How to Find the Best Ordinary Serum for Every Skin Type

Reviewed by Julia A. Siegel, MD

We love an extensive skincare routine and will try any of the new beauty trends that are causing a buzz. Glass skin, slugging, skin cycling; you name it, we've tried it. However, hopping on every skincare and ingredient trend can get really expensive really quickly, which is why we love The Ordinary.

Owned by umbrella company DECIEM, The Ordinary is known for having affordable and straightforward skincare. Often, skincare products are chock full of ingredients with names you've never heard of that make it tricky to understand what you're putting on your face. But, The Ordinary gets to the point. Straight-up hyaluronic acid? They have it. No B.S. squalane—they're your go-to. You get the picture.

The Ordinary offers dozens of products, so even though the brand makes it easy to navigate its offerings, it can still be overwhelming for a shopper to decide what each of The Ordinary serums do and who they're for. For starters, what do the different percentages mean? And which serum is best for your skin type and goals?

To help sort through the confusion, we tapped board-certified dermatologists, Marisa Garshick and Deanne Robinson, along with DECIEM's own chief scientific officer, Prudvi Kaka, to get advice on which of The Ordinary skincare products are best for your skin's own unique goals. So, whether you want to tackle dryness, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation, keep scrolling to discover the best serums and moisturizers for you.

Meet the Experts

• Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS in New York City.

• Deanne Robinson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Modern Dermatology in Connecticut.

• Prudvi Kaka is the Chief Scientific Officer at DECIEM where he leads all product development and lab research. He has a degree in pharmaceutical sciences and an advanced degree in biotechnology.

Byrdie Tip

The Ordinary recommends doing a patch test for most of their products. This is highly recommended whenever you're trying a new product as it will help to determine whether you will have a negative initial reaction before incorporating it into your skincare routine.

For Persistent, Chronic Acne

Ongoing acne differs from a pimple or two at that time of the month. Although this regimen is for anyone who constantly battles blemishes, including whiteheads, blackheads, and deeper cysts, Kaka adds, "It is important to note that none of DECIEM’s products are formulated to target or mitigate persistent or chronic acne as it is a medical condition. We recommend consulting a physician to address this appropriately."

Morning:

The active ingredient in the Salicylic Acid 2% Solution ($5) is salicylic acid (obviously). SA a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) which exfoliates the skin. All it takes is dabbing a small dot directly on blemishes or over the entire face—just be sure to avoid any contact with or near your eyes—to visibly improve skin's clarity. Dr. Garshick says  it is best to use just one product with salicylic acid in it to avoid irritation, so if you're using this one, you've already me. After use, skin may be a bit sensitive (that's the salicylic acid working) so steer clear of excessive sun exposure and be sure to wear sunscreen.

Powered by key ingredients niacinamide (vitamin B3) and zinc, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6) blemish-fighting formula also reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and combats excessive oil production. "Niacinamide helps to balance sebum production to help those with oily skin," explains Dr. Garshick. "It's also anti-inflammatory and helps to support the skin barrier. This also helps to improve the appearance of acne and can help to improve tolerability to acne-fighting ingredients." For best results, apply the treatment to the entire face prior to using any creams. Since this serum can affect the integrity of vitamin C, alternate its use with any topical vitamin C product that may be part of your routine.

Evening:

When it comes to retinol, it's important to separate fact from fiction. Retinol is a popular skin treatment, and for good reason. It works to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles—when used correctly. Plus, Dr. Garshick says retinol helps to regulate skin cell turnover to prevent clogged pores.

As part of your nighttime skincare routine, apply a small amount of the Retinol 1% in Squalane ($14.50) after water-based serums and before heavier creams. Also, be sure to avoid using it with other retinoid treatments and avoid unprotected sun exposure since "retinol increases the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation during the first six months of use," according to Kaka. "It should be used two to three times per week when starting out and the frequency may be increased as tolerated," adds Dr. Garshick. Note that some peeling and skin-purging will occur within the first four to eight weeks of this regimen, however, if persistent irritation occurs, stop use and consult a physician.

