I've been using The Ordinary since the very beginning—these are the products that are worth your investment.

      Few skincare brands have transformed the beauty industry like The Ordinary. When it debuted in 2016, it shifted the focus of skincare discussions from marketing jargon to actual ingredients. Suddenly, consumers were talking about niacinamide, retinol, and glycolic acid as casually as they would discuss a new lipstick launch, and, impressively, these ingredients became available at a fraction of the cost compared to many competitors. The brand's affordability is intentional; instead of pouring resources into fancy packaging, complicated formulations, or extensive ingredient lists, The Ordinary concentrates on effective, well-studied actives, straightforward formulations, and minimalist clinical-looking bottles. By eliminating many of the frills, the brand can provide effective skincare at prices that remain surprisingly accessible in today’s beauty market.

      I recall being introduced to The Ordinary just before its official launch. A friend in PR informed me that DECIEM—the parent company behind one of my favorite brands, NIOD—was about to unveil something game-changing for the industry. At that moment, it felt ambitious, but it’s safe to say she was right. What followed was one of the most impactful beauty launches in the last decade. Since then, The Ordinary has become a mainstay in my skincare routine. Initially known for its ingredient-focused facial products, the brand has significantly broadened its offerings to include cleansers, moisturizers, body care, and hair care. With such a vast product line now available, it can be challenging to know where to begin or which formulations are genuinely worth incorporating into your regimen. As someone who has spent nearly a decade testing skincare and using The Ordinary products, I’ve tried a substantial portion of their range. Below, I’ve compiled the products I frequently recommend, repurchase, and use.

      **Best The Ordinary Products**

      **Best Overall:** The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

      **Best Cleanser:** The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

      **Best Toner:** The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner

      **Best Serum:** The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum

      **Best Moisturiser:** The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA

      1. **The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%**

      **Best Overall**

      **Key Ingredients:** Azelaic acid, dimethicone, tocopherol (vitamin E)

      In my view, azelaic acid is one of the most underrated skincare ingredients, and The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is an affordable option to incorporate it into your routine. This creamy treatment works to visibly brighten dull skin, diminish post-breakout marks, and enhance overall skin tone without the irritation that stronger acids or retinoids can sometimes cause. I especially recommend it for those facing redness, uneven pigmentation, or persistent blemish marks, as it addresses multiple concerns simultaneously. The silicone-rich texture might feel unusual at first, but it layers surprisingly well beneath lighter serums and before moisturizer.

      **Pros:**

      - Fades post-inflammatory pigmentation and acne marks.

      - Brightens skin tone and enhances radiance.

      - Suitable for sensitive and redness-prone skin.

      - Affordable price point.

      **Cons:**

      - Silicone-heavy texture may not suit everyone.

      - Some users may find the finish slightly mattifying.

      2. **The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser**

      **Best Cleanser**

      **Key Ingredients:** Squalane, glycerin

      If you often find that cleansers leave your skin feeling tight or stripped, this one is definitely worth a try. The creamy balm-to-oil formula effortlessly removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities while preserving the skin barrier, making it especially suitable for dry, sensitive, and dehydrated skin types. Unlike many first cleansers, it rinses off easily without leaving a greasy residue, and the minimalist formula is unlikely to irritate reactive skin. It's a straightforward product that excels at its job without excessive fuss.

      **Pros:**

      - Effectively removes makeup and SPF.

      - Gentle enough for sensitive skin.

      - Fragrance-free.

      **Cons:**

      - May require a second cleanse for heavier makeup.

      3. **The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner**

      **Best Toner**

      **Key Ingredients:** Saccharomyces ferment (30%), N-acetylglucosamine (NAG), squalane

      This milky toner, one of The Ordinary’s newer products, feels much more luxurious than its price would indicate. With a high concentration of saccharomyces ferment, it aims to enhance radiance, support hydration, and improve uneven texture. What I appreciate most is that it provides a gentle exfoliation without relying on traditional acids, making it a suitable option for those who find stronger exfoliants too harsh.

      **Pros:**

      - Leaves skin looking brighter and more radiant