The 10 Best The Ordinary Products of 2023, Which All Cost Under $15
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We chatted with the brand's cofounder and CEO to learn how The Ordinary creates incredible beauty products at affordable prices
People / Brian Kopinski
When it comes to the beauty industry, prices can add up fast. And that’s especially the case for skincare, for which serums can easily run into hundreds of dollars and you could plausibly pay more than $50 for a cleanser. That’s where The Ordinary is different.
This beloved line, which the beauty company Deciem established in 2016, drew legions of fans with its prices, which, despite the brand’s name, were extraordinarily low. With most of the ingredient-focused formulations priced under $20 — less than many drugstore brands — The Ordinary suddenly gave people access to highly concentrated skincare at a wallet-friendly cost, which was (and still is) a rarity. It effectively democratized the skincare world, making household-name ingredients like vitamin C and glycolic acid more accessible than ever.
Bucking the status quo was kind of the point, and what better way to do that than in the beauty industry, which is brimming with trade secrets and fat marketing budgets? “We wanted to offer familiar clinical technologies at sensible price points,” says Nicola Kilner, CEO and cofounder of Deciem. That required rethinking the entire strategy of the brand, starting with the formulas. “The ingredients that we use have been proven to be extremely effective — but they are not that expensive to buy,” she says. “So, for us, innovation in our company comes from our laboratories and not from a marketing department.”
The Ordinary specializes in what Kilner calls “commodity ingredients” — think vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinoids, a.k.a. those ingredients that hold a certain value (for good reason) when splashed onto product packaging. While their efficacy can seem like a way to justify a higher price tag, that’s not actually the case. If anything, “they had been around for many years with a lot of research, also meaning a more affordable cost,” Kilner says. But their perceived cost, or what we expect it to be, has been inflated by creative packaging, brand ambassadors, product names, and pricing, she explains. The Ordinary, meanwhile, can keep prices low by avoiding much of that — in part because it doesn’t need it.
In recent years, The Ordinary has only grown, returning to Sephora’s shelves and expanding into Ulta. The brand now encompasses skincare, makeup, and haircare, with — if history is any indication — even more innovation to come. It’s also leading the way on other fronts, with the product line being entirely vegan and cruelty-free, and all shipping carbon-neutral.
With that in mind, keep scrolling to discover the bestselling The Ordinary products (which are all currently 23 percent off on the brand website) and what sets them apart from the more expensive (but not necessarily more effective) competition.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Pros
Lightweight formula absorbs quickly
Works immediately and over time
Ideal for all skin types
Cons
Needs to be paired with a moisturizer to maximize benefits
May be prone to pilling
Hyaluronic acid is one of those skincare ingredients that needs no introduction — so it's no surprise that it tops The Ordinary's list of bestsellers. The humectant is known for its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water; in skin, that translates to a ton of hydration and immediate plumping. A little background: Not all hyaluronic acid is created equal. It comes in different sizes (or molecular weights) that allow it to sink to different layers of skin.
That's what makes this formula, which comes in at under $16, so powerful: It contains a blend of low-, medium-, high-molecular-weight forms of HA to deliver hydration at various levels. It's also paired with pro-vitamin B5, a.k.a. panthenol, to smooth skin at the surface, too.
Price at time of publish: $6.85 (orig. $8.90)
Size: 30 ml, 60 ml | Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, panthenol | Skin Types: Normal, combination, dry, and oily | Benefits: Helps with dryness and fine lines
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Pros
Takes a unique approach to breakouts with the inclusion of zinc PCA
Helps reduce redness and inflammation associated with clogged pores
May also help fade acne scars
Cons
Won’t clear severe acne
May be prone to pilling
It's known to have a polarizing smell
Need proof of popularity? One tube of The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is sold every two seconds globally. That's partly thanks to the whopping 10 percent niacinamide in this formula. Niacinamide is one of those ingredients that isn't necessarily cool or buzzy but has a ton of evidence to back up its efficacy.
Not only that, but it's incredibly versatile: It works as an antioxidant, soothes inflammation, helps fortify the skin barrier, reduces uneven skin tone, and can even help regulate oil production. That means it can help with a variety of skin concerns.
Since this is designed with blemish-prone skin in mind — although it’s not considered a capital-A acne treatment — the brand has paired it with zinc PCA, a mineral that helps regulate sebum production in the skin. Less sebum means a lower risk for clogged pores, meaning together, they leave skin smoother, calmer, and more balanced.
Price at time of publish: $4.62 (orig. $6)
Size: 30 ml, 60 ml | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc PCA | Skin Types: Normal, combination, dry, and oily | Benefits: Helps with shine, uneven texture, and congestion
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Pros
Leaves skin refreshed but not tight and dry
Delivers immediate results
May help improve acne scars
Cons
Packaging makes it hard to dispense
May cause skin purging
This ingenious mask brings together three ingredients known for their pore-clearing abilities: salicylic acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid), charcoal, and clay. Salicylic acid is one of the rare chemical exfoliants that's oil-soluble, which means it's able to sink into pores and break down debris, dead skin cells, and more — effectively clearing them from the inside out.
