Idk about you, but as a '90s kid, I remember when there were really only a dozen or so major skincare brands out there, and every beauty product lover was well aware of all of them, when they launched a new product, and what every YouTube vlogger (throwback, I know) was saying about them. Now, there must be at least hundreds of thousands of skincare brands launched in the past decade alone, all of which claim to do something new.

Few really did anything too revolutionary till The Ordinary launched their ultra affordable, high-quality, science-backed brand just a few years ago. Very quickly, the vegan and cruelty-free line became one everyone was talking about—a staple in many skincare lovers' routines. In a world that was now obsessed with clean, all natural, Ayurvedic beauty solutions, The Ordinary took a hard stance on science-backed skincare.

Peep a few of the best skincare products from The Ordinary, below:

Sounds everything but ordinary, right? Well, the thing with the brand is that they just want to make to be as effective as possible. So, most feature one star ingredient without any additives or fragrances. (That's how they manage to keep all products so affordable—most are under $15—yes, you read that correctly.) Most of their products are simply labeled with the primary ingredient it features, like their popular Hyaluronic Acid 2% Serum, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, or Retinol 1% in Squalane. No fancy product names or luxurious packaging here, The Ordinary is really all about results, and skincare savants are obsessed.

Here are the top 23 most popular skincare products from The Ordinary, per rave reviews.

THE ORDINARY

$25.99

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Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are chemical exfoliants designed to lighten pigmentation and boost radiance. This peeling solution is packed with 30 percent of that ingredient, a pretty high amount—simply leave it on for a minute or two while you brush your teeth at night. One of the brand's most popular products (it went viral on TikTok several times), people love how quickly this works and how easy it is to use. Read our full review on the product here.

Rave Review: "I got this to improve the skin on my nose. I had some clogged pores and from the first use, this worked wonders!!! I am so so impressed. Definitely read the directions because they are pretty intense and specific about the usage as well as the recommended frequency of use! I was so happy with this product that my husband has already been asking to use it!"

Mtoye

amazon.com

$10.99

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It's likely that you've heard of hyaluronic acid for all its hydration benefits, and this is the number one bestselling hyaluronic acid product on Amazon. People love that it's super hydrating without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.

Rave Review: "So my 20-something year-old niece gave me a new skincare regimen and recommended this and another The Ordinary product. I am close to 50 years old. She is in her 20s. So, when a 20-something has great skin, you are a little skeptical because the secret to having great skin is in your 20s is that you are in your 20s! Lol. Between this and the other product, my pores have minimized tremendously and my skin is so soft. I ended up putting both items on my subscribe and save 😊 I highly recommend it."

Ombrace

amazon.com

$12.40

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Niacinamide has grown in popularity over the last several years because it's one of those do-it-all ingredients that people swear by for shrinking pores, calming redness, reducing acne, and more. This particular solution is combined with clarifying astringent zinc, making it particularly great for anyone with acne or large pores. Simply top with a hydrating oil or moisturizer if you have dry skin.

Rave Review: "I can’t believe how well this works! I was breaking out terribly with cystic acne. I have large pores and oily skin. My skin has completely changed in a few days. My acne has cleared, pores look minimal and there's a lot less oil on my face. I have noticed in the last two days that I actually still have makeup on my face by the end of my work day."

THE ORDINARY

amazon.com

$12.60

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A favorite of mine, this retinol-packed icon has thousands of five-star reviews. Sure, there are tons of retinol serums out there, but few cut straight to the chase by highlighting it as one of the few, primary ingredients and this formula also features hydrating squalane, making it a great beginner retinol product.

Rave Review: "Worth every penny. It works better than similar products costing two or three times as much. I have tried several more expensive brands and thought I'll try this one when my budget was a little snug for the month. I won't be going back to those other costly brands. This is perfect. In two months of use, I have noticed a significant difference in my skin. I had a crease forming right between my eyes. It was very prominent and friends were making jokes. After using other brands, there was no change at all. Then I started using this and even my friends saw the difference and started asking what I had started to use. I highly recommend it."

THE ORDINARY

amazon.com

$33.95

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No, this isn't the type of copper you find on a penny. A lesser-known skincare ingredient, copper peptide has healing, regenerative properties that help boost collagen production. Use it to smooth out wrinkles, open pores, and fine lines or to help heal scarring on the skin.

Rave Review: "I love this product so much. My face is much smoother. I had a few bumps, especially on my chin area, and this helps smooth everything out."

THE ORDINARY

amazon.com

$9.99

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The thought of putting acid on your face may sound a little less than exciting, but lactic acid will actually just lightly exfoliate the skin on its surface. That makes skin look instantly brighter and feel super smooth to the touch after just one use. Longterm, this TikTok-famous serum keeps skin clarified to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Because it's a mild exfoliant, it's great at treating acne, too.

