What is The Ordinary?

KSFBEAUTY | The Ordinary Products For Different Skin Types

When we think of great skincare products, words like expensive and sometimes overrated come to mind. We all want amazing, glowing, perfect skin but all the skincare routines we see online are way over budget. 

As someone who used to struggle, looking for the right products in her teenage years, The Ordinary is one of the best brands to come into the skincare world.

The Ordinary was launched in 2016 by DECIEM. The founder, Brandon Truaxe, and his team never strayed from the tagline of “The Abnormal Beauty Company”. Noticing the way that beauty products were being deceptively sold as higher quality by brands bumping up the prices, The Ordinary was put out to prove to everyone that quality skincare did not necessarily be so expensive.

Instead of focusing on creating products with higher pricing, the brand focused on creating a trustworthy line of products that were based on science and accessibility. They even refuse to sell their products in any country that mandates animal testing and are strongly against it.

Their entire company and ecosystem work based on kindness and care for their consumers and their products. It is extremely refreshing to find a company that truly has the best intentions and is not trying to exploit its customers. 

 


 

Why is The Ordinary so popular?

 

KSFBEAUTY | How To Use The Ordinary

The Ordinary has been trending in recent years and we are sure you have seen them somewhere, like on TikTok or heard about how impressive they are. Like did you know their foundation has 21 shades and their concealer has 36 shades? And it is affordable? All the drugstore foundations and concealers that refused to make any more than 7 shades are probably quaking right now.

Their skincare products are a godsend too and there are some very good reasons for their rise to stardom.

 


 

Affordable Skincare That Works

 

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG | KSFBeauty

Yes, you read that right. There is no need to break the bank to find the skincare routine that will do your skin wonders. 

The Ordinary tries its best to make sure that its products carry integrity. This means they price their products in a way that prizes the idea of bringing good skincare to everyone instead of having a large profit margin. In fact, their profit margins are much lower than many skincare brands out there which are truly admirable.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + 5 | KSFBeauty

You might have also noticed their packaging is very simple and tells you exactly what you need to know. They cut out all of the marketing nonsense we read on most products and get straight to the chase. Do you want some Salicylic Acid? Well, the packaging will tell you exactly that, including details of what the solution does and even the pH level.

Now, this can be intimidating for some but fret not, we will give you a rundown on the ingredients in our favourite products and what they can be used for.

 


 

The Best Skincare Products For Your Needs

 

KSFBEAUTY | Which The Ordinary Product Should I Use

There are so many different products to choose from but we have narrowed it down to just 9 products. All of these products are not only great but also work amazingly. 

Since the nature of The Ordinary products is science-based, we have also included why the ingredients in each of the products are essential, when you should use them and what cautions you might need to take with the product as per The Ordinary’s instructions.

 


 

The Ordinary Hydrators and Oils

 

Moisturizing and nourishing the skin is so important and no matter what skin type or level of dryness you may have, there is a product that would help you from The Ordinary.

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil | KSFBeauty

This formula works for all skin types and just as the name suggests, it uses 100% pure Rose Hip Seed Oil. Obtained from the seeds of roses, the oil consists of many beneficial components such as antioxidants, vitamin A and linolenic acid which is an essential fatty acid. All of these just scream anti-ageing.

As this article by Healthline tells us, Rosehip Seed Oil is great at repairing the skin which can reduce wrinkles, firm and brighten the skin. The fatty acids in it are also great for moisturizing the skin. This is why this product is great for anyone looking to target or reduce any dehydration, dullness or signs of ageing.

When to use: The Ordinary recommends that the Rosehip Seed Oil only be used once a day after any water-based serums in your routine and can be added to your night-time routine.

 How to use: Simply apply once to the face.

Precautions: This product does not have any reactions to other products.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil | KSFBeauty

The Ordinary

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Best formula for anti-ageing and keeping the skin looking young.

