The Ordinary – undoubtedly one of the most hyped skincare brands on the internet to date. If you’re into skincare, you’ve definitely heard of this Canadian brand that has revolutionised the industry with jaw-droppingly affordable products that actually rival what luxury serums and moisturisers have to offer.
If you haven’t got your hands on one of these babies, it’s time you give them a try. It can however be a little daunting if you’re unsure of your skincare ingredients. So, if you’re keen on the hype but a little intimidated by the names of the active ingredients, don’t worry because we’re here to help.
Here’s a breakdown of the Top 10 The Ordinary Products that’s worth adding to cart.
1. AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Get The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution at S$12
A fan of TikTok? I’m sure you’re no stranger to this TikTok-beloved peeling solution. This cocktail of alpha- (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), along with antioxidants, provides deep exfoliation to clear up congestion, and smooths skin in just 10 minutes.
Of course, part of the product’s appeal is also the extremely Instagrammable blood-red liquid which makes it look like you’re doing a blood facial. Why spend 100 times more on a Vampire Facial? No thanks!
Directions:
Clean face and wait for skin to dry. Do not use on wet skin. Apply evenly across face and neck using fingertips, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes both during application and rinse off.
NOTE: AHA & BHA may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
|
Targets |
Dullness, Textural Irregularities |
|
Format |
Water-Based Serum |
|
Regimen Step |
Use as a masque and rinse off |
|
Conflicts |
Do not combine with other strong acids or Peptides. |
|
Time of Use |
1-2 times a week, Ideally PM |
2. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This formula is hands down, one of the best The Ordinary products. Niacinamide, a.k.a Vitamin B3, helps reduces the appearance of blemishes and congestion. Along with the support of Zinc, a high 10% concentration of Niacinamide can also balance visible aspects of excess sebum activity.
Directions:
Apply to entire face morning and evening before heavier creams. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin.
|
Targets |
Regulates Sebum, Minimizes Pores |
|
Format |
Water-Based Serum |
|
Regimen Step |
Before Oils/Creams |
|
Conflicts |
Pure Vitamin C (ELAA/LAA) |
|
Time of Use |
AM and PM |
3. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Get The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution at S$14
The idea of directly applying acid to your face can be a little crazy. But in actual fact, chemical exfoliants are much gentler and more effective than physical exfoliants like face scrubs or facial brushes.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin. This 7% toning solution offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture with continued use!
Directions:
Use ideally in the PM, no more frequently than once per day. After cleaning, saturate a cotton pad with the formula and sweep across face and neck. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes. Do not rinse off.
NOTE: AHA may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
|
Targets |
Dullness, Uneven Tone, Textural Irregularities |
|
Format |
Water-Based Serum |
|
Regimen Step |
After cleansing, before serums |
|
Conflicts |
Do not combine with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% or Peptides. |
|
Time of Use |
Ideally PM |
4. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Get The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 at S$21
Found in the skin naturally, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. HA molecules sit on the surface and can draw moisture out of the skin making the surface feel soft and hydrated.
This water-based serum is infused with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5 to hydrate the skin and create a smooth, supple and plumped-up appearance over time. It also works by replenishing moisture in multiple layers of the skin.
Directions:
Apply a few drops to face AM and PM before creams. Use only as directed on unbroken skin.
|
Targets |
Hydration, Skin Repair |
|
Format |
Water-Based Serum |
|
Regimen Step |
Before Oils/Creams |
|
Conflicts |
- |
|
Time of Use |
AM and PM |
5. Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
Get The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA at S$15
Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF) are elements that keep the outer layer of the skin protected and well-hydrated. This formula offers non-greasy hydration and replenishment of special hydrating compounds that are found naturally in our skin but can be depleted over time.
Directions:
Apply after serums as needed for effective surface hydration. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin.
|
Targets |
Hydration, Skin repair |
|
Format |
Emulsion |
|
Regimen Step |
Last step of skincare as a moisturizer (before makeup primer) |
|
Conflicts |
- |
|
Time of Use |
AM and PM |
6. Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
Get The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% at S$12
Lactic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin. This water-based serum offers mild exfoliation, with the HA providing hydration to the skin. This formula is also supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry which can help to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation.
Directions:
Apply once per day, ideally in the PM. Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance. Avoid contact with eyes.
NOTE: AHA may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
|
Targets |
Uneven tone, Textural Irregularities, Fine Lines |
|
Format |
Water-Based Serum |
|
Regimen Step |
Before Oils/Creams |
|
Conflicts |
Do not combine with other strong acids, EUK 134 0.1% or Peptides. |
|
Time of Use |
Ideally PM |
7. “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%
Get The Ordinary "Buffet" + Copper Peptide 1% at S$47
Not your typical “Eat All You Can” buffet, but this little bottle sure is a nice spread of skincare ingredients including peptides, probiotics, amino acids and more to target multiple signs of ageing at once. The additional 1% of pure Copper Peptides, increases its focus on overall skin health like maintaining immune function, collagen synthesis, fibroblast production and anti-inflammatory responses.
Directions:
Apply to the entire face in the AM and PM after cleaning. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin.
|
Targets |
Signs of Aging, Firming, Skin Health |
|
Format |
Water-Based Serum |
|
Regimen Step |
Before Oils/Creams |
|
Conflicts |
Products containing Direct Acids, Pure Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA) and Strong Antioxidants |
|
Time of Use |
AM and PM |
8. Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
Get The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% at S$19
Looking for that natural healthy glow? This is what you need – a combination of the two most powerful brightening agents in skincare: pure Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and Alpha Arbutin, both solubilized in a completely water-free formula for ideal stability. So don’t worry about your serum turning yellow.
Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that brightens the skin tone and reduces signs of aging. Alpha Arbutin is a highly-purified biosynthetic active ingredient that reduces the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Directions:
Apply a few drops to face in the AM and PM as part of your skincare regimen. Avoid use around eyes. Use sun protection in the AM.
|
Targets |
Hyper-pigmentation, Dark Spots, Uneven Tone, Signs of Age, Antioxidant Support |
|
Format |
Anhydrous Solution |
|
Regimen Step |
After Water-Based Serums |
|
Conflicts |
Niacinamide + EUK 134 |
|
Time of Use |
AM and PM |
9. Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Get The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane at S$10
Retinol – a must-have ingredient in any anti-aging routine. This water-free solution contains 0.5% pure Retinol which can reduce the appearances of fine lines, of photo damage and of general skin aging.
NOTE: Retinol can cause significant irritation, redness and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early stages of treatment while skin builds tolerance. Also, Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids.
|
Targets |
Signs of Aging, Textural irregularities |
|
Format |
Anhydrous Solution |
|
Regimen Step |
Before Oils/Creams |
|
Conflicts |
Do not use with other retinoid treatments. |
|
Time of Use |
PM Only |
10. Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Get The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG at S$12
A caffeine boost for your tired eyes! What’s EGCG you ask? It’s Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, an ingredient retrieved from green tea leaves, touted to reduce looks of puffiness and dark circles in the eye contour. Together with 5% Caffeine, this formula can reduce appearance of eye contour pigmentation and also puffiness.
Directions:
Massage a pea-sized amount onto eye contour every morning and night.
|
Targets |
Puffiness, Dark Circles |
|
Format |
Water-Based Serum |
|
Regimen Step |
Before Oils/Creams |
|
Conflicts |
- |
|
Time of Use |
AM and PM |
Product you’re looking for is not in this list? Check out our full collection here.
