The Ordinary is an amazing skincare brand that focuses on the pure function of their products. The brand does an exceptional job at formulating the best ingredients to get the job done with no frills and crazy additives. Because of the lack of advertising and marketing, they are able to get their costs down to be one of the cheapest on the market! (That's what we like to hear!) If you are looking for an effective brand that doesn’t break the bank, look no further because The Ordinary has got your back.
The Products
If you have seen the way that the products are labeled, they are not the easiest for first timers to figure out. The products simply have the main active ingredient and its percentage on the front, so you have to know what you’re looking for. Below is my guide to the BEST products from their selection and how to use them for the best results possible!
My Skin Transformation Photo
FAVORITE:
Niacinimide 10% Zinc 1% Serum
This serum has transformed my skin by reducing redness, blotchiness in coloration, and oil production. The product is amazing for any skin type as it is gentle yet effective. The serum should be applied in just a few drops in the morning and night for the best results. Niacinamide has many amazing qualities such as reducing the look of blemishes and congestion in the skin which is great for those with active acne or scarring. To see an in-depth guide to the Niacinamide Ingredient, Click Here.
A great staple product to keep your skin fresh and balanced
EXFOLIANT: ESSENTIAL
Lactic Acid 10% + HA
This product will help to chemically exfoliate your skin. Chemical exfoliation is the BEST way to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy cell function. Lactic acid is great for dissolving the dead skin cells off of the surface for a baby smooth finish. This should not be used every day because it can cause unwanted sensitivity. The 10% formulation is a mild exfoliation, but for some it may still be too harsh. I recommend starting off with the milder option, Lactic Acid 5% + HA is you are just starting out as a way to build up to a higher strength. A very small amount goes a long way, so be careful not to go overboard here.
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
A product that is used less often but with high intensity, is the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. This has been hyped up all over the internet recently and for good reason! This solution has changed the game when it comes to chemical exfoliation because it blasts through all of your dead skin cells in a matter of 10 minutes. This is a wash-off solution so should be applied once every 1 to 2 weeks at maximum. This product is VERY strong, so should be applied with caution and possible patch testing to test for sensitivities. Over exfoliation can be dangerous for the skin, so avoid using more than suggested.
PEPTIDES: AGEING AND ELASTICITY
The Buffet
This product is specifically formulated with peptides that are meant to target aging in the skin. This product does well with all skin types and is great to use in conjunction with a retinol product. This is an easy product to use that has helped to make my skin appear firmer and have greater elasticity. This is safe to use in the morning and at night, which makes it a great addition to your skincare routine. This is slightly higher in price than the other products because it is formulated with many different active ingredients instead of just the one.
RETINOID: TEXTURE AND ANTI-AGING
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
This product is the safest of retinoids out of their collection. The brand offers many variations at different percentages, but due to the ingredient’s instability, this particular percentage would be the best for those just beginning to use anti-aging and reparative ingredients. A retinol will practically erase texture, uneven tone, and signs of outside damage to the surface of the skin. This is the ultimate product for keeping your youthful glow. Use this ingredient in very small amounts and then slowly work up from there as needed.
EYE SERUM: UNDER-EYE BAGS, DARK CIRCLES, AND CELLULITE
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
This product is great for reducing the dark circles under the eye due to the high concentration of the caffeine ingredient. This is said to reduce the puffiness of the bags under the eyes and help with dark coloration in the contour. The caffeine is said to also help reduce the look of cellulite on the body and can be used in those areas as well. This product can be a lifesaver for those long and sleepless nights.
SUSTAINABILITY:
The Ordinary has a very high standard when it comes to sustainability beginning with the packaging. They use glass bottles to store their products which are not only more effective but reusable! The reduction in single-use plastics has made a huge difference in the environmental movement, and we can only hope that it paves the way for other brands to follow suit.
DON'T WAIT!
The Ordinary is a brand that has taken strides in the skincare community to create effective products at a price that is unbeatable. They are aware that some of the best ingredients are not the most expensive to produce, so they shouldn’t be the most expensive to buy. They are fair, ethical, and sustainable in practice which is all the more reason to support the brand. Don’t be fooled by the big-name skincare brands because ingredients don’t lie. Once you understand the ingredients, you too can make the best decisions for you and all of your skincare needs!
With Love,
April Ann
Photo Sources
ULTA
eBay