The Ordinary is a popular skincare brand that offers over 50 products, most of which are formulated to showcase one specific ingredient, and address skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne-prone skin ard more. What makes The Ordinary stand out among its competitors is its effective, targeted formulas that are sold at very low retail prices.
This low pricing structure makes it very easy to purchase several products but how to use them together is where things get confusing. The Ordinary website is a great place to start for education on product ingredients and how to combine the products, but the routines they offer are limited.
I thought it would be advantageous to create some sample skincare routines containing The Ordinary products for different skin types and skin concerns including dry skin, aging skin, oily/combo skin that is acne-prone, skin experiencing hyperpigmentation and textural issues, sensitive skin, and normal skin.
NOTE: In regard to the order of application, The Ordinary suggests, in general, to apply serums before oils. If you want a detailed explanation of the correct order of skincare application, check out this post here.
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The Ordinary Products For Most Skin Types
As you’ll see, skincare serums and treatments are the bread and butter of The Ordinary products. Skincare steps that involve a cleanser, eye cream, and sunscreen are limited to a few options from The Ordinary, so these products can be used for most skin types since The Ordinary only offers one product in each of these categories.
Cleanser (AM + PM): Squalane Cleanser – A gentle cleanser for a morning cleanse and the perfect makeup remover in the evening.
Eye Cream (AM + PM): Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG – For dark circles around the eye contour, pigmentation, and puffiness.
Sunscreen (Last Step in AM Skincare Routine): Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants – Broad Spectrum SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection that also contains antioxidant, hydration, and anti-irritant support.
Stand Out Products from The Ordinary
You’ll see many products repeated in each skincare routine, as there are some products that benefit most skin types and skin concerns. For instance, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a product that will benefit just about all skin types as it draws moisture to the skin and supports the skin’s barrier. Hyaluronic acid is also found in Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA which offers non-greasy hydration and is loaded with good for your skin ingredients such as 11 amino acids, phospholipids, alpha/beta/gamma fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols and sterol esters, glycerin, ceramide precursors, urea, saccharides, sodium PCA.
I also include “Buffet”, a fantastic antioxidant serum, and retinoid formulas in many of these routines. Antioxidants are very beneficial for all skin types as they are anti-inflammatory and help correct sun damage and retinoids help stimulate collagen production and support cell turnover resulting in a decrease in the appearance in the signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
Exfoliating acids help sweep away dead skin cells and improve skin texture and clarity so you’ll see Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and Lactic Acid 5% + HA (or 10%) included in many of these routines. You’ll also see 100% Plant-Derived Squalane quite often in these routines since it is a lightweight plant-derived hydrator that usually works for all skin types.
Related: The Inkey List vs The Ordinary: Anti-Aging Skincare on a Budget
Combination Precautions
The Ordinary cautions that certain products should not be used in the same routine. For example, peptides should not be used in the same routine as direct acids, LAA (L-Ascorbic Acid) and ELAA (Ethylated Ascorbic Acid). Products containing copper peptides should not be used in the same routine as strong antioxidants and direct acids/LAA/ELAA. Niacinamide can affect integrity of the Vitamin C, so if you want to use both products, it is recommended that they not be used in the same routine (i.e. use one in the morning and one at night).
The Ordinary also recommends patch tests to avoid a negative initial reaction to a new product. This is helpful for everyone but especially helpful to those with sensitive skin. For more information on patch testing and combining products, see The Ordinary’s website.
NOTE: There are several product options included for each routine below. Please keep in mind that you don’t have to use all of the suggested products in these sample skincare routines. You can start with a few products and build from there or if you are satisfied with the results, stick with what works for your skin. Skincare is so individual, and everyone’s needs will be different.
Related: The Ordinary Anti-Aging Skincare Review
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, your skin will benefit from products that draw moisture to your skin and protect your skin barrier function. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + HA is the perfect product for this and can be used twice daily. The Ordinary has some fantastic oils that will help to seal in the active ingredients underneath, so feel free to try some options like their Squalane, Marula or Argan Oils.
