The Ordinary Skincare is an ethical brand, famous for its unique & simple formulations, integrity at the heart of their products, not using much of marketing jargons and gimmicks. If you’re after high-quality but affordable skincare products, packed full of potent ingredients, then there’s nothing better than The Ordinary.
The Ordinary is from it’s parent brand DECIEM, which operates more than ten beauty brands including Hylamide and NIOD that are famous among skincare enthusiasts.
DECIEM specialize in functional beauty products which actually work and are backed by science. They believe that the beauty world has become stagnant, so aim to innovate and create products which no one else are making, whilst maintaining exceptional quality. The Ordinary benefit from the research and developments already made by DECIEM which is part of the reason they’re able to keep prices so low.
What makes ‘The Ordinary Skincare’ different
The Ordinary offer high-quality skincare products, with no marketing gimmicks or endorsements. You’d probably never come across false claims or terms like ‘anti-ageing’ when it comes to The Ordinary. They have no hidden ingredients. They explain each of the product benefits for the skin. For this reason, creating a routine with The Ordinary can seem quite confusing at first, but with proper research you’d quickly find out which products suit your skin type and helps with a specific skin concern you might have.
All DECIEM products, across all brands including The Ordinary, are free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, oxybenzone. If you have questions about any ingredient that we use, please reach out to us and our lab will provide a response.
DECIEM does not test on animals and does not pay others to do so. For this reason, none of DECIEM brands are sold in mainland China since such sales require animal testing for registration purposes.
Here’s your ultimate guide to using ‘The Ordinary Skincare’ products
Skincare from The Ordinary doesn’t follow the typical ‘cleanse, tone, moisturize’ or CTM method and instead focuses on treatments, vitamins and direct acids, which can completely transform your skin. I created this post to help someone who is confused about how to use The Ordinary Skincare Products. Share this post with your friends who is looking for a proper guide on using The Ordinary Skincare Products. An AM and PM Routine for Every Skin Type. Let me start with the most common skincare routine asked. Mind it – this post is going to be really lengthy. SO, grab a cup of coffee as you begin to read. Also, Please note, I am not a skincare expert. These classifications are based on my research and understanding of the products through Deciem site. For more info on ingredients etc, Please refer to the website.
This guide offer suggestions on how to combine multiple formulations from The Ordinary in a single regimen.
Thumb rule is – In general, water formulations should be applied before oil formulations and use a maximum of three serum formulations in a single regimen.
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Pigmentation
Always avoid sun exposure when using these products. Sunscreen with a high SPF factor should be applied and reapplied accordingly when steeping outside & at indoors too.
AM Routine
- Face wash/cleanser of your choice
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM)
- Any Brightening Toner
- Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA serum and/or Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
PM Routine
- Face wash/cleanser of your choice
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM)
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% and Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
- Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for a brightening boost OR choose Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane (£7.80) for increased cell renewal [Use on alternate night to the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% and Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%] — as how your skin adapts to it.
Once a week reach for the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution as a potent brightening treatment for the PM routine.
Note: Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F can be applied in the PM before Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for added support.