For Occasional Breakouts

If your skin is feeling congested, try this routine to clear up blemishes and rebalance your complexion. Alternatively, if you suffer minor but regular breakouts, this is a less intense approach compared to the acne regimen above. Kaka adds, "Although it is not possible to control or limit the extent of a breakout, one can take precautionary measures to either avoid the onset or exacerbation of a breakout. For example, it would be best to avoid the use of ingredients that have the potential to exacerbate the compromised state of the skin. These include topical acids, retinoids, and comedogenic ingredients."

Morning:

Those with occasional breakouts can benefit from frequent use of salicylic acid and niacinamide to unclog pores and brighten the skin. So, begin your morning routine with the Salicylic Acid 2% Solution ($6.50) and, after that has fully absorbed into the skin, follow up with the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6).

Evening:

Next, use The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ($11). This multi-functional brightening formula contains 10% high-purity azelaic acid. "Azelaic acid is a great option for acne treatment as it helps to reduce breakouts, but also helps to improve the appearance of blemishes, such as post-inflammatory redness or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Garshick. "It's considered safe for all skin types as it is less irritating than other acne-fighting ingredients." Apply the lightweight cream-gel to the face at night, avoiding contact with the eyes and mouth. With continued use, you can expect dark spots and blemishes to fade and skin to brighten.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is found in grains and is produced naturally by yeast that lives on the skin. Its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties treat acne by cleaning bacteria from pores.

Twice a Week

Lactic acid is the star ingredient in this peeling formula, which aims to improve skin's tone and texture, so use The Ordinary's Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% ($9) every week. Tasmanian pepperberry plays a minor, albeit important, supporting role in reducing inflammation and sensitivity.

Incorporate the product into your evening skincare regimen twice per week max since its contact with skin must be kept to a limited frequency or duration. If needed, the formula can be diluted with other treatments to reduce its strength.

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, lightens dark spots, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

For Sensitive Skin

If you're constantly red and itchy or often flare up when trying new products, you need a gentle, hydrating routine that will calm you down. Kaka explains, "Redness of the skin can be attributed to the imbalance of epidermal lipids that play an important role in supporting the skin’s barrier function. Ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, sea buckthorn, and panthenol help to support the skin’s integrity and promote skin barrier preservation." He recommends, "avoiding the use of formulations that incorporate harsh surfactants, ingredients with low pH values, and ingredients that are aggressive in action, such as acids."

Morning:

The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($9) formula combines hydrating hyaluronic acid and repairing B5 (pantothenic acid) to help moisturize and plump skin. For the best results, Dr. Garshick says to apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin as it helps to pull moisture in to the skin to boost hydration. Apply just a few drops over the entire face in the morning before creams.

Then, use the Natural Moisturizing Factors ($6.50). The combination of amino acids, dermal lipids, and hyaluronic acid, in this formula protects the outer layer of the skin while keeping it hydrated. Apply the treatment over the entire face after serums for non-greasy, yet highly moisturized skin.

Evening:

At night, use The Ordinary's 100% Plant-Derived Squalane ($10). This 100% plant-derived squalane product actively hydrates and also prevents the loss of hydration. "It works as an emollient that helps to moisturize the skin without feeling too greasy as it mimics the body’s natural sebum," adds Dr. Garshick. Apply a few drops to the entire face after any water-based treatments. If your hair is looking dull or damaged, this light-weight formula can also be used to boost shine and reduce breakage.

Byrdie Tip

As a rule of thumb, it is important to read and follow each product's directions of use carefully as it may include a functional warning or caution. For instance, some products should only be applied in the evening because they contain ingredients that may increase skin's sensitivity to the sun.

For Dryness and Dehydration

If you're dehydrated and your skin is lacking water, Kaka recommends "applying formulations that are rich in texture and that incorporate ingredients that help to enhance the skin’s hydrating capacity. These include natural moisturizing factors, such as amino acids and hyaluronic acid, osmolytes like betaine, and emollients including facial oils." He also advises, "avoiding using formulations with harsh surfactants that result in the excessive stripping of epidermal lipids and moisture."

Morning:

"Look for serums and lotions with a blend of hyaluronic acid molecule sizes to reach the deeper layers of the skin as well as peptides, ceramides, and fatty acids that support the skin barrier," says Dr. Robinson. This can be achieved by starting the day by applying the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($9) onto damp skin, then following up with the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($6.50) to seal everything in.