 

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Support Formula

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | KSFBeauty

The best part about this formula is that it goes deep into the skin because it has different sizes of molecules of Hyaluronic Acid (HA). You may have used HA in the past and some might have misled you by telling you the hydrating properties of HA when in actuality it left your skin dry. 

The Ordinary helps clarify that this is because HA itself is a rather large molecule that tends to stay on your skin surface and give only temporary hydration. Check out this article by Southern Marin Dermatology that breaks down the truth about HA. Having such varied molecular weights of HA and higher concentration means that instead of just staying on your skin’s surface, this formula penetrates and leaves your skin hydrated for longer!

Vitamin B5 also helps a lot in hydration. This formula is essentially a powerhouse for hydrating your skin.

When to use: The Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 formula can be used twice a day, once in the day and once at night. It is also recommended that you use it before applying any oils or creams to your face.

How to use: Apply just a few drops to the face.

Precautions: This product does not have any reactions to other products.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | KSFBeauty

The Ordinary

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Support Formula 

Say goodbye to dry skin for good with this amazing product.

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | KSFBeauty
Made with numerous amino and fatty acids, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and other naturally present compounds in the skin, this formula is the magic formula that hydrates the outer layer of the skin.

With 11 amino acids, it is a shock that this formula is so effective yet not heavy or greasy.

If you are looking for something that has a bit of everything while repairing and hydrating the skin, then this might be just the thing for you.

When to use: The formula can be used twice a day and as a final moisturizing step.

How to use: Apply to the face after serums.

Precautions: This product does not have any reactions to other products.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | KSFBeauty

The Ordinary

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 

A 2 in 1 bonus that moisturizes and repairs the skin without feeling greasy.

100% Plant-Derived Squalane

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalene | KSFBeauty
The skin has a natural hydrocarbon in it called squalane and this product is a great way to help your skin get some additional hydration. The solution is lightweight and leaves the skin feeling supple and hydrated.

However, the solution is also useful for one other use. Your hair needs protection too and this squalane solution doubles as a heat protectant for the hair. It can also help with reducing breakage and making your hair shine. Good Housekeeping defines the benefits of squalane for the hair and skin well. 

When to use: The Ordinary recommends that the solution be used twice a day and after any water-based serums.

How to use: Simply apply a few drops to the face.

Precautions: This product does not have any reactions to other products.

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalene | KSFBeauty

The Ordinary

100% Plant Derived Squalene

With all of its benefits, your hair and skin will thank you

 


 

The Ordinary Serums

 

Anti-ageing is an easy game to beat thanks to The Ordinary’s line of “More Molecules”. These serums help fight spots, pigmentation, puffiness and keep the skin looking bright.

 

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG | KSFBeauty

We all know the rage behind having Caffeine in our skincare products but for those who are curious, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG) is an extract of green tea leaves. Turns out, this combination of caffeine and EGCG is a killer puffiness and dark circle fighter. 

This, however, is not a magical potion to remove the natural dark circles or natural puffiness caused by our bone structures and fatty deposits. (If only that kind of potion existed right?)

When to use: The serum can be used twice a day and before any oils or creams.

How to use: Gently massage a little bit of the serum on the contour of your eyes.

Precautions: This product does not have any reactions to other products.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG | KSFBeauty

The Ordinary

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Slept less than 8 hours? No one will be able to tell after you use this.

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Concentrated Serum

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA | KSFBeauty

Along with Hyaluronic Acid (HA), this serum with Alpha Arbutin is great at helping to reduce any dark spots or hyperpigmentation in the skin. 

The Alpha Arbutin works best at a pH of 4.9, which is why it is best to use when the face is not wet.

When to use: It is recommended that the serum be used twice a day and before any oils or creams.

How to use: Apply a few drops to the face, considering the pH of the products you will be using in addition to the serum.

Precautions: This product does not have any reactions to other products.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA | KSFBeauty

The Ordinary

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Concentrated Serum

Farewell spots and hyperpigmentation!

