The Ordinary Bestsellers

Deciem The Ordinary is being talked about by thousands of bloggers and professional artists. I would give you my own experience of a few of the Ordinary skincare bestsellers that I have been using for some time now. It is worth appreciating that their products are free of silicone, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Also, The Ordinary skincare is economically priced because their formulas are somewhat simple. They do not include any add on ingredients, which keeps their prices low. Now, I have used a few of their products in the following categories which I would list down along with my own reviews regardless of what the product claims to do.

Direct acids

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

This acid is at a very high concentration of 30% AHA and for advanced acid exfoliation users. It has a deep beetroot color and has a very high rating on most websites. If you have blemishes on your face and dull skin texture, then this product is for you. It would give you a glow, but it might not do wonders for denting caused by acne, but would help in clearing pore congestion, acne and blemishes. If you are new to acids then Lactic Acid 5% + HA, Lactic Acid 10% + HA, and Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (caution: contains witch hazel) would be better options to start with.

Hydrators and Oils

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a serum that targets hydration. Vitamin B boosts the barrier function of the skin by increasing ceramides, protects from skin cancer, and is anti-inflammatory. If I compare this to Amino acids + B5 which has a simpler formula, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 would be more suitable to people with acne-prone skin as this has citric acid in it which acts as a gentle exfoliator. But those who do not have acne-prone skin can opt for Amino acids + B5. Both these serums can be applied before moisturizer, or as they are.

This product, if applied too much starts to pill and turns into little flakes. However, I have found this product to be very good. Its texture is similar to an egg white but would go well before moisturizer. The Ordinary ambassadors say that a little goes a long way for all the serums. Just two to three drops are sufficient. If you intend to wear foundation, then as little as one to two drops would work just fine. Allow it to absorb fully for one minute and then put on your foundation. If it still does not sit well under makeup in your patch test and depending on your skin type, then I would say that use it only as your skincare regimen, and opt for some other serum for makeup, since formulations are different for skincare products vs makeup products.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.

The product is a thick moisturizer that targets surface hydration. I have found it to be good in all the seasons as it gives a matte finish. It is probably one of the mildest moisturizers in the market, is gentle on the skin, and does not clog pores. It majorly contains your skin's natural lipids and hyaluronic acid. For even more effective hydration, apply water-based serum or toner before this moisturizer. This is my staple moisturizer so far. The only downside I have experienced is its packaging. It's a thick moisturizer in a tube. When less quantity is left, one has to squeeze it really hard to get the product out. If too much comes out, one only has to use it as it does not go back in. It would have been good had it been in a tub. For those people who do not wear foundation regularly, this would be a great moisturizer on top of your water-based serums or toners, but do not apply it under your foundation. As this is an oil-free moisturizer, it would repel your usual oil-based foundation and would not sit well. On the other hand, if you do want to wear it under your foundation, then apply your sunscreen on top of this moisturizer, and then put on your foundation for better results.

Peptides

The Ordinary “Buffet”

The Ordinary “Buffet” targets multiple signs of aging with its peptide complex, similar to retinol function. This would suit those people not having acne-prone skin. One downside I have experienced from using only one bottle is that the peptide complex causes muscle sagging. And that’s why I would want to avoid using such products. But if I compare it to “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%, then I would recommend using copper peptides because it is more effective in producing collagen and elastin in your skin. Unfortunately, I could not take its picture because the cap started leaking so I had to change the bottle and throw it away.

Retinoids

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane.

The Ordinary regimen for aging includes the retinoids. The "Retinol 0.5% in Squalane" has retinol, aka Vitamin A1 and an active ingredient, that improves the appearance of aging skin, treats photodamage and increases skin turnover. The product has an oily texture and is especially suitable for denting and scarring caused by acne. The Ordinary claims that this retinol series causes irritation and to avoid that, they suggest getting granactive retinoid series. But if I compare this to the Granactive Retinoid series, I would say that according to studies, retinol may cause irritation, but is a more proven and superior ingredient in producing skin collagen and combatting signs of aging. It is also safer than HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate) which although does not cause irritation, but binds to retinoid receptors of skin cells, whereas retinol improves the skin on its own without binding to the skin's retinoid receptors. Definitely try Granactive Retinoid series as it is gentle on the skin and could be used around the eye area, but I would say that the Retinol series in Squalane is a better option. A great thing the Brand has done is that the retinol is in squalane oil, so you get two ingredients from this product, with squalane acting as a hydrator. So chances are you might not get any flakiness and irritation from the product.

Also, if you are new to retinol treatment, then start with Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and work your way up. But if you are having retinol treatment for at least a year then you can start with 0.5% retinol and go up to 1%. Apply it at night as it would make you a little photosensitive during the day.

I did not cover vitamin C because I did not buy them so far. Mainly because it is not among the most necessary skincare ingredients. Although it protects UV damage and deals with damaging free radicals, it is used to mainly treat melasma. If one does not have melasma and has normal vitamin C intake, then it is not necessary to use vitamin C products. But if you would still want to use it for the glow, apply during the day as it would protect your skin from UV damage. Also, as per skin issues, the most needed are ranked in the order A, then B, and then finally C and direct acids. If you are done with A and B and want to splurge and try other ingredients, then get vitamin C and direct acids. Having said that, it is important to know that if you have acne spots, then Vitamin C would be helpful in lightening and fading them. I have covered their hair care product in a separate post if you would like to check that (click here).

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