Rave Review: "I use this almost every night after I wash my face and have noticed that my blackheads are almost gone and my skin is so smooth. I have not noticed any dryness or flaking. I recommend it."

THE ORDINARY

amazon.com

$13.25

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The name "Caffeine Solution" may trigger some cravings for you coffee lovers, and I can assure you that the skin under your eyes may just get as addicted to drinking up the ingredient. Use The Ordinary's brightening, de-puffing caffeine serum alone or under your fave eye cream for added moisture.

Rave Review: "I wish I had a photo to post with this review. I started using it about a month ago and the color and overall depth of the bags under my eyes is unbelievable. They are still there but I seriously can’t even tell you the difference! I should have started using this so much sooner! I put it on before bed and when I wake up. I will say that I noticed that my skin got dryer around my eyes but applying extra moisturizer helped. I’m not even at half a bottle yet and I’m going on a month and a half, with two applications a day. Now when I wake up and do my routine, I actually look energized for the day! Bags be goneeee."

The Ordinary

Amazon

$15.19

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You probably won't be able to include every serum on this list in your routine, but this toner fits seamlessly into any skincare ritual (and, it's one of my favorites). Glycolic acid aids in exfoliating the skin, speeding up cell turnover, and boosting collagen production, meaning it's great at enhancing your skin's natural glow while clearing pores and lightening dark spots. It's a great way to start your routine right after cleansing.

P.S. Tons of people (non-dermatologists) from TikTok say that this can be used in place of deoderant, but be sure to ask a professional before you test that theory out.

Rave Review: "This does wonders for my dry sensitive skin. I have Keratosis Pilaris and this makes those areas smoother and more supple looking, diminishing the appearance of those spotted areas. It revives dull skin and gives my dry patches a moisturized look."

THE ORDINARY

amazon.com

$11.94

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You likely already know that Vitamin C aids in brightening the skin and lightening dark spots, but it provides antioxidant protection, too. That's what makes this high-potency moisturizer a great daytime product. It'll provide that no-makeup glow while protecting the skin from environmental aggressors (though you'll of course always want to use SPF).

Note: Some reviewers say that because of how potent this is, it can sting a bit on the first application, so it's best to patch test it before using it all over the face.

Rave Review: "I just finished my bottle and wanted to wait till I was 100 percent sure about this one. It’s just amazing. I have combination skin and suffer from acne scars. This has helped with a lot of the scarring. I mix it up with my moisturizer because it burns a bit if I apply it directly onto my skin."

Abnormal

amazon.com

$24.49

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When talking about skin, let's not forget the scalp care. And, who doesn't want thicker hair? Unless you have Hagrid-esque locks, anyone will appreciate how nice it feels to give yourself a moment of self care at the end of a day by massaging this into your head. The water-like texture won't feel greasy or weigh the hair down, either.

Rave Review: "I 100 percent recommend this product. I have lost so much hair due to stress (I even started having bald spots on my head). I purchased this product a few months ago and now all my bald spots are gone and my hair has grown much fuller. Also, I have noticed so many new baby hairs growing in!! I strongly recommend this if you are looking to have much fuller looking hair and to have hair grow back on the bald spots!"

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$7.90

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Squalane is a star ingredient for being super hydrating while also controlling oil production, so it's a great way to keep oily skin hydrated without making it look or feel greasy. And, it's of course loved by those with dry skin for obvious reasons. You really can't go wrong with 100 percent squalane if you're a skincare minimalist—people love applying this weightless one-ingredient product to their hair, too.

Rave Review: "I have very sensitive and acne-prone skin. For the price, this stuff is a godsend. I mix a little in with my moisturizer on days I need the added hydration. The glow this adds is beautiful, as well. It sinks in nicely and makeup still sits on top of it perfectly. I highly recommend it!"

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$12.00

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An oldie but a goodie, salicylic acid is one of those all-time favorite ingredients that's been loved by pretty much everyone (not just skincare fanatics and derms). While you've likely heard about its acne-fighting properties, it's also a great at clearing out whiteheads and pores. This mask is great because it also contains skin-smoothing beta hydroxy acid.

Rave Review: "This is a really good face mask. I saw results after my first use. It helped with my bumps and blackheads on my chin and nose specifically!"

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$7.90

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A good cleanser is one of the most underrated products in a skincare routine, IMO. It's likely one of the first steps you take in the morning or night, and a good one should clean out any impurities, makeup, and pollution without stripping your skin of the good, natural oils its producing. Enter: The Ordinary's Squalane cleanser. It's another one of my favorite products, and it's probably one of the most affordable from the brand, too. It removes makeup (even heavy makeup) flawlessly without leaving my dry skin too dry.

Rave Review: "I love this! I was using The Inky List Balm to remove my make up previously and WOW it doesn’t hold a candle to this cleanser. It’s not messy and thick like others. It’s a lotion consistency you emulsify between your hands until it turns into an oil and then rub all over your dry face. It doesn’t smear melted mascara all over (I have no idea how it doesn’t do this) it just simply melts it away. This cleanser is amazing!"

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$12.80

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Another scalp care product, this one's great for anyone who suffers from itchiness, dryness, or dandruff. Infused with hyaluronic acid (yup, that's not just for your face), it features squalane, too.

Rave Review: "This worked wonders on my partners scalp. We’ve been trying to find a product to help with flakiness, dryness, and sensitivity, and this one has proven to be very effective!"

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$10.00

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Many of the serums on this list aid in brightening the skin amongst other benefits, but this one specifically targets hyperpigmentation. If that's your primary concern, get straight to the point with this serum that contains alpha arbutin, which specifically addresses pigmentation that's been caused by sun exposure. The added hyaluronic acid keeps skin moisturized.

Rave Review: "Love, love, love. It might take a little time to show results but it ALWAYS shows. I have a lot of hyperpigmentation and nothing has ever helped me even out my skin tone, blemishes, and acne scars like this has. I’ve repurchased this a countless number of times and I use it every day."

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$6.50

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You know all about salicylic acid's benefits, and if your acne-prone skin craves something more than just the mask or simply don't have time to add a mask to your routine, this no-frills serum is the way to go. It's infused with hydrating squalane, but be sure to pair this with a moisturizer or oil on top if you have dry skin.

Rave Review: "This is a must-have skincare item! I've been using this product for over a year now and it's done so much for my skin. Initially, it helped with managing my acne, but now it acts more as a maintenance product in keeping my acne to a minimum. It's also hydrating and I can tell it has been helping with my acne scars. Highly recommend!"

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$7.70

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For those of you who have been blessed with genetics, by the skincare gods, or have just put a lot of time and effort in to your skin to get it to a good place, this hyaluronic and fatty acid-packed moisturizer is a great maintenance product for all skin types. It's hydrating without being too greasy, and is a great no-fuss moisturizer that sensitive skin types love. And, did you peep that price tag? You've got nothing to lose (but $6).

Rave Review: "I have very dry, acne-prone skin that reacts to literally anything that I put on my face, and this product has been wonderful. It supplies hydration to my skin while not feeling overly greasy. My skin has had no reaction to it which is great because this is the only moisturizer that doesn't break out my skin."

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$14.80

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If you're anything like me, "peptide" isn't exactly in your daily vernacular. Allow me to break it down you—put simply, peptides are the building block for new skin cells, meaning that adding some to your skin will aid in collagen production, making it look more plump. This multi-peptide serum is packed with a variety of them, all with the goal of giving skin that airbrushed glow.

Rave Review: "It’s been two weeks since I added this to my regimen, and I have noticed that I’m looking noticeably younger. I keep getting told that I’m “glowing.”"

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$10.00

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Since Vitamin C can sometimes feel a little irritating on sensitive skin types, The Ordinary came out with this azelaic acid moisturizer. The brightening ingredient is actually often used to help calm redness in people with sensitive skin or rosacea, but it's also a light exfoliant that can help treat acne and lighten dark spots over time, too.

Rave Review: "I recommend this for anyone with sensitive skin or rosacea. It helps with redness and soothes my skin. I can’t go a day without it."

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$10.50

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To make a very long story short, retinoids differ from retinols in that they're stronger. For those of you who don't have sensitive skin and want fast results, reach for this retinoid which is about as potent as you can get without needing a prescription. It's great at brightening dark spots while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Rave Review: "I struggle with severe, cystic acne that has totally cleared up using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% with Zinc 1%. I added this Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion to help with the fine lines and acne scarring. There was a noticeable improvement in six weeks!"

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$9.80

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Another (yes, another) one of my favorites, this rose hip seed oil can be used literally anywhere you want hydration, from your scalp to dry split ends, lips, under your eyes, and everything south of them. Lots of rose hip seed oil products contain other additives or mineral oils, but this one is a pure, one-ingredient formula that dry skin will love. It's a great mess-free, versatile travel product given the size and packaging.

Rave Review: "I've been using this product for a couple of years now. It's completely affordable and a great multi-use product. I use it before bed on my face and neck, or in the winter when my skin is extra dry. I also use it occasionally on the ends of my hair, and have even used a little bit when I can't find my chapstick (try not to get it your mouth). Heads up if you've never used it: It's natural, so some people may be allergic."

The Ordinary

sephora.com

$14.50

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Peptides don't just plump up the skin—they work on lashes and brows, too. The best part is that this serum is super lightweight, so you could easily wear it in the day time on (eye) makeup-free days.

Rave Review: "All I can say is WOW. I have noticed such a difference in my lashes—especially my bottom lashes. They’re so long now, it’s crazy. I suggest putting it on at night and after mascara. 10/10!!!!