| AM | Face wash/cleanser of your choice | “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM) | Any Brightening Toner | Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA serum and/or Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% | Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA followed by Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants |
| PM | Face wash/cleanser of your choice | “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM) Solution | Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution | Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% and Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% | Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for a brightening boost, OR choose Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane (£7.80) for increased cell renewal [Use on alternate night to the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% and Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%] — as how your skin adapts to it | Once a week reach for the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution as a potent brightening treatment for the PM routine. Note: Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F can be applied in the PM before Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for added support. |
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Sensitive skin
AM Routine
- Face wash/cleanser of your choice
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM)
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
PM Routine
- Face wash/cleanser of your choice
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM)
- 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
For sensitive skin, I don’t recommend using Vit C. However, You’d do a patch test if you like to try any of the Vit C product from Ordinary. Refer to patch test guide here
| AM | Face Wash/Cleanser+ Toner of your choice | “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM) | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants |
| PM | Face Wash/Cleanser+ Toner of your choice | “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM) | 100% Plant-Derived Squalane | Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | Note – For sensitive skin, I don’t recommend using Vit C. However, You’d do a patch test if you like to try any of the Vit C product from Ordinary. Refer to patch test guide here |
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Oily skin
AM Routine
- Face wash/cleanser of your choice
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM)
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
PM Routine
- Face wash/cleanser of your choice
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM)
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Extras – Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 1-2 times a week, Ideally PM [Use as a masque and rinse off]
| AM | Face Wash/Cleanser+ Toner of your choice | followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM) | Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants |
| PM | Face Wash/Cleanser+ Toner of your choice | followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM) | Salicylic Acid 2% Solution | Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 1-2 times a week, Ideally PM [Use as a masque and rinse off] |
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Dry/Dehydrated Skin
AM Routine
- Face wash/cleanser of your choice
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM)
- Hydrating Essence OR Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
PM Routine
- Face wash/cleanser of your choice
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM)
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Followed by any facial oil or 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil and/or 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil
once-a-week treatment, apply AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution PM Routine
Extras – 100% Plant-Derived Squalane between your serum and moisturiser for an extra shot of hydration if you have extremely dry skin.
Argireline Solution 10% if you have finelines/wrinkles
| AM | Face Wash/Cleanser+ Toner of your choice | “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM) | Hydrating Essence OR Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% | Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA followed by Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants OR your favorite SPF |
| PM | Double Cleanse using your favorite face cleanser | “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM) Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution or Lactic Acid 5% + HA | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Followed by any facial oil or 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil and/or 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil | once-a-week treatment, apply AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution PM Routine Extras – 100% Plant-Derived Squalane between your serum and moisturiser for an extra shot of hydration if you have extremely dry skin. Argireline Solution 10% if you have finelines/wrinkles |
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Combination skin
AM Routine
- Face wash/cleanser of your choice
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM)
- Your morning toner
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1%
- Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (used as a moisturizer)
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
- Extras – 100% Plant-Derived Squalane between your serum and moisturiser for an extra shot of hydration
PM Routine
- Face wash/cleanser of your choice
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM)
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% and/OR Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% [use both niacinamide and vitamin C, either layer together OR use one at a time. Vit C only during PM]
- 100% Plant-Derived Squalane between your serum and moisturiser for an extra shot of hydration
- Extras: Salicylic Acid 2% Solution or AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution as a weekly PM treatment.
| AM | Face wash/ Cleanser of your choice | “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM) | Your morning toner | Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% | Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (used as a moisturizer) followed by Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants | Extras – 100% Plant-Derived Squalane between your serum and moisturiser for an extra shot of hydration |
| PM | Face wash/ Cleanser of your choice | “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% followed by EYE care (Your Favorite Eye cream + The Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (Massage a small amount onto the eye contour AM and PM) | Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution | Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% and/OR Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% use both niacinamide and vitamin C, either layer together OR use one at a time. Vit C only during PM routine. | 100% Plant-Derived Squalane between your serum and moisturiser for an extra shot of hydration | Extras: Salicylic Acid 2% Solution or AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution as a weekly PM treatment. |
Some of you might have noticed in the skincare routine guide above, I mentioned ‘Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%’ to be used right after cleansing and even before toner. The Ordinary Buffet is a water-based solution and canused in the morning and in the evening. Start with cleansed skin and use a couple of drops over the entire face. It’s a water-based solution so this will be the first or one of the first layers of your skincare routine. I know it’s against the standard CTM routine. But, this is
Now that we have all skincare routines ready, Let’s take a look at some of the ground rules in layering of Ordinary Skincare Products.
Please always ensure you take away every last trace of makeup and do a double cleansing before putting the products. Most Ordinary Skincare Products are either water-based or oil-based. It’s always water-based products first.
In my next post in Ordinary series, I will cover my reviews on every single product I tried from this brand. This routine will help at least some of you who are confused and don’t know where to start. Also, keep in mind, never ever use these products on already irritate/peeled skin. Also, not all products are advised during pregnancy/if you are lactating. Please do your research on what works best for you.
Let me know in comments whether you follow any of these routine and whether you’d like to add any product to any of the routine.