Make Up Review

Here Are 20 of the Best The Ordinary Products—All Under $20

by Mohammad Ali Ayaz on Jan 09, 2024

We've all heard this phrase time and time again: if something seems too good to be true then it probably really is. However, here's a plot twist: The Ordinary actually proves the 'ol phrase wrong, as this cult-favorite (and TikTok viral) brand not only brings the best science-backed ingredients to your skin but most offerings are under $20. Yes, this is no dream— this is really happening.

Alas, The Ordinary has tons of products to choose from, whether it be shampoos, retinoids, or facial oils. And while this is definitely a good thing, it makes the task of finding the right products for your skin kind of difficult. To cut to the chase, we reviewed all the products in their line to find the 20 best The Ordinary products. Don't worry, you can totally thank us later! First up, The Ordinary Buffet Anti-Aging Serum claimed top honors for its hardworking blend of actives that suit all skin types.

Without further adieu, here are the 20 best The Ordinary products that'll satisfy your skin and hair needs.

Our Top Picks
BEST OVERALL:
The Ordinary Buffet Anti-Aging Serum at Sephora
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BEST VALUE:
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion at Sephora
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BEST SERUM:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid at Sephora
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BEST CLEANSER:
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser at Amazon
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BEST MOISTURIZER:
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors at Amazon
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BEST EXFOLIATOR:
The Ordinary Peeling Solution at Amazon
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BEST FACIAL OIL:
The Ordinary Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil at Amazon
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BEST TONER:
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution at Amazon
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BEST MASK:
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque at Target
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BEST FOR SCALP:
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum at Sephora
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Best Overall

The Ordinary Buffet Anti-Aging Serum

View On SephoraView On Beautyexpert.comView On Deciem.com

What We Love: It is chock full of skin-boosting hyaluronic acid, amino acid, glycerin, allantoin, urea, castor oil, and peptides.

What We Don't Love: If too much product is applied, it can leave the skin feeling tacky.

Cost-effective serums can be hard to come by, as some offerings can be full of filler ingredients that can set sensitive skin into a tizzy. However, this serum by The Ordinary gets it just right‒it cuts down on the B.S. with a formula jam packed with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, castor oil, amino acid, and more. This serum is lightweight, alcohol-free, and contains a good pH balance, which is why this product grabs the top overall slot.

"This formula combines several peptide complexes with a probiotic complex in a base of hyaluronic acid and amino acids," explains New York-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D. "It also contains glycerin, allantoin, urea and castor oil. Urea and glycerin are great humectants to hydrate the skin, allantoin heals, soothes, protects, and stimulates the growth of healthy skin tissue, and castor oil, rich in fatty acids, is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hydrating, and moisturizing." Additionally, the included peptide complexes have been trademarked and studied by third parties and all found to have anti-aging benefits. Matrixyl 3000, for example, has been shown to promote the production of collagen and elastin. "And, of course it's great that it's alcohol-free, vegan, cruelty free, with a pH range of 4.5- 5.5," Dr. King says.

Price at time of publish: $31

Size: 1.0 oz｜Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Acid, Glycerin, Allantoin, Urea, Castor Oil, and Peptide Complexes｜Skin Types: All Skin Types

Best Exfoliator

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

View On AmazonView On TargetView On Sephora

What We Love: It brightens, exfoliates, and smooths texture in mere minutes.

What We Don't Love: This potent formula must be used carefully, it can cause sensitivity if left on the skin too long.

Chemical peels, without a doubt, can correct uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and spots like a champ. However, they can also cost a pretty penny depending on where they're administered. To give your skin an exfoliating treatment without the hefty price tag, look no further—this product reveals brighter, tighter, and smoother skin with each use, according to Dr. Rosmy Barrios, M.D., head of the regenerative aesthetics and anti-aging department at IM Clinic, and Medical Content Author at Health Reporter.

"This at-home peel effectively exfoliates, promotes skin regeneration, brightens, and fights the signs of aging," Dr. Barrios tells InStyle. "Besides that, it is suitable for all skin types and contains no irritating fragrances." However, the important thing to note is the manufacturer's recommendation to use the product as a face mask and keep it on for no more than ten minutes. Leaving this at-home peel for a long time will make its effects too strong, causing skin sensitivity.

Price at time of publish: $10

Size: 1.0 oz｜Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tasmanian Pepperberry, Hyaluronic Acid, vitamin B5, and Black Carrot｜Skin Type: Normal, Combination, and Oily.

Best Primer

The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer

View On SephoraView On UltaView On Theordinary.com

What We Love: It blurs imperfections, reduces shine, and minimizes the appearance of pores.

What We Don't Love: This primer can feel heavy on the skin due to its higher level of silicones.

If you're looking for a primer that can stand tall against a summer in the sun, dancing at a wedding, or a marathon work day, consider your search over. This mattifying primer keeps makeup intact and can be used by a range of skin types, says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. "This primer contains silicone cross polymers and dimethicone to make skin appear more matte," he tells InStyle. "It blurs texture, keeps shine at bay, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Plus, this primer can be used on its own, or under makeup to help foundation stay on longer and smoother."

Price at time of publish: $7

Size: 1.0 oz｜Active Ingredients: Silicone Cross Polymers and Dimethicone｜Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry, and Sensitive

What to Keep in Mind

Packaging

Considering size isn't just about bottle size, as Dr. King explains, it also applies to the amount of product you use. "The bottle should be proportional to the amount of the product you are using on a daily basis, as well as to the number of days the product stays fresh once opened." The application method of the product will also determine if the packaging is right for your needs. If you're doing an oil for your hair, you may want a dropper applicator to easily deposit it in your strands versus a squeeze tube for moisturizers or cleansers.

Active Ingredients

Active ingredients are the ingredients put into a formula to deliver results. What benefits you are looking for and what active ingredients are included are equally worth considering. "The active formulas in the product are what is going to give the results advertised by the item," says Adashev. "For example, a product containing hyaluronic acid from The Ordinary is going to be super hydrating as it only contains the active meant for that job." The Ordinary creates a lot of serums, which are better able to penetrate the skin than a lotion, so therefore sink to the deepest levels of the skin with the potent ingredients.

Skin Type

"Skin type also matters in regards to the product being used," explains Adashev. For example, patients with skin concerns, like rosacea, or more sensitive skin should be using lighter products with less potent ingredients to prevent adverse reactions. The weight of a product also matters, a super moisturizing formula is a savior for dry skin, but a nightmare for oily skin types. Knowing your skin types, skin needs, and formula preferences will make purchasing a product that works for you easier.

Your Questions, Answered

How do you know what ingredients your skin needs?

Different ingredients target different skincare concerns. For example, salicylic acid is great for oily and acne-prone skin, retinol is a gold standard for anti-aging, niacinamide can be helpful for tone and texture, and glycolic acid can be used for exfoliation or for anti-aging, Dr. King says. Identifying your skin concerns and goals can direct you to the products you need as well as help you create a consistent skin care routine.

What does the strength of the ingredients mean?

The strength of an ingredient refers to the percentage that is in the product. Take retinol, for example, it is available in formulas from 0.25% up to 2%. The lower concentration may be best for retinol newcomers or those with more sensitive skin whereas some people can work their way up to the heavy hitters for more significant results. "It's helpful to know the strength of an active ingredient because this gives you information about potency — higher strength may be more effective," Dr. King says. "However, it may also increase risk of irritation or other adverse effects. So, finding the right balance is key."

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