'WH' Editors Tried The Most Popular Products From The Ordinary

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Just because celebrities spend thousands of dollars on skincare doesn't mean you have to, too. Great skin isn't always a pricey process. You can get quality exfoliators, vitamin C serums, and more without having to dish a pretty penny on them—just shop the best products from The Ordinary.

You may know the brand from TikTok, but The Ordinary has been around for quite a few years. They offer ultra-affordable, high-quality, science-backed products that deliver real results—just search a few vlogs on YouTube or TikTok and you'll see what I'm talking about. Very quickly, the vegan and cruelty-free line has become the beauty brand everyone is talking about—and a staple in many skincare lovers' routines.

Most of The Ordinary's products feature one hero ingredient without any additives or fragrances. (That's how they manage to keep all products so affordable—most are under $15—yes, you read that correctly.) Their products are simply labeled with the primary ingredient it features, like their popular Hyaluronic Acid 2% Serum, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, or Retinol 1% in Squalane.

No fancy product names or luxurious packaging here, The Ordinary is really all about results, and skincare savants (including WH editors) can't get enough.

Sounds everything but ordinary, right? Here are the 26 best The Ordinary products, per dermatologists and rave editor and online reviews.

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are chemical exfoliants designed to lighten pigmentation and boost radiance. This peeling solution is about 30 percent of that ingredient, a pretty high amount—simply leave it on for a minute or two while you brush your teeth at night. "This mask enhances skin texture and encourages a more radiant complexion," says Mariano Busso, MD, a dermatologist based in Miami, Florida.

One of the brand's most popular products (it went viral on TikTok several times), people love how quickly this works and how easy it is to use. Read WH's full review on the product here.

Editor Review: "I did see an immediate glow-up in the skin on my cheeks...It almost looked like a quick face lift. When I started using this twice a week, I saw results after just two weeks in my scars lightening—some of which have been there for years." —Neha Tandon, former WH editor

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

It's likely that you've heard of hyaluronic acid for all its hydration benefits, and this is the number one bestselling hyaluronic acid product on Amazon. "Hyaluronic acid does wonders to hydrate and plump your skin," Dr. Colombo says. "This leaves you with the look of dewy and glowing skin which is absolutely desirable and beneficial." People love that this product is super moisturizing without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. And reviewers also rave about it being able to shrink the appearance of pores.

In fact, hyaluronic acid can have the added benefit of smoothing fine lines and wrinkles by restoring volume and plumpness and protecting your skin's barrier, Dr. Colombo says.

Rave Review: "I am close to 50 years-old. Using this, my pores have minimized tremendously and my skin is so soft. I highly recommend it."

Retinol 1% in Squalane

A WH editor favorite, this retinol-packed icon has thousands of five-star reviews. "Retinol is key in improving the appearance of skin aging including repairing sun damage," says Dr. Colombo. It does this by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol improves skin's texture by penetrating the deepest layers of skin to promote cell turnover and boost elasticity.

Sure, there are tons of retinol serums out there, but this formula also features hydrating squalane, making it a great beginner retinol product.

Editor Review: "I love retinols because they've really helped brighten my skin and lighten my hyperpigmentation over the years, but they can dry my skin out a lot. This serum actually leaves my skin feeling super soft and hydrated after I use it, so I don't have to overcompensate with tons of moisture from a heavy oil or moisturizer afterwards." —Neha Tandon, former WH editor

Niacinamide 10% With Zinc 1%

Niacinamide has grown in popularity over the last several years because it's one of those do-it-all ingredients that people swear by for shrinking pores, calming redness, reducing acne, and more. This particular solution is combined with clarifying astringent zinc, making it particularly great for anyone with acne or large pores. Simply top with a hydrating oil or moisturizer if you have dry skin.

Rave Review: "My skin has completely changed in a few days. My acne has cleared, pores look minimal, and there's a lot less oil on my face."

Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%

No, this isn't the type of copper you find on a penny. A lesser-known skincare ingredient, copper peptide has healing, regenerative properties that help boost collagen production. Use it to smooth out wrinkles, blur fine lines, and help heal scarring.