It also works on the surface of the skin, dissolving the glue that holds dead cells together and allowing them to shed, leaving skin brighter and smoother. Meanwhile, a combination of kaolin clay and charcoal works to absorb impurities in skin, preventing them from forming clogs in the pores — therefore defending skin against future congestion.
Price at time of publish: $10.24 (orig. $13.30)
Size: 50 ml, 100 ml | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, kaolin, charcoal powder | Skin Types: Oily skin | Benefits: Helps with congestion, dullness, and uneven skin texture
The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum
Pros
A little goes a long way, which only adds to its value
More lightweight than comparable caffeine eye creams
Cons
Not especially hydrating, so you may need to pair with a moisturizer
Requires time to see results
While most skincare products for the eye area are rich and creamy, this lightweight, water-based solution takes the opposite route — meaning it absorbs quickly and offers little risk of creating milia (which are the little, non-red bumps in skin that can appear around the eyes).
It’s powered by caffeine, which is known for its ability to enhance blood circulation. That can not only make quick work of blood pooled beneath the eyes, which contributes to the purple-red tone of dark circles, but it can also have a subtle brightening effect.
Then, there’s the ECGC, which is an antioxidant-packed compound derived from green tea. That can help tackle any hyperpigmentation contributing to the appearance of dark under-eye circles (which is common in deeper skin tones). Plus, it too has overall brightening benefits.
Together, the combination makes for a powerful one-two punch against tired, fatigued eyes. That said, if you need more moisture from your eye treatment, you may want to layer this beneath a dedicated eye cream.
Price at time of publish: $6.85 (orig. $8.90)
Size: 30 ml | Key ingredients: Caffeine, green tea extract | Skin Types: Normal, combination, dry, and oily | Benefits: Helps with puffiness and dark circles around the eyes
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Pros
Can be used on face, scalp, and body, which just adds to its value
Produces immediate results
Reduces the appearance of pores
Cons
It can be a bit drying
May be too powerful for sensitive skin types
For a near-instant glow, it doesn't get much better than this face toner. The formula deploys a chemical exfoliant — namely, glycolic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid that works by dissolving the "glue" that binds dead skin cells together. In doing so, it can help brighten skin, improve clarity, and smooth texture over time.
While 7 percent isn't an especially high concentration of glycolic acid, it's still potent. That's why the inclusion of Tasmanian pepperberry, ginseng root, and aloe vera are smart: They help soothe skin and reduce inflammation, minimizing any discomfort or risk of over-exfoliation. (That said, sensitive types may want to patch-test it first.)
Plus, it’s versatile: Reviewers say they’ve used it on their face as well as armpits and scalp to even out dark patches and reduce build-up, respectively.
Price at time of publish: $6.70 (orig. $8.70)
Size: 100ml, 240 ml | Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe water, ginseng | Skin Types: Normal, combination, dry, and oily | Benefits: Helps with dullness and uneven skin texture
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
Pros
It’s packed with proven actives, including peptides, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid complexes
Gentler than anti-agers like retinol, which is useful for sensitive skin
Can be even used around the mouth and eyes
Cons
Requires some time to see results
Slightly higher price point than most other products from the brand (although it's still affordable)
Newly renamed to avoid confusion with another product from the line — it used to be called “Buffet” — the Multi-Peptide + HA Serum’s new title is intended to reflect its ability to smooth skin and improve multiple signs of aging, Kilner says.
To pull that off, it contains not one, not two, but four peptides (which are small chains of amino acids that help cells communicate) as well as amino acids and several sizes of hyaluronic acid. This clever combination boosts skin's elasticity and firmness over time and all over, including around the eyes — in fact, it's particularly powerful for addressing crow's feet.
Price at time of publish: $13.47 (orig. $17.50)
Size: 30 ml, 60 ml | Key ingredients: Peptides, sodium hyaluronate, lactococcus ferment lysate | Skin Types: Normal, combination, dry, and oily | Benefits: Helps with dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, and other signs of aging
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Pros
Delivers immediate results
Regular use offers long-term improvements
Cons
Too powerful for sensitive skin types
Can’t be paired with certain ingredients, like retinol
Bring the dermatologist to you with this powerful exfoliating peel. It pairs alpha hydroxy acids — which help brighten and smooth skin texture — with beta hydroxy acid. Also known as salicylic acid, BHA differs in its ability to clear out congested pores, minimizing their appearance and improving breakouts in the process.
If that sounds intense, you're not wrong; the brand recommends this for those who regularly exfoliate using acids. However, its powerful effects are somewhat buffered by the addition of Tasmanian pepperberry, which mitigates irritation, as well as hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5 to hydrate and soothe. The result? Brighter, smoother, and clearer skin in 10 minutes.
Price at time of publish: $4.39 (orig. $5.70)
Size: 15 ml, 30 ml | Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, sodium hyaluronate | Skin Types: Normal, combination, dry, and oily | Benefits: Helps dullness and uneven skin tone and texture
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Pros
The formula's Natural Moisturizing Factors can help moisturize all skin types
Emulsion texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly
Offers lasting skin-barrier protection with regular use
Cons
May feel too heavy for oily skin types, although it still does the job
Can leave a slight sheen on skin after application
Like skin barrier repair in a bottle, this moisturizer offers everything you need to give your skin barrier — which is under constant assault from sun exposure, stress, and harsh ingredients, among other things — a little well-earned TLC.
Not only will you find hyaluronic acid in here, but you'll also get skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), which are compounds naturally found in your skin barrier (and those that get depleted with time and damage). They include fatty acids, ceramides, and phospholipids — which, helpfully, work to replenish the barrier and in turn trap that hyaluronic acid in skin.
In other words, this combo gives you double the moisturizing power in a single formula, leaving skin soft, smooth, and comfortable.
Price at time of publish: $5 (orig. $6.50)
Size: 30 ml, 100 ml | Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, lactic acid | Skin Types: Normal, combination, dry, and oily | Benefits: Helps with dryness
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Pros
Removes even stubborn eye makeup
Actively nourishes skin while you cleanse
Reviewers say it can also help clear skin
Cons
Doesn’t offer treatment properties
Can leave behind a slight residue
Cleansers might seem simple and straightforward — after all, their sole task is to cleanse — but it can be more complicated than that. In fact, some cleansers can work a little too well, stripping skin of moisture and leaving it tight and dry. This soap-free formula avoids that by actively moisturizing skin with plant-derived squalane, a stable version of a lipid called squalene that's naturally found in the skin barrier.
It also deploys lipophilic esters (meaning they attract oils) that leave skin feeling soft and comfortable and help dissolve makeup — stubborn eye makeup included. That said, its unique formulation requires a bit of a learning curve that entails applying it to a dry face and longer cleansing to fully dissolve makeup, grime, excess oil, and more.
Price at time of publish: $6.93 (orig. $9)
Size: 50 ml, 150 ml | Key ingredients: Squalane, sucrose stearate, ethyl macadamiate | Skin Types: Normal, combination, dry, and oily | Benefits: Cleanses the skin and helps with dryness
Related: The 14 Best Eye Makeup Removers, Tested and Reviewed
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
Pros
Clinical results to back up its efficacy
Oil-free formula is safe for lash extensions
Packed with 11 active ingredients including peptides, botanical extracts, and caffeine
Cons
Requires twice-daily use, which could be inconvenient for some
Some reviewers report irritation, so it may not be ideal for those with more sensitive skin
While some lash serums offer a single ingredient and call it a day, this serum (designed for both brows and lashes) packs 11 active ingredients. The lineup of peptides, botanical extracts, and caffeine conditions existing hairs and supports healthy hair growth at the follicle, delivering fuller, thicker lashes and brows over time.
And it actually works, largely by addressing multiple mechanisms for denser, thicker hair. In fact, a clinical study found an improvement in volume, fullness, and density of the lashes and brows in four weeks. That’s compelling not only for the results alone, but because similar lash and brow serums can cost 10 times as much as this serum, which comes in at under $15.
Price at time of publish: $11.16 (orig. $14.50)
Size: 5 ml | Key ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, camellia extract | Skin Types: Normal, Combination, Dry, and Oily | Benefits: Helps with hair growth
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is The Ordinary so popular?
The Ordinary is popular in part due to its price point, which is significantly lower than other brands in its retail partners, which include Sephora and Ulta. Plus, the focus on active ingredients make it easy to know exactly what you’re getting from a given formula.
Is The Ordinary considered medical grade?
There's no one definition for what constitutes "medical-grade skincare." Some consider medical-grade formulas to be those available only by prescription, while others think of those that are available over-the-counter, but packed with a high concentration of active ingredients. In many cases, the term is used for products that can only be purchased through a physician or esthetician — which would not be the case for The Ordinary.
Is The Ordinary a Korean brand?
The Ordinary is not a Korean brand. It was founded in the United Kingdom before expanding to Canada, Korea, Australia, and the United States, and is now available in more than 10 countries worldwide.
Take Our Word For It
Deanna Pai has been writing about beauty and wellness for over a decade; her work has appeared in Vogue, Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, and more. She’s tested countless beauty products over the years, which has given her a sixth sense for what makes a formula truly special. For this piece, she interviewed Nicola Kilner, CEO and cofounder of Deciem. The top 10 bestsellers in this list were provided by the brand.
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