Morning:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- “Buffet”
- Ascorbic Glucoside Solution 12%
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
Evening:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Lactic Acid 5% + HA (alternate with Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane)
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- “Buffet”
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- 100% Plant-Derived Squalane*
For Extra Moisture: Marine Hyaluronics
*May substitute or alternate with 100% Cold Pressed Virgin Marula Oil or 100% Organic Cold Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Aging Skin
The Ordinary offers an extensive selection of products for aging skin. Their retinoids are the star of the show, so if you want to start out with a single product for anti-aging, I would try their Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane or Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (if available) to increase cell turnover for younger-looking skin.
100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is another product that addresses the signs of aging. It is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic, and pro-vitamin A that will help with dehydration, dullness, wrinkles, and fine lines.
TIP: You’ll see multiple serums offered in these skincare routines. Create your own serum blend by mixing a drop or two of two or more serums together or start with just one serum.
Morning:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- “Buffet”
- Ascorbic Glucoside Solution 12%
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
Evening:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Lactic Acid 5% + HA
- “Buffet”
- Alternate Nights: Use Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane and “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% instead of “Buffet”, Lactic Acid 5% + HA and Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Matrixyl* 10% + HA
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
- For Dynamic Folds (eyes and forehead): Argireline Solution 10%
Weekly: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, a 10-minute exfoliating facial which is only suitable for experienced users of acid exfoliation.
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Oily/Combo and Acne-Prone Skin
Oily/combo skin that is prone to acne and breakouts can benefit from The Ordinary’s best-selling Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% along with acid exfoliation and retinoids. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% helps to even skin texture, brighten the skin, and reduce the appearance of blemishes. This lightweight gel-cream can be used as your morning moisturizer.
Morning:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
Evening:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- ”Buffet”
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion*
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Weekly:
- Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
- AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, a 10-minute exfoliating facial which is only suitable for experienced users of acid exfoliation.
*Unfortunately, this best-selling retinoid emulsion is often sold out. I’ve linked directly to Deciem’s (The Ordinary parent company) website, which is where I recently purchased it.
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Hyperpigmentation and Texture Issues
Skin that is dealing with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and texture issues will benefit from exfoliating acids to sweep away dead skin cells and retinoids to promote cell turnover. Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA will work to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that will brighten and hydrate the skin.
Morning:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
Evening:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
- “Buffet”
- Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Weekly:
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, a 10-minute exfoliating facial which is only suitable for experienced users of acid exfoliation.
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, be sure to incorporate products that support your skin barrier into your skincare routine. Sensitive skin should patch test to ensure compatibility for all products from The Ordinary.
I love both Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% and Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for their gentle formulas. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA will hydrate and repair the skin, while 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil helps with redness, sensitivity, and inflammation.
Morning:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- “Buffet”
- Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
Evening:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- “Buffet”
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (alternate with Lactic Acid 5% + HA if your skin can tolerate acids)
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- 100% Plant-Derived Squalane OR 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil
The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Normal Skin
If your skin is normal, congratulations! Be sure to use products that provide hydration and protect your skin’s barrier. In regard to actives in your skincare routine, try adding vitamin C in the morning and a retinoid (alternated with an exfoliating acid) in the evening.
Morning:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- “Buffet”
- Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
Evening:
- Squalane Cleanser
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Lactic Acid 5% + HA (alternate with Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane)
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- “Buffet”
- Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Concluding Thoughts on Building A Skincare Routine with The Ordinary Products
The Ordinary offers several products that can be combined to create a complete skincare routine. Remember that you don’t have to use 10 products in your skincare routine. You can alternate products depending on how your skin is behaving or limit your routine to a few tried and true favorites from The Ordinary.
I love “Buffet” for its antioxidant protection, 100% Plant-Derived Squalane for lightweight hydration, and Lactic Acid 10% + HA for chemical exfoliation. So many effective products from The Ordinary!
Have you tried skincare products from The Ordinary? What products from The Ordinary can you not live without? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading and until next time…
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