoids are the most significant skin active in your skincare program, especially if you have age-related issues, including fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, UV damage, and skin laxity. Of course, selecting the appropriate retinoid strength is critical, which is why this skincare brand offers retinol strengths ranging from 5% to 1% and retinoids with 2% or 5% concentration.
Suncare
Proper sun care is essential for safeguarding your skin’s health, reducing acne breakouts and inflammation, minimizing sun damage, and protecting your skin from potentially harmful UV rays.
Because most acids do not react favorably to sun exposure, a good sunscreen is vital when incorporating skin actives and acids into your skincare regimen. The Ordinary lacks sunblock.
Rules to Follow Skin Care Routine:
You must adhere to a few guidelines to get your skincare routine. Water-based formulae, for example, should be used before oil-based formulas. This is because the skin barrier absorbs water and uses oil to keep moisture.
However, using serums in any order is preferable to not using them.
Understand Your Daytime and Nighttime
This rule is especially critical if you’re utilizing direct acids and antioxidants, which should only be used at night. Because of the serum’s intended job, it’s also critical that you use serums at the appropriate time of day.
Vitamin C, for example, should be administered during the day to protect against UV damage.
- Retinoids should be used exclusively at night.
Understand Your Usage Order
A basic skincare routine includes a cleanser, treatment, moisturizer, sunscreen throughout the day, and an extra serum at night. Using your products in the correct order, with a few minutes between each step, helps each product be absorbed into the skin for maximum impact.
Understand Your Serums
As a general guideline, your daytime or nighttime skincare routine should never include more than three serums. Following the less is more principle, you can customize your serums and use different ones during the day and at night to address different skin conditions.
- In general, you progress from watery to oily and from low pH to high pH.
Only some understand the pH of a serum or whether it is water-based or oil-based. If you’re anything like me, you’ll discover that all The Ordinary serums have a similar consistency.
I also need to remember the pH of The Ordinary serum. What should I do? Begin your serum with whichever condition or improvement you want to see in your skin.
If hyperpigmentation is your primary concern, begin with niacinamide. Start with retinol if acne is your priority.
Always apply hyaluronic serums last as a topcoat to seal everything in place and offer a protective barrier.
How to Start an Affordable Skincare Routine?
Stick to the fundamentals! The best place to begin is with a few key items that will cleanse, hydrate, and protect your skin. To cleanse your skin, use a light face wash that will not remove it from its natural oils.
You can apply a moisturizer or a serum to address your primary skin concerns. Finally, use sunscreen daily to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.
Cleanser
Remember to wash your face every day, preferably twice a day, regardless of the skincare brand you use. This is the most significant step in any skincare routine since it removes debris, oil, and makeup from the skin.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser uses gentle cleaning agents and moisturizers like squalane to remove makeup. Because it is non-comedogenic, it will not clog your pores. All skin types can benefit from the soap-free recipe. To get the greatest effects, rub the balm-like cleanser between your palms for at least 10 seconds before applying it to create an oil-like consistency.
- When mixed with water, this helps it to trap makeup, grime, and grease.
Serum
The Ordinary’s therapy serums are where they shine. They have so many affordable options that a newcomer could quickly become overwhelmed. When starting, you can forgo serums entirely or select one serum that addresses your main skin concern.
Unfortunately, we frequently have more than one skin concern, so if you want to try more than one serum, you can use them together on alternate days or use one in the morning and one in the evening, depending on the formula.
Do you want to add serum to your skincare Routine?
Start with one or two of the serums listed below and work your way up. All of the serums listed below can be used in our AM and PM skincare routines.
Here are a few serum options that should suit a wide range of skin types:
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
I use an antioxidant serum daily to protect my skin from environmental damage. Vit C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens dull skin and protects it from free radical damage while targeting aging symptoms such as wrinkles and fine lines.
Pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can be irritating, depending on the quantity. Still, several vitamin C compounds provide the same antioxidant protection, brightening, and wrinkle-fighting advantages as pure vitamin C. While vitamin C derivatives are not as strong as pure vitamin C, they provide several benefits and are far less irritating.
A vitamin C derivative that is well tolerated by most skin types is the Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution of 12%. It’s a water-based serum with 12% ascorbyl glucoside, a vitamin C derivative that’s less irritating and more stable than pure vitamin C. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension products containing pure vitamin C are harsher on the skin than Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%.
If you have sensitive skin, try this serum first and observe how it reacts before moving on to a pure vitamin C serum.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10%+Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum includes 10% niacinamide, which has numerous advantages for combination, oily, and acne-prone skin. Niacinamide is a vitamin B3 derivative that helps to brighten skin, even out skin tone, and minimize the appearance of pores. This active component also soothes and calms irritated skin.
