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The 39 Best The Ordinary Products of 2024

The Ordinary, the disruptive and jaw-droppingly affordable skincare brand, is a few years old already. Can you believe it? Industry insiders, skincare obsessives, and dermatologists alike are firm fans of the brand, beloved for simple and straightforward formulations that are filled with some of the most tried-and-true actives out there. “They offer smart products that rely on quality ingredients, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, squalane, peptides, retinol, vitamin C, and more, all at lower prices compared to many other options,” says New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, who also lauds the brand’s transparency about said ingredients.

But if you don’t know your alpha-arbutin acid from your alpha-lipoic acid, it can all seem a bit daunting. The Ordinary was founded to offer results-driven products at an affordable price. The only catch is that you need to know your ingredients since most of the formulations feature just one or two standouts, meant to deliver targeted, specific results.

And that’s where we can help. Ahead, we reveal everything you need to know about each product, from what it does to how to use it, plus some skincare tricks along the way. Worth noting: All the products are free of parabens and mineral oil (along with other nasties), plus the company doesn’t test on animals or pay others to do its dirty work.

What to Look For in The Ordinary Products

The Main Ingredient For Your Skin Concern

The majority of The Ordinary's products feature just one or two hero ingredients (rather than combining a laundry list of active ingredients into one formula). Do your research to figure out which are best for your particular complexion concern, and then assess the options.

The Strength of the Ingredients

Some key ingredients—such as vitamin C and retinol—come in different strengths and in a range of potency options. When in doubt, err on the lower side and gradually work your way up.

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