"The Ordinary": The "abnormal" beauty brand has completely changed my skin

Does the hype about the "ordinary" products keep what it promises? We have tested our way through the range and are surprised.

You probably know them, the minimalist design bottles from "The Ordinary". Many YouTubers are currently testing themselves through the beauty brand's various serums and oils and are completely thrilled. The ingredients are just as "plain" as the design: it contains exactly what is written on it. And: The products do not contain any fragrances or preservatives that we don't want on our skin anyway. All products are also not tested on animals.

»" The Ordinary "offers a versatile collection of skin care formulas that work with puristic formulas. «

However, you have to read a little at first and choose the products from the range that best suit your skin type. A lot of information is available in the "The Ordinary" online shop. If that's too steep for you, you can also get personal advice from selected perfumeries that offer "The Ordinary" (in Austria, for example, it's Douglas). I have tested the following products and can already give away: The price-performance ratio is convincing. My skin type: dry, sensitive and I am prone to blemishes.

What you should definitely know before using it

Important: If you have decided on products from "The Ordinary", use them sparingly at first and slowly get your skin used to them. Acids in particular can quickly lead to an overreaction, in the worst case to perioral dermatitis (due to overcare). You can read more about this clinical picture here.

It is best to only work with one acid (AHA or BHA) and be economical with other active ingredients in combination (e.g. retinol or azelaic acid). Those who exfoliate and use cosmetics rich in active ingredients at the same time run the risk of irritation to the skin. Niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, are easier to combine with acids. It is best to use products that are rich in acids or active ingredients, initially twice a week (in the evening) and gradually feel your way around. You can read everything you need to know about acid peelings here.

"The Ordinary" Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The promise: The zinc serum is one of the most famous from "The Ordinary". It is supposed to regulate the production of sebum, remove impurities and make the pores look smaller. Zinc has regenerative properties, while niacinamide improves the skin's defenses.

My conclusion: The serum is perfect for sensitive combination skin. It actually regulates oily skin while not drying out. I've used it mornings and evenings and I absolutely love it. A product that shows success the first time you use it. Pimples and blemishes (especially blackheads on the forehead) passed after just two weeks. At the same time, the serum does not dry out the skin - on the contrary. The pores actually appear smaller. Before using the product for the first time, you should only use the product every other evening to see how your skin reacts.

"The Ordinary" Multitechnological Peptide Serum "Buffet"

The promise: A light serum designed to fight the signs of aging. The serum combines a range of highly concentrated peptides with amino and hyaluronic acids and aims to moisturize the skin.

My conclusion: This serum is a good base for morning and evening. It supplies the skin with moisture and soothes reddened and irritated areas of the skin. However, I couldn't see any significant improvement in the complexion over time. The "buffet" serum does what it is supposed to, but cannot compete with the other products of the brand.

If you are looking for a real moisture boost, you should invest a few more euros and use the hyaluronic acid from NIOD (a sister brand of "The Ordinary"). It combines 12 forms of hyaluronic acid to plump up and moisturize the skin. And believe me it does. For oily skin types, however, it could be too rich (it is best to only use it in the evening).

»Pro tip for" The Ordinary "beginners: Get yourself a moisturizing serum, an acid to exfoliate the skin and a beauty oil to start with."

"The Ordinary" Cleanser with Squalane

The promise: The Squalane Cleanser is designed to remove make-up and skin impurities and at the same time ensure a smooth, moisturized complexion. The formula is soap free.

My conclusion: The cleanser does exactly what it says on the tin: it cleanses and at the same time supplies the skin with plenty of moisture. So if you repeatedly struggle with cleaning products that make the skin tense after washing and dry out completely, this cleanser is in good hands. To remove make-up and dirt, however, we would use a different product in the evening. The squalane cleanser from "The Ordinary" is sufficient for the morning. Incidentally, we have reported in more detail about squalane here - a real moisturizing miracle product!

"The Ordinary" mandelic acid 10% + hyaluronic acid

The promise: An acid peeling with AHA (fruit acid) and hyaluronic acid. It exfoliates the skin and is ideal for sensitive skin types.

My conclusion: Ok guys, THAT is a real miracle cure for clogged pores. Thanks to the peeling effect of mandelic acid (AHA), the skin is freed from dead skin and can regenerate. In the first two weeks, the skin peeled visibly, but once you are through, nothing stands in the way of a clear complexion. Warning: If you use fruit acids, you should use moisturizers (to regenerate the skin) and sunscreen every day. The skin is very permeable during use. Important: Initially only use the mandelic acid twice a week and slowly get the skin used to it. Initially, do not combine with retinol, vitamin C or azelaic acid. In principle, mandelic acid is also ideal for sensitive skin.

That AHA 30% + salicylic acid (BHA) 2% peeling by "The Ordinary" is making the rounds on TikTok. But this peeling has it all and is not for the sensitive! If you still want to try it: leave it on the skin once every two weeks and preferably only for five minutes. Take care when washing up: the eyes can be irritated by the peeling. It is essential to use sun protection and moisturizers and do not combine them with other acid products such as retinol, vitamin C or azelaic acid. Tip: This acid peeling is better for acne on the back.

"The Ordinary" 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil - Facial Oil

The promise:The rose hip oil is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids and is known for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.

My conclusion: Rose hip oil is a real beauty miracle. The one from "The Ordinary" is also suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. I had the feeling that my skin was strengthened and irritated quickly. In addition, the oil is incredibly moisturizing, redness disappears extremely quickly and the pores appear smaller. I usually applied it after the mandelic acid - the skin was soft like a baby's bottom in the morning!

"The Ordinary" Salicylic Acid 2% Mask

The promise: The mask, enriched with charcoal and clay, contains two percent salicylic acid. And as we all know, it is known to declare war on impurities (you can read more about it here). The mask should provide a fresh and clear complexion and prevent pimples and blackheads.

My conclusion:The clay and charcoal clean the skin noticeably. Immediately after washing the dishes, I had the feeling that the skin could breathe again. As promised, salicylic acid helps against blemished skin. Above all, I was enthusiastic about the moisture supply, because the skin usually tenses after face masks with clay. In this case, it was really moisturized and shone for what it takes. Warning: Do not use if you are currently working with other acids (e.g. mandelic acid or lactic acid). I used the mask once a week and had good results. During this time, however, I paused with the mandelic acid.