 


 

The Ordinary Peptides

 

Moisturizing and nourishing the skin is so important and no matter what skin type or level of dryness you may have, there is a product that would help you from The Ordinary.

 

The Ordinary “Buffet”

The Ordinary "Buffet" | KSFBeauty

 one? As the name suggests, this formula has a bit of everything but the origin of the name itself is quite amusing. It was inspired by how companies would describe their products that combined various technologies as buffets.

 The formula contains a lot of technologies that combine things like amino acids, peptide complexes and hyaluronic acid complexes to effectively fight ageing and firm skin.

When to use: The serum can be used twice a day, once in the day and once at night. Apply it before any oils or creams.

How to use: Cleanse the skin before applying it to the entire face.

Precautions: Try to not use any Vitamin C(LAA/ELAA) and Direct Acids when this is a part of your skincare routine.

The Ordinary "Buffet" | KSFBeauty

The Ordinary

Buffet

Keep the skin tight and supple by using this amazing formula.

 


 

The Ordinary Direct Acids

 

The direct acids are the go-to for any big skin concerns you might have such as wrinkles, irregular skin textures or blemishes. These do require a lot more precautions for use for them to be effective.

 But do not worry, it is not as scary as it may seem and we have listed out what you can and cannot combine these acids with so that you can get the best results out of them.

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque | KSFBeauty

To increase the smoothness of the skin, this 2% Salicylic Acid Masque can be used. The formula itself is a very strong way to exfoliate your skin. While it would leave you with very clear results very fast, it could have drawbacks on sensitive skin. The Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) could result in your skin becoming more prone to sunburn, so it is recommended that you follow up with sunscreen to protect the skin.

Other than the precautions, the product itself is very powerful and if you have textural irregularities on your skin, it is certain to help reduce them. The formula has charcoal and clays which helps with removing impurities that clog pores and create smoothness. The acid itself helps remove dead skin cells on the surface.

When to use: This only needs to be used once or twice a week, preferably in the evening.

How to use: Ensure that your skin is dry and clean before you apply this product. Apply it on your face, avoiding the eyes and leave it on for no more than 10 minutes. Simply rinse it off after that.

Precautions: Due to the nature of the Salicylic Acid, do not use it together with any direct acids, peptides, retinoids, vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque | KSFBeauty

The Ordinary

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

The exfoliator sent from heaven that will make your skin feel like it was reborn.

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | KSFBeauty

This is by far the most trending item from The Ordinary’s collection and here’s why. The peeling solution has Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) that exfoliate the skin and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) that clears the pores. You can check out this review telling us why it works by Glamour too.

 The team-up of AHA and BHA is a better crossover than even Avengers Infinity War. Both of this help create a deep exfoliation and reduce blemishes in the skin. This means you can say goodbye to skin texture and fine lines.

Now we know we said that these acids can get pretty rough for the skin, but lucky for us, the formula also contains a Tasmanian Pepperberry and Vitamin B5 to reduce irritation and heal the skin. As a bonus, there is also black carrot for its antioxidant properties.

When to use: The solution can be used at most once to twice a week, ideally at night, and as a masque.

How to use: Cleanse and dry the skin. Apply on the face, avoiding areas close to your eyes, and leave for no longer than 10 minutes. Rinse off afterwards.

Precautions: It is important that your skincare routine does not involve combination of this peeling solution with any other Direct Acids, or Peptides, Retinoids, Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA), 100% Niacinamide Powder or EUK 134 0.1%.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | KSFBeauty

The Ordinary

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

A popular choice and for good reason! This solution will make your skin look fire.

 


 

Our Final Thoughts

 

KSFBEAUTY | Best The Ordinary Products To Buy

We know all the science and ingredients might be a little jarring at first considering how we have been marketed skincare products until now. We hope our guide did help you understand the products a bit more.

While it is daunting at first, The Ordinary products promise amazing results and their raving reviews are more than enough proof that they work. Their mission alone is enough to convince us to support them and it is just icing on the cake that their products are truly amazing!

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