Despite the name, there is nothing ordinary about skincare industry champion The Ordinary. Delivering quality skin care at an affordable price, this no-nonsense brand has taken the beauty world by storm, with skin gurus and industry masters alike singing its praises. From banishing blemishes and minimising pores to reducing wrinkles and evening out skin tone, there is something for everyone.
Their ingredient-based product list can sometimes be a little confusing, so if you don’t know your acids from your retinols, we’re here to help. We’ve broken down what each product does so you can find what best suits your skin’s needs. Once you get your head around some of the technical-sounding names, we promise it’s as easy as ABC!
A
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
This is an exfoliating facial mask that fights acne whilst restoring clarity to your skin. By exfoliating at multiple levels in the skin, this mask is perfect for targeting acne, uneven skin texture and the look of fine lines. Talk about an all in one! Remember to use a moisturiser with SPF when using any acid products as they can make you more sensitive to sun damage!
Alpha Lipoic Acid 5%
This anti-oxidant treatment will smooth and refine your skin’s tone and texture while protecting it from free radical damage. Alpha Lipoic Acid is found in every cell of the body; it fights against environmental damage whilst also renewing and rejuvenating the skin. Think of it like a suit of armour against pollution!
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Is your skin uneven and a bit dull looking? This multi-functioning brightening gel improves the texture of skin whilst giving you a healthy glow. If you suffer from blemishes and areas of uneven pigmentation, this product will work wonders for you, giving you that insta-filter glow.
B
Buffet
An industry favourite, this multi-technology, anti-ageing peptide serum is like youth in a bottle. When used regularly, the complexion is smoothed by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and textural irregularities. It’s time to target multiple signs of ageing with this powerhouse product!
C
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
This lightweight serum reduces eye contour pigmentation and puffiness. A high concentration of Caffeine and EGCG (a green tea derivative), a few drops deliver a blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to the eye area, brightening unwanted dark circles and banishing puffiness! Wave goodbye to those panda eyes!
Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone
Orange juice used to be what came to mind when we heard Vitamin C, now it’s making a splash in the skincare industry, and for good reason! The effective antioxidant has been shown to brighten the complexion whilst defying skin ageing. Mixed with a light silicone, the formula is easy to smooth on the skin, leaving a youthful glow.
E
EUK 134 0.1%
This one of a kind antioxidant provides around-the-clock regeneration of the skin. This miracle product limits the production of free radicals which helps protect and improve the health and appearance of your skin, including reducing the signs of ageing. EUK 134 is one of the strongest antioxidants available and the formulation doesn’t contain any water, silicones, oils or alcohol, which makes it one of the purest products available. See, science can be fun!
F
Foundation
The Ordinary have two foundations, both of which are in high demand by beauty bloggers for their flawless finish and purse friendly price tag.
Coverage Foundation SPF15
This lightweight liquid foundation provides full coverage with 100% natural SPF15 sun protection. With a blend of premium colour pigments contained within The Ordinary’s unique spreadability system, the liquid produces a natural, smooth, semi-matte result which will not cake or be drawn into expression lines. Hello filter-like finish! With 21 versatile shades ranging from very fair to very deep, each colour is further classified according to its undertone, ensuring a perfect match for your skin tone. What’s your perfect match?
Serum Foundation SPF15
This ultra-lightweight foundation provides all the fabulous features of the Coverage Foundation mentioned above, but with a medium coverage. This is perfect for those who prefer BB creams or tinted moisturisers, giving you a flawless but more natural finish, ideal for a dewy day look.
G
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid, a chemical exfoliant that melts away dead skin and excess oil. With Tasmanian Pepperberry on the ingredient list, it prevents any irritation associated with acid use! Other ingredients include Aloe Vera and Ginseng – both soothe the skin whilst boosting the radiance of your complexion. This will restore a clear, radiant tone to your skin, leaving you glowing. Follow up with a good moisturiser with SPF in it, as the acid makes you more sensitive to the sun!
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Talk about two in one, this is an acne AND wrinkle treatment! For those of you who thought your teenage spotty skin would end with your teenage years, only to have found it hasn’t – this is the product for you. Thanks to its advanced formulation which blends two forms of next-generation Retinoid to reduce signs of ageing and combat acne, this is a powerhouse of a product!