Rave Review: "I love this product so much. My face is much smoother. I had a few bumps, especially on my chin area, and this helps smooth everything out."

Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%

The thought of putting acid on your face may sound scary, but lactic acid lightly exfoliates. "It does this by removing dead skin cells on the skin's surface," says Morgana Colombo, dermatologist and advisor for Hyaestic. "Likewise, it creates cell turnover quicker because it removes the old skin cells and replaces them with new ones."

That makes skin look instantly brighter and feel super smooth to the touch after just one use. Long term, this TikTok-famous serum keeps skin clarified to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Because it's a mild exfoliant, it's great at treating acne, too. And for one final perk, it also reduces the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles giving you smoother and softer skin in the process, Dr. Colombo says.

Rave Review: "The ordinary lactic acid is the GOAT. I use it whenever I get those dry skin bumps on my face and arms and it goes away basically overnight." —Amanda Lucci, WH deputy editor of content strategy

Multi-Peptide Serum For Hair Density

When talking about skin, let's not forget the scalp care. Packed with peptides (the building block of proteins which form hair), reviewers love the way this serum has enhanced hair density and even helped patch up bald spots. The water-like texture won't feel greasy or weigh strands down, either.

Rave Review: "I purchased this product a few months ago and now all my bald spots are gone and my hair has grown much fuller. Also, I have noticed so many new baby hairs growing in!!"

Vitamin C Suspension 23% HA Spheres 2%

You likely already know that Vitamin C can brighten and lighten dark spots. But did you know that it provides antioxidant protection, too? "This ingredient helps with your overall complexion because it helps fight fine lines, stimulates collagen production, and brightens your skin," Dr. Colombo says. That's what makes this high-potency moisturizer a great daytime product. It'll provide that no-makeup glow while protecting the skin from environmental aggressors (though you'll of course always want to use SPF).

Note: Some reviewers say that because of how potent this is, it can sting a bit on the first application, so it's best to patch test it before using it all over the face.

Rave Review: "I just finished my bottle and wanted to wait till I was 100 percent sure about this one. It’s just amazing. I have combination skin and suffer from acne scars. This has helped with a lot of the scarring. I mix it up with my moisturizer because it burns a bit if I apply it directly onto my skin."

Caffeine Solution 5% Eye Serum

The name "Caffeine Solution" may trigger cravings for coffee lovers, and I can assure you that the skin under your eyes may just get as addicted to drinking up the ingredient. Use The Ordinary's brightening, de-puffing caffeine serum alone or under your fave eye cream for added moisture. "Tailored for the eyes, this serum, enriched with 5% caffeine and EGCG, diminishes dark circles and reduces puffiness for a refreshed look," Dr. Busso says.

Rave Review: "I started using this about a month ago and the color and overall depth of the bags under my eyes is unbelievable. I’m not even at half a bottle yet and I’m going on a month and a half with two applications a day. Now when I wake up and do my routine, I actually look energized for the day! Bags be goneeee."

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

You probably won't be able to include every serum on this list in your routine, but this toner fits seamlessly into any skincare ritual. Glycolic acid aids in exfoliating the skin, speeding up cell turnover, and boosting collagen production, meaning it's great at enhancing your skin's natural glow while clearing pores and lightening dark spots. It's a great way to start your routine right after cleansing.

P.S. Tons of people (non-dermatologists) from TikTok say that this can be used in place of deodorant, but be sure to ask a pro before you test that theory out.

Editor Review: "This does wonders for my clearing my pores. Living in New York City, there is constantly tons of gunk getting stuck in the pores on my cheeks and nose. After using this for about a month, I notice significantly fewer blackheads popping up." —Neha Tandon, former WH editor

100% Plant-Derived Squalane

Squalane is a star ingredient for being super hydrating while also controlling oil production, so it's a great way to keep oily skin hydrated without making it look or feel greasy. And, it's of course loved by those with dry skin for obvious reasons. You really can't go wrong with 100 percent squalane if you're a skincare minimalist—our editors love applying this weightless one-ingredient product to their hair, too.

Rave Review: "I absolutely love this product. A New York City transplant, I'm from Florida and very much used to the humidity, so this squalane has saved my skin during harsh dry winters here. I simply apply it over my normal moisturizer and it heals my skin! —Addison Aloian, WH editorial assistant

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

An oldie but a goodie, salicylic acid is one of those all-time favorite ingredients that's been loved by pretty much everyone (not just skincare fanatics and derms). While you've likely heard about its acne-fighting properties, it's also great at clearing out whiteheads and pores. This mask is also effective because it contains skin-smoothing beta hydroxy acid, too.

Rave Review: "This is a really good face mask. I saw results after my first use. It helped with my bumps and blackheads on my chin and nose specifically!"

Squalane Cleanser

A good cleanser is one of the most underrated products in a skincare routine, IMO. A good one should clean out any impurities, makeup, and pollution without stripping your skin of the good, natural oils it's producing. Enter: The Ordinary's Squalane cleanser. It's probably one of the most affordable products from the brand, too. It removes makeup (even heavy waterproof makeup) flawlessly without leaving dry skin too dry.

Rave Review: "I love this! It’s not messy and thick like others...It doesn’t smear mascara all over—I have no idea how—it just simply melts it away. This cleanser is amazing!"

Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Scalp Serum

Another scalp care product, this one's great for anyone who suffers from itchiness, dryness, or dandruff because it's packed with hydrating ingredients. Infused with hyaluronic acid (yup, that's not just for your face), it features squalane, too.

Rave Review: "This worked wonders on my partner's scalp. We’ve been trying to find a product to help with flakiness, dryness, and sensitivity, and this one has proven to be very effective!"

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Hyperpigmentation Serum

Many of the serums on this list brighten, but this one specifically targets hyperpigmentation. If that's your primary concern, get straight to the point with this serum that contains alpha arbutin, which specifically addresses pigmentation that's been caused by sun exposure. The added hyaluronic acid keeps skin moisturized. All in all, this serum helps achieve a more uniform and even skin tone, Dr. Busso says.

Rave Review: "Love, love, love. It might take a little time to show results, but it ALWAYS shows. I have a lot of hyperpigmentation and nothing has ever helped me even out my skin tone, blemishes, and acne scars like this has. I’ve repurchased this a countless number of times and I use it every day."

Salicylic Acid 2% Pore Clearing Serum

You know all about salicylic acid's benefits. If your acne-prone skin craves something more than just a mask or you simply don't have time to add a mask to your routine, this no-frills serum is the way to go. It's infused with hydrating squalane, but be sure to pair this with a moisturizer or oil on top if you have dry skin.

Rave Review: "Initially, it helped with managing my acne, but now it acts more as a maintenance product in keeping my acne to a minimum. It's also hydrating, and I can tell it has been helping with my acne scars."

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

For those of you who have been blessed with good genetics, or have just put a lot of time and effort in your skin to get it to a good place, this hyaluronic and fatty acid-packed moisturizer is a great maintenance product for all skin types. "Packed with amino and hyaluronic acids, this moisturizer delivers vital hydration for your skin's essential nourishment," Dr. Busso says.

It's hydrating without being too greasy, and is a great no-fuss moisturizer that sensitive skin types love. And, did you peep that price tag? You've got nothing to lose (except $6).

Rave Review: "I have very dry, acne-prone skin that reacts to literally anything that I put on my face, and this product has been wonderful. It supplies hydration to my skin while not feeling overly greasy. My skin has had no reaction to it which is great because this is the only moisturizer that doesn't break out my skin."

Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

If you're anything like me, "peptide"isn't exactly in your daily vernacular. Allow me to break it down you. Put simply, peptides are the building block for new skin cells, meaning that adding some to your skin will aid in collagen production, making it look more plump. This multi-peptide serum is packed with a variety of them, all with the goal of giving skin that airbrushed glow.

Rave Review: "It’s been two weeks since I added this to my regimen, and I have noticed that I’m looking noticeably younger. I keep getting told that I’m glowing."

Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream

Since vitamin C can sometimes feel a little irritating on sensitive skin types, The Ordinary came out with this azelaic acid moisturizer. The brightening ingredient is actually often used to help calm redness in people with sensitive skin or rosacea, but it's also a light exfoliant that can help treat acne and lighten dark spots over time, too.

Rave Review: "I recommend this for anyone with sensitive skin or rosacea. It helps with redness and soothes my skin. I can’t go a day without it."

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Retinoids differ from retinols in that they're stronger. For those of you who don't have sensitive skin and want fast results, reach for this retinoid which is about as potent as you can get without needing a prescription. It's great at brightening dark spots while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Rave Review: "I added this Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion to help with the fine lines and acne scarring. There was a noticeable improvement in [my cystic acnes] in just six weeks!"

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Another editor-loved fave, this rose hip seed oil can be used literally anywhere you need a moisture surge, from your scalp to split ends, lips, under your eyes, and everything south of that. Lots of rose hip seed oil products contain additives or mineral oils, but this one is a pure, one-ingredient formula that dry skin will love. It's a great mess-free, versatile travel product given the size and packaging.

Editor Review: "This is a holy grail travel item for me. I massage some into my scalp before pulling my hair into a slick bun before a flight, and then I'll put it on my face so that I come out feeling totally hydrated." —Neha Tandon, former WH editor

Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner

Don't let that big "B" word scare you. Made for all hair types, this conditioner is simply adored by reviewers. If you're ballin' on a budget and are looking for a reliable conditioner, stick with this one that reviewers love for hydration and for eliminating frizz post-shower.

Rave Review: "I’m a licensed cosmetologist and I honestly prefer this over the stuff I can get at CosmoProf and SalonCentric. It gives my hair moisture, but isn’t too heavy that it weighs it down."

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

This little guy has nearly five stars on Sephora and hundreds of positive reviews. Why? Well, people love that it gently exfoliates skin without irritating it. Plus, it can help improve acne, dullness, and even fine lines and wrinkles. Reviewers love using it on their body, too.

Rave Review: "This stuff is amazing—probably my all-time fave product from The Ordinary. I have an annoying paper towel texture that can appear on my forehead and even cheeks, and this smooths it out the following day when I've applied it in the evening."

Pycnogenol 5%

It may have a funky name, but this serum has two basic purposes: to hydrate your skin and enhance its elasticity. Pycnogenol is a plant-based extract which is designed to help stimulate collagen and elastin (skin-plumping ingredients), and reviewers love it, saying they can use it on other body parts besides the face.

Rave Review: "I have been using this product for two weeks and my skin feels plump, hydrated, and balanced. I am already adding a backup to my cart. Beware that the serum is red and can leave a trace on clothing."

Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution

This water-based serum helps improve your skin's protective barrier while also enhancing its texture and any post-acne areas. Reviewers love how it hydrates their skin and leaves it glowing—they say it also feels soothing on your skin after being in the sun. For that reason, reviewers with sensitive skin and acne love this aloe-packed solution, too.

Rave Review: "I personally have sensitive skin and am prone to breakouts from most facial products, but this product leaves my skin feeling hydrated and glowing. It leaves me feeling more confident than I have before."

How our team chose the best The Ordinary products

Women’s Health editors vetted the bestselling, top-rated products from The Ordinary. Our team consulted two dermatologists and then evaluated hundreds of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best The Ordinary products for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Meet the experts

• Mariano Busso, MD, a dermatologist based in Miami, Florida

• Morgana Colombo, dermatologist and advisor for Hyaestic

Do dermatologists recommend The Ordinary?

It'll depend on your skin's needs, but quite a few do! The Ordinary has a wide range of products that feature ingredients targeted at preventing and treating different skin concerns. "I believe part of the reason for their success is their reasonable prices that most people can afford," Dr. Busso says. "It’s worth mentioning the ingredients they use are great for your skin."

See more of the best skincare products below

Best Face Scrubs | Best Hydrating Face Masks | Best Dark Spot Correctors | Best Gua Sha Tools | Best Wrinkle Creams | Best Microcurrent Devices | Best Face Sunscreens

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