It promotes a healthy skin barrier and targets age indicators such as wrinkles and fine lines. This niacinamide serum also contains zinc, which is good for oily skin. Zinc aids in regulating sebum production, which can result in a less oily complexion.
The Ordinary Niacinamide has several benefits.
- Niacinamide can assist in decreasing the appearance of pores and enhance the skin’s overall texture.
- Niacinamide can aid in the improvement of skin elasticity, making the skin appear plump and youthful.
- Niacinamide can assist in minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin appear younger.
- Niacinamide can assist in reducing sebum production, which can help to minimize the look of acne.
The Ordinary Niacinamide Dose And Side Effects
Niacinamide is commonly found in skincare products at 2-5% concentration. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% product contains 1% Zinc and 10% Niacinamide. It is advised to use it after cleansing the face in the morning and evening.
>>>> Everything You Need to Know About Niacinamide
Niacinamide is generally regarded as a safe and well-tolerated substance. Some people, like with any skincare product, may encounter negative effects.
The following are possible side effects:
- Mild skin irritation: When using Niacinamide-containing products, some persons may suffer mild skin irritation or itching.
- Breakouts: For persons with oily or acne-prone skin, niacinamide may trigger breakouts.
- Flushing: A typical side effect of niacinamide is flushing, or a sensation of warmth in the skin.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
If your main skin issues are visible symptoms of age, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (previously known as “Buffet”) is a peptide serum that targets those concerns using numerous technologies.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum offers a blend of peptides, amino acids, hyaluronic acid complexes, and other ingredients that hydrate and plump the skin, promote firmness and skin elasticity, and brighten the complexion. The combination of components makes this serum perfect for aging skin, but because it is water-based, it may be used on any skin type.
When you’re just starting with skincare, this is an excellent option for more effective anti-aging actives like retinol because it’s non-irritating and mild on the face.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5
If dry skin needs moisture, the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 Serum combines vegan hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. Don’t be alarmed by the word “acid.” Hyaluronic acid is an extremely effective hydrator. It behaves like a sponge, absorbing moisture and plumping and hydrating the skin. It also aids in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Vitamin B5 is good for dry skin since it moisturizes and softens it.
The recipe comprises varied weights of hyaluronic acid, which delivers long-lasting hydration to multiple layers of your skin. The serum is ideal for dry skin and is especially beneficial for dehydrated skin.
Moisturizer
Every skin type, regardless of skin type, requires a moisturizer to maintain a healthy skin barrier. A moisturizer will help seal moisture, plump the skin, and protect it from external assaults.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA by The Ordinary is a lightweight moisturizer with natural ingredients that hydrate and protect your skin. The moisturizer is called Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), which are naturally occurring components in our skin that help it stay moisturized.
This moisturizer from The Ordinary contains 11 amino acids, phospholipids, fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols and sterol esters, glycerin, hydrating ceramide precursors, urea, saccharides, and sodium PCA, all of which help to keep skin hydrated.
The moisturizer also contains hyaluronic acid, which is a well-known hydration booster. Because it provides lightweight, non-greasy moisture, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is ideal for all skin types.
Sunscreen
The most important thing is that you wear sunscreen every day, whether it’s from The Ordinary or any other skincare brand. Although it is not one of the most glamorous products in your beauty routine, sunscreen is one of the most vital.
One of our experts told me she asked her 12-year-old niece that if she always wears sunscreen, she’ll have avoided all of the sun damage that I didn’t, and if she’s lucky, she’ll have minimal wrinkles and fine lines by the time she’s my age.
You may be tempted to forego sunscreen, but please do not. Because The Ordinary’s sunscreens are mineral-based, you may always choose another affordable brand if you prefer chemical sunscreens that don’t create a white cast.
Ordinary Mineral UV Filters with SPF 30 and Antioxidants
Multiple technologies are used in the Ordinary Mineral Filters SPF 30 with antioxidants to protect the skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are physical sunscreens that deflect the sun’s rays away from your skin. Multiple antioxidants scavenge free radicals and protect the skin from environmental stressors. Skin-identical lipids aid in the prevention of water loss from the skin.
This mineral sunscreen also contains several amino acids that hydrate the skin and a Tasmanian pepper berry derivative that helps to minimize inflammation and redness. While physical mineral sunscreens avoid the issues associated with chemical sunscreens, depending on your skin tone, they can occasionally leave a white cast on the skin.