Evening:

Dr. Garshick says those with dry or dehydrated skin should avoid products containing drying alcohols or heavy fragrances that may be irritating to the skin. Instead, apply the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane ($10) and follow up with a thick cream or ointment.

Twice a Week

To keep skin looking radiant, apply the Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% ($9) twice a week.

For Wrinkles

As we age, we lose elastin and collagen (translation: we wrinkle). Sure, it's inevitable (and at times, anxiety-inducing), but that doesn't mean that there aren't ways to slow down the visible signs of aging. So if lines and wrinkles are your major concern, Kaka recommends, "utilizing ingredients that have a positive impact on the structural components of the skin." In other words, a regimen consisting of "topical peptides, retinoids, and acids" will work wonders. "Although not to be combined in the same regimen, all three categories of ingredients play a role in maintaining skin firmness, elasticity, and texture," he adds.

Morning:

The Ordinary's "Buffet" ($17.50) is a multi-peptide serum comprised of hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and bio-derivatives that target signs of aging, not to mention dryness, dullness, and uneven texture. After cleansing in the AM, apply a few drops to the entire face, and avoid using with strong antioxidants, direct acids, LAA (L-Ascorbic Acid), and ELAA (Ethylated Ascorbic Acid).

Then, follow up with the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($6.50).

Evening:

At night, begin by applying The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($13). This exfoliating toning solution combats dullness and uneven texture, bringing you brighter and visibly clearer skin. The formula of glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepperberry is what gets the job done. After cleansing, saturate a cotton pad with the solution and wipe across your face and neck, avoiding contact with and near the eyes. Do not rinse off.

Then, follow up with a retinol. "Retinol increases skin cell turnover rate, the natural process of shedding dead skin cells and generating new ones," explains Dr. Robinson. "This process naturally slows down with age, so by speeding it up we keep vibrant, healthy skin cells at the surface for a brighter complexion and softening fine lines and wrinkles." The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion ($12) serum emulsion features next generation retinoid actives to improve skin's tone and texture, thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles, sans the irritation often associated with other retinoids (including retinol). Use a small amount on your face after any water serums but before any heavier treatments.

Lastly, seal it all in with The Ordinary's 100% Cold Pressed Marula Oil ($11). This lightweight oil is easily absorbed by the skin, restoring hydration and radiance without clogging pores. Rich in antioxidants like vitamins E and C, marula oil fights free radicals and offers protection from damaging UV rays and pollution. Applying just a few drops to the entire face is all you need for beautiful, glowing skin.

Twice a Week

Maintain frequent exfoliation by adding a product like the Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% ($9) to your weekly routine.

For Oiliness

"Oiliness of skin occurs when oversized sebaceous glands produce excessive amounts of sebum, resulting in the appearance of shiny skin and visibly enlarged pores. To mitigate this, it is best practice to regularly cleanse the skin using a gentle cleanser that will not cause a disruption to the epidermal barrier or excessively strip the skin of its natural surface lipids and moisture," says Kaka. The below products will work to refine skin's texture while keeping shine to a minimum—and all without starving skin of moisture.

Morning:

Begin by applying the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6) onto cleansed skin. Then, follow up by layering on the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($6.50).

Evening:

Keep oil under control by applying the Salicylic Acid 2% Solution ($6.50) onto dry, cleansed skin. Then, follow up with an oil-free moisturizer. Dr. Robinson explains that since salicylic acid is oil-soluble, oily skin is no feat—it dives deep into your pores to break up and clear out dead skin cells and sebum trapped within.

For Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone

According to Kaka, "Uneven skin tone can be addressed through the use of chemical exfoliants, such as topical acids and vitamin C. Topical acids help to reveal more radiant skin beneath by loosening the top layer of the skin to slough off dull and rough skin. Vitamin C improves the appearance of dull, uneven skin tone by targeting melanin production, promoting a brighter, more even complexion." If you have dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or an uneven skin tone due to pregnancy or sun exposure, your ultimate brightening formula is right here. