The Ordinary Skincare Brand

If you have been living under a rock for the last few weeks, don’t worry I got you covered! You’re probably asking yourself, “what is the ordinary skincare brand and why do I care?” and that’s a GREAT question!

Coincidentally, I have created the complete guide & routine from The Ordinary Skincare products! Whether you’re looking for more information on The Ordinary as a brand, how to order your skincare routine, or what products you should get to complete your skin care regimen, I’ve got you covered. But before we jump into that, let’s get some background info.

RELATED: The Ordinary Skincare Routine For Acne

The Ordinary has been blowing up all over the internet for its budget-friendly skincare products. This is a phenomenal brand if you are looking to start a skincare routine on a budget without skipping any steps!

More importantly, they do not test on animals. If you aren’t as familiar with brands who do or don’t test on animals, be very careful! There are brands out there that claim to be cruelty-free; however, if that brand sells products in mainland China, unfortunately, they are not. China requires animal testing for sales on beauty products, so if they say they do not test animals in America, that doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t testing on animals in China. It’s sad, but it’s the truth.

The good news is: I did my research so you don’t have to! The Ordinary has a statement about this on their website and as I am writing this article, they do not sell any products in mainland China! They also ensure their products are free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and a slew of other words I can’t pronounce.

*Disclaimer: any specific questions about ingredients, use instructions or any potential concerns should be directed to The Ordinary directly.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS AT NO EXTRA CHARGE TO YOU. OUR FULL DISCLOSURE IS REALLY BORING, BUT YOU CAN READ IT HERE).

Where To Buy The Ordinary Skincare Brand

The ordinary can be purchased through their own website as well as Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon.

The shopper experience on The Ordinary website is unmatched. While you’re browsing products you will find easily readable information about the products such as: whether they’re silicone, alcohol, oil, water, nut, gluten, and cruelty-free as well as the pH of the product.

Speaking of how great they are, on their website, you can find a link to submit any products that you wish they carried! How cool is that?!

RELATED: Mario Badescu Skincare For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

The Ordinary Skincare Guide

The biggest obstacle (or blessing) about The Ordinary is that they carry so many products that it could feel intimidating trying to search their website to find what you need/want out of a skincare routine.

It’s important to note that if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, consult your doctor or dermatologist before beginning a full new skincare routine or regimen. If you are unsure about the way your skin may handle new products, you can conduct a patch test to experiment with how your skin will react.

Let’s begin with some standard skincare rules for any skincare newbies out there.

General Skincare Rules

• Generally, you should use water-based products before using oil-based products. You can typically find how your products are based on their information labels.
• The Ordinary recommends to not use more than 3 serums in your regimen.
• Your skincare routine should take place in the morning and evening. If you HAVE to skip one, skip the morning (again, only if you absolutely have to)! In laments terms, your skin does a ton of crazy healing stuff to itself while you sleep which means it’s extra important to arm it with all the ammo it needs to help our skin!
• Your morning routine should be slightly different from your evening routine. There are products you will only use in the morning that work better during the day and vice versa.
• Always wear sunscreen! I don’t care if the only time you’re in the sun is driving to work in your car or if the weather says it won’t be sunny;  always wear sunscreen.
• Remove your makeup with makeup remover before cleansing. This is often referred to as a “double cleansing” routine. It gives your skin double the chances to clear off all of the makeup, dirt, bacteria etc.

RELATED: How To Order Your Skincare Routine

How The Ordinary Categorizes Their Products

Now that we’ve covered some general skincare best practices, it’s time to dive into how The Ordinary breaks up their products.

First, they clarify whether the product should be used in the AM, PM or both.

Next, they make it very clear whether the product is safe for use around the eyes or if you should avoid usage around the eyes (they’re seriously awesome, right?).

And lastly, they include a UV Protection recommendation for certain products that make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (but really, wear sunscreen every day. Like literally, every single day).

How To Order The Ordinary Skincare Products

A statement straight from The Ordinary website: It is best to not use Peptides in the same routine as the following products: Direct acids, LAA (L-Ascorbic Acid) and ELAA (Ethylated Ascorbic Acid). In addition, we would recommend avoiding the use of products containing copper peptides in the same routine as strong antioxidants as well as direct acids/LAA/ELAA.

Enough mumbo jumbo, let’s get to it!

The types of products they carry are as follows:

• antioxidants
• cleansers
• direct acids
• hair care
• hydrators and oils
• more molecules
• peptides
• retinoids
• suncare
• vitamin C

Step 1 – Cleanser

The Squalane Cleanser

• targets makeup removal
• balm-like consistency
• use in the AM & PM as your first step

Step 2 – Toner

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

• use after cleanser & before serums
• designed to be used only in the PM
• don’t use more than once per day
• sunburn alert* – apply sunscreen at the end of your skincare routine when this product is involved
• Do not combine with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% or Peptides.

Step 3 – Anhydrous Solutions / Antioxidants

The products for this step vary depending on your skin type and concerns. I created a general overview, but visit The Ordinary website for further questions and information.

Pick one based on skin concern:

• EUK 134 0.1%  *this is considered a strong acid and is recommended against pairing with many other products
  • use in AM & PM
  • combats redness
  • use before oils & creams
  • Do not use with highly acidic treatments, Pure Vitamin C (EAA/LAA), and Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%.
• resveratrol 3% + ferulic acid 3%
  • use in AM & PM
  • combats signs of aging & texture issues
  • use before oils & creams
  • Do not combine with Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
• pycnogenol 5%
  • use in AM & PM
  • enhances hydration & skin elasticity
  • use before oils & creams and after water-based serums
  • Do not combine with Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%

Step 4 – Water-Based Serums / Direct Acids

*Only use 3 serums in your total skincare regimen (including oil-based serums)

• AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling solution
  • use 1-2 times per week in the PM only
  • use as a mask & rinse off
  • combats dullness & texture irregularities
  • Do not combine with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% or Peptides.
• azelaic acid suspension 10%
  • use in the PM only
  • use after water-based serums & before oils & creams
  • targets dullness, uneven tone, textural irregularities, and includes antioxidant support
  • Do not combine with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% or Peptides.
• lactic acid 5% + HA *also comes in a 10% version, but always start with smaller % amounts and work your way up
  • use in the PM only
  • use before oils & creams
  • targets uneven tone, texture irregularities & fine lines
  • Do not combine with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% or Peptides.
• mandelic acid 10% + HA
  • use in PM only
  • use before oils & creams
  • targets dullness, uneven tone & texture irregularities
  • do not combine with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% or Peptides.
• salicylic acid 2% solution *also comes in a mask form only to be used 1-2 times per week in the PM
  • use in AM & PM
  • use before creams
  • targets blemishes/acne
  • Do not combine with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% or Peptides.

Step 5 – Oils

• “B” oil
  • use AM & PM
  • use after water-based serums
  • targets dehydration, signs of irritation, uneven tone, antioxidant support, supports healthy skin
• 100% organic cold-pressed borage seed oil
  • use AM & PM
  • use after water-based serums
  • targets redness, sensitivity, inflammation, dehydration, supports healthy skin
• 100% organic cold-pressed moroccan argon oil
  • use in PM only
  • use after water-based serums
  • targets hydration
• 100% organic cold-pressed rose hip seed oil
  • use in PM only
  • use after water-based serums
  • targets dehydration, dullness, signs of aging
• 100% organic virgin chia seed oil
  • use AM & PM
  • use after water-based serums
  • supports healthy skin

*This is just a few, their website has nearly twice as much as I listed here.

Step 6 – Retinoids

Always use retinoids before oils & creams, and never use more than one retinoid in your full skin routine.

Also, always start out with the lowest percentage and work your way up to avoid redness, potential skin reactions, and irritation.

Step 7 – Hydrators

• Natural moisturizing factors + HA
  • use AM & PM
  • use after all other skincare products but before suscreen
  • targets hydration & skin repair

Step 8 – Sun Protection

Use sun protection as the final product in your routine and before makeup

The Ordinary Skincare Routine Based in the AM & PM

Your Skincare Routine Guide For the AM:

1. squalane cleanser
2. pick one: EUK 134 0.1%, pycnogenol 5%, or resveratrol 3% + ferulic Acid 3%
3. if you chose salicylic acid 2% solution for your PM routine, use that here
4. if you chose an oil for your PM routine that says to use in the AM as well, use that here
5. natural moisturizing factors + HA
6. pick one: mineral UV filters SPF 15 with antioxidants, or mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with antioxidants

Your Skincare Routine Guide For the PM:

1. squalane cleanser
2. glycolic acid 7% toning solution
3. the product you picked for step 2 in your AM routine
4. pick one: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Lactic Acid 10% + HA, Lactic Acid 5% + HA, Mandelic Acid 10% + HA, Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, or Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
5. pick one: “B” Oil, 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed
   Rose Hip Seed Oil, 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil, 100% Organic Virgin Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Oil, 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane, 100% Plant-Derived Squalane, Amino Acids + B5, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, or Marine Hyaluronics
6. pick one: granactive retinoid 2% in squalane, granactive retinoid 5% in squalane, granactive retinoid 2% emulsion, retinol 0.2% in squalane, retinol 0.5% in squalane, or retinol 1% in squalane
7. natural moisturizing factors + HA

Leave me a comment letting me know what you’re favorite skincare brand is, and if you’re already using The Ordinary, let me know what your favorite product by them is!

There’s Your Guide To The Ordinary Skincare Brand