9 Best Ordinary Skincare Products for Extraordinary Results

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 14, 2024
best ordinary skincare products
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The hype and buzz around skincare products often influence many of our purchase decisions and one such skincare brand that is always in demand is — The Ordinary. Be it to treat acne, to brighten your complexion, or to reduce the signs of aging, you can find a solution in the best ordinary skincare products. These products may be humble in their appearance but they are extremely efficient in their results. Having said that, their primary allure comes from the ever-charming reasonable price tag!

Based on our research, we have discovered that the best ordinary skincare products are available at a price that makes your wallet smile out wide, which makes it a cult favorite among people of all ages. The products are tested by professionals and are skin-friendly for all.  Moreover, the experts involved in the skincare brand have been constantly burning the midnight oil to address skin concerns of major mass interest like repairing damaged skin barriers, eradicating dead skin cells, treating uneven skin tone, and boosting collagen production. 

Much to the dismay of their competitors, the popularity of the skincare products by the brand seems to increasing with every passing day, however, here are a few tried and tested recommendations that will help raise the standard of your skincare regime without causing a hole in your pocket. Scroll down to know more.

9 Best Ordinary Skin Care Products

Our in-house skin care experts believe this product is one of the major reasons for the brand to have such massive popularity. It is one of the best choices and most favorite serums for oily and acne-prone skin as it gently works on pustular and nodular acne without causing any scarring or itching. Furthermore, it is a gentle, water-based product that absorbs into the skin without any additional effort of massage or rubbing.  Lastly, it improves skin health by clearing the skin of uneven texture and fading away stubborn blemishes without causing any redness. 

Pros
  • Brightens complexion
  • Enhances skin cell hydration
  • PH neutral formulation
  • Great for pigmentation
Cons
  • Not for sensitive skin
  • Editor’s Pick

    The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%

    The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%
  • Provide your skin with all-day-long hydration in the most frigid conditions with the Ordinary hyaluronic acid serum. Our in-house skin care experts believe that it is one of the best ordinary products for dry skin because it helps to provide extra hydration to the skin cells and prevents wrinkling and shrinking. Furthermore, the key ingredient which is hyaluronic acid also helps ease tough skin creases and wrinkles without making the skin look oily. Lastly, it helps to provide the skin with a youthful, smooth, and plump appearance without making the skin prone to external invasion of skin-deteriorating bacteria and fungi. 

    Pros
    • Strengthens skin cell barrier
    • Fades away dark circles
    • Best for dehydrated skin
    • Easy to apply
    Cons
    • Products may have to be stored in a cool place
  • Best for Aging Skin

    The Ordinary Retinol

    The Ordinary Retinol
  • Retinol is a dermatology favorite for treating signs of pigmentation and aging. But the ordinary retinol serum goes one step further to showcase miraculous transformational results. It is one of the best ordinary serums because the product contains a blend of squalene and retinol that helps to enhance collagen and elastin synthesis which helps to ease tough skin creases. Furthermore, it helps increase skin cell turnover and enhances skin texture by smoothening visible imperfections. Lastly, this lightweight serum is devoid of artificial fragrances, and artificial colors which makes it a lovely choice for people with sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Revitalizes dull skin
    • Fades away dark spots
    • Non-inflammatory
    • Non-itchy
    Cons
    • Should be used in limited doses
  • Best for All Ages

    The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors

    The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors
  • A unique blend of amino acids, fatty acids, ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid is present in the composition of the ordinary natural moisturizing factors. The product has a unique, non-greasy formulation and is compatible with oily, sensitive, acne-prone, combination, dry, and sensitive skin types. Moreover, the product offers instant hydration that helps restore moisture within the skin cells lost due to excessive exposure. Lastly, it has a gentle, quick absorption which makes it ideal for everyday use and a makeup-friendly option. 

    Pros
    • Great for sensitive skin
    • Oil-free
    • No artificial fragrance
    • Softens flaky skin
    Cons
    • The smell is a little overwhelming
  • Best for Oily and Acne-prone Skin

    The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

    The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA
  • Include the ordinary lactic acid serum into your skincare regime to welcome a newer version of you within a short period without opting for a vampire facial. It has a gentle, non-stingy formulation that helps to reduce signs of itching and redness. Moreover, it helps to decongest open pores and reduces the appearance of whiteheads, pimples, and blackheads. Furthermore, it helps to soften coarse skin and helps to fight signs of photo pigmentation like freckles, patches, and acne scars. However, to witness the best results, our in-house skincare experts suggest using ordinary sunscreen to shield the nascent skin cells against photodamage

    Pros
    • Softens skin texture
    • Smoothens signs of aging
    • Allergen free
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • The texture is slightly oily
  • Best for Instant Results

    The Ordinary Facial Treatment Set

    The Ordinary Facial Treatment Set
  •  A salon visit for a hydra facial or the implementation of rosehip seed oils into your skincare regime will seem unnecessary after including the facial treatment kit by Ordinary in your skincare regime. It is a perfectly picked collection of the best ordinary products that includes two ordinary serums namely niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, that help combat visible shine and clear signs of skin pore congestion and treat signs of aging like skin creases and wrinkles. Furthermore, it has a vitamin C cream that helps to strengthen the skin’s radical fighting abilities and prevents signs of photoaging. As per our in-house skincare experts, with regular use of this product, you can embrace a brighter, smoother complexion. 

    Pros
    • Combats dullness
    • Tightens open pores
    • Improves skin radiance
    • Prevents skin zits
    Cons
    • Takes time to show results
  • Best for Brighter Skin

    The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2%

    The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2%
  • Bid adieu to signs of melasma, photodamage, and sunburn with this ordinary serum that purely consists of alpha arbutin. It is a water-based product that blends effectively with the skin layers and reduces melanin synthesis. Moreover, it also contains hyaluronic acid that helps to keep the skin smooth, soft, and supple. Furthermore, it helps to fade away stubborn freckles, sunspots, and age spots. Lastly, it helps to improve skin radiance and amplify the skin’s natural glow and hence is best suited to be worn both during the day and night. 

    Pros
    • Boosts overall glow
    • Brightens complexion
    • Great for melasma
    • Best for hyper-pigmentation
    Cons
    • No safety seal
  • Best Easy-to-Use Option

    The Ordinary The Balance Set

    The Ordinary The Balance Set
  • For anyone with oily skin, uneven texture, pimples, white heads, and jumbo-sized open pores, our in-house skincare experts believe there can be no better gift than this ordinary balance set. W Because, after trying out this product for a few weeks, they saw a reduction in breakouts. Furthermore, the product also helped boost the skin’s natural radiance and boost overall luminosity. Lastly, it is also useful in removing stale makeup residue and effectively suctioning out deep ingrained sebum, dead cells, and grime thereby smoothening external skin texture without stripping the skin of its natural oils. 

    Pros
    • Easy to apply
    • Leaves no residue
    • Tightens visible pores
    • Conditions dry skin
    Cons
    • No cons
  • Best for Daily Use

    The Ordinary Suncare

    The Ordinary Suncare
  • A skincare regime is always incomplete without the application of sunscreen, When we mention a few must-have ordinary products, it would be unfair on our part if we miss out on ordinary suncare sunscreen. The product contains antioxidants that help to prevent free radical damage and protect against deterioration against UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Furthermore, it has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs into the skin and prevents uneven discoloration. Lastly, it has lightweight packaging which makes it a travel-friendly choice. 

    Pros
    • Strengthens skin defense
    • Hydrates dry patches
    • Compatible with serums
    • Best for daily use
    Cons
    • The texture is slightly sticky

    As ordinary beauty products continue to increase in the number of sales and make a place for themselves in people's hearts, our readers might be tempted to go ahead and make a purchase, we want you to be aware of a few points that you should keep in mind while opting out for the most compatible ordinary product. 

    How to Choose the Best Ordinary Skin Care Products?

    1. Skin Type and Texture

    The skin type and texture of the individual play an important role when trying to ascertain the correct product of a brand that will work well for that individual. While Dermatologists will recommend oily skin people include the squalene cleanser and the salicylic acid mask in their skincare routine to decongest clogged pores and reduce the chances of breakouts, whiteheads, and comedos. In cases with dry skin, people will need humectants to restore lost moisture due to the skin’s exposure to mechanical stressors hence skin care experts may suggest opting for the hyaluronic acid serum. 

    2. Underlying Medical Conditions

    Underlying medical conditions need to be taken into account while opting for the best ordinary products, for someone with eczema it is not advisable to use vitamin C as a part of their skincare regime as it may trigger redness and cause scaling. 

    3. Packaging: The product packaging should be robust, non-messy, and leakproof to resist mechanical jerks and external triggers. To add on, it should also be wrapped in ABS bio-degradable plastic as it may otherwise contribute to landfills and cause water clogging that may impact marine life. 

    Conclusion 

    Ordinary skincare products are known for their effective and affordable solutions. From serums to moisturizers, this brand offers a wide range of products that cater to various skin concerns. The Ordinary has something for every skin concern. By incorporating these given above list products into your skincare routine, you can achieve healthier, more radiant skin. Remember, every skin type is unique, so always patch-test before diving in fully.  Happy skincare shopping, and may you achieve the flawless skin you've always desired!

    FAQ's

    Is the ordinary brand good for skin care?
    The ordinary skincare brand is a child company of Estee Lauder and has been in the segment of skin care products for a very long time. The products are devised without parabens, silicone, and sulfates which makes it suitable for all skin types and hence is a trustworthy brand.
    Which Ordinary product is the best for fair skin?
    If the fair skin is dry then we suggest using the hyaluronic acid serum, whereas for oily and combination skin our in-house experts recommend using the exfoliants like lactic acid, the squalene-based cleanser, and the salicylic acid mask as a part of their skincare regime.
    How long does it take for Ordinary products to work?
    For any skincare product to function effectively it is important to allow 4 weeks for the product to adjust with the skin’s texture and work effectively.
    Can Ordinary products be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
    Like all other brands, The Ordinary has also curated products that are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But it’s best to consult with your doctor before starting your skincare routine during pregnancy.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, our in-house skincare expert does not believe in social media hypes and advertising gimmicks while recommending skincare products to people who approach her for advice. Like most people, she too was skeptical about the promises made by the brand “The Ordinary”. However, when she and her team conducted tests, studied labels, and collected first-hand feedback from users, she believed that makers had not overpromised and underdelivered. Now, when she curates skincare regimes for people who approach her for advice, she ensures she includes one product from The Ordinary Skincare brand. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness on board to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More