Mineral sunscreens are recommended for people with combination or oily skin because they are dryer. The sunscreen from The Ordinary is thick and may be too light for darker skin tones. If this is the case, many inexpensive sunscreens are available at the drugstore.
If you prefer mineral sunscreen, there are some fantastic options in my piece on the best drugstore mineral sunscreens.
Company
The Ordinary is a skincare brand noted for its straightforward, no-frills approach to skincare. Deciem, a Canadian-based corporation created in 2013 by Brandon Truaxe, owns the brand. The firm was founded in 2016 to make high-quality skincare products affordable to anyone.
The Ordinary creates effective, inexpensive skincare products by combining clinically proven components in high quantities. The brand’s product collection includes serums, moisturizers, and acids, among other skincare goods. Parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, and oxybenzone are all absent from the brand’s goods. In addition, the company is cruelty-free and vegan.
The Ordinary’s product line is intended to address a wide range of skin issues, including acne, aging, pigmentation, and dryness. They provide many treatments to address these concerns, including serums with high doses of vitamin C, retinoids, and glycolic and lactic acids. The brand is well-known for its product labeling openness and ingredient education.
Company Enthusiasm
Ordinary skincare aims to produce excellent solutions at an accessible price point by utilizing clinically validated components in high concentrations. The brand’s mission is to make skincare affordable for everyone by eliminating extraneous packaging, marketing, and branding costs, which helps to cut pricing.
The Ordinary is committed to teaching clients about the ingredients in their products and how to use them properly through their website and social media channels, in addition to providing excellent skincare products. This instruction allows customers to understand better the effects and how to use them for their unique skin conditions, resulting in greater outcomes.
Motive
The major goal of The Ordinary skincare is to make high-quality skincare products affordable to everyone. This is accomplished by designing their products with scientifically proven components in high concentrations while keeping prices low by eliminating excessive packaging, marketing, and branding costs.
The Ordinary’s products are intended to address a wide range of skin concerns, and they offer a wide selection of solutions to address these concerns. They place a premium on transparency in their labeling and education on the ingredients in their products, allowing customers to understand better the effects and how to use them for their skin concerns.
The Ordinary’s overall purpose is to offer simple, effective skincare products that are affordable to everyone while also adhering to ethical and environmental principles.
Price
The Ordinary skincare products are priced differently based on the product and its size. The brand is recognized for its affordability, with most of its products costing between $5 and $15. They have a diverse product line that addresses a wide range of skin issues and skin types.
The Ordinary’s most affordable products are single-ingredient solutions, such as their 100% plant-derived squalane, which costs roughly $7 for a bottle. Similarly, a 30-mL vial of their “Buffet” peptide serum costs roughly $14.5.
On the other hand, the Ordinary’s most expensive products are often their more sophisticated formulations, such as their “Amino Acids & B5” hydration support formula, which costs roughly $14 for a 30 ml bottle. Another example is “Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%,” which costs about $5.90 for a 30 mL bottle.
Prices at The Ordinary may vary depending on location, availability, and other variables.
Why The Ordinary Skincare products are less in rates but with more benefits
For a variety of reasons, The Ordinary skincare products are less expensive than those of many other skincare companies while providing comparable or even superior benefits:
- The Ordinary maintains packaging, branding, and promotion to a minimum, which helps keep prices low. They can pass on savings to clients by focusing on the ingredients and their performance rather than fancy packaging or advertising.
- The brand uses clinically proven substances in high concentrations in their products, so a little goes a long way. This also helps to keep pricing cheap because clients don’t need as much stuff to experience effects.
- The Ordinary is a brand of Deciem, a self-funded corporation that does not require outside investors or shareholders. This permits them to keep their pricing low because they aren’t concerned about making a profit for anyone other than themselves.
- The Ordinary is open about the components in their products and how to utilize them, which assists customers in understanding and correctly using the goods. This instruction also assists clients in achieving better results, which allows them to save money in the long term.
- Overall, The Ordinary skincare products are less expensive than many other companies while providing comparable or superior benefits due to their emphasis on high-quality ingredients, simplicity, transparency, and the absence of intermediaries.
Conclusion:
The Ordinary is a low-cost skincare brand that emphasizes the significance of the product over the packaging. Their rates are usually within everyone’s budget. However, this is normally true for a product with a single ingredient, such as a bottle of salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. Other choices may be available if you want to use a variety of substances in your skincare. The Ordinary is still quite inexpensive in contrast to most skincare brands.
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s put together The Ordinary skincare regimen for beginners that you can use in your morning and nighttime routines. Choose the initial regimen to keep things simple or add a serum to your routine to address specific skin conditions.