H
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The number one in hydration, hyaluronic acid has taken the beauty industry by storm due to its ability to absorb moisture at different levels of the skin, leading to a baby soft and radiant complexion. The formula utilises 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid (at varied molecular sizes) and Vitamin B5 to visibly plump the skin at all levels. This is key for smoother, softer and healthier skin when paired with a good moisturiser!
L
Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%
This serum is fairly mild but extremely effective – it gently exfoliates and resurfaces to reveal a brighter, more even and smoother skin. The Lactic Acid exfoliates, Hyaluronic Acid increases the skin’s moisture capacity for a plump, supple appearance and finally, Tasmanian Pepperberry prevents irritation caused by acid use. It’s a real winner for evening out skin tone, reducing acne scars and eliminating dry skin. Follow up with a light moisturiser for glowing baby soft skin.
M
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%
It sounds complicated, but the results are simple – brighter and ultra-hydrated skin. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a derivative of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant properties and at the same time it visibly brightens your skin tone. Perfect for that youthful glow!
Matrixyl 10% + HA
Matrixyl has waged a serious war on deep set wrinkles. The formula features two generations of Matrixyl (Matrixyl 3000 & Matrixyl Synthe’6) combined at a high concentration of 10% to counter the signs of ageing by stimulating collagen and elastin production. Hyaluronic Acid acts as a delivery system, ensuring the active ingredients penetrate deeply into the skin. Beautiful from the inside out!
Moisturiser – Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
This non-greasy moisturiser nourishes the skin with a variety of natural ingredients. Hyaluronic Acid ensures moisture penetrates deep into the skin and Amino Acids train the skin to retain more water for a smooth and supple appearance. It makes a great base for flawless makeup, ensuring your skin stays hydrated all day!
N
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This pore-perfecting serum minimises your pores, tackles blemishes and regulates your oil production. Niacinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B3 which works wonders on your spots whilst Zinc prevents your skin from getting so oily, which prevents future spots from forming! If you’re prone to breakouts, this is your new best friend!
R
Retinol 1% in Squalane
Retinol is a type of Vitamin A which has been shown to even out fine lines, treat dark spots and blemishes whilst rejuvenating the skin. It encourages cell turnover, revealing smoother, plumper skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. With sensitive skin types, retinol can cause irritation initially while the skin develops resistance, which is why the newer technology used in The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Squalane is a great choice for those of you just starting out with anti-aging products or with sensitive skin!
100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
This oil works wonders on your skin. Not only is it great for providing anti-ageing benefits and promoting a youthful complexion, it also delivers antioxidants and essential fatty acids deep into the skin, which promotes a healthy glow. It does it all, from calming redness and treating scars and burns to hydrating dry skin, it’s a must have skincare product for all.
S
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
If you struggle with blemishes, salicylic acid is here for you. Containing an exfoliating, Beta Hydroxyl Acid combined with Witch Hazel, it penetrates deep into the skin to tackle and prevents spots right at the source. It really does get to the root of the problem, over time reducing the frequency and appearance of breakouts, resulting in a beautifully clear complexion.
Squalane Cleanser
Unlike harsh cleansers, this is gentle and soap-free, so cleans the face without dehydrating the skin. Formulated with naturally-occurring, hydrating Squalane, it prevents moisture loss and increases your skin’s natural suppleness. Suitable for all skin types, it dissolves makeup and dirt, leaving you fresh faced and super soft.
U
UV – Mineral UV Filters SPF30 With Antioxidants
All year round sun protection is vital in preventing the breakdown of collagen in your skin, which means it’s a key step in your beauty routine if you want to keep that youthful glow and minimise wrinkles! UV protection is even more important when using ingredients such as Glycolic or Salicylic Acids, which make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. That’s why The Ordinary have created a hydrating, non-greasy sun cream to help combat the damage sun rays can have on your skin.
Hopefully this has made things a little easier when it comes to navigating The Ordinary and you can find what your skin needs! It’s become an industry favourite for a reason, you can’t argue with high quality skincare that’s purse friendly too! Shop our full range of The Ordinary products now and start your journey to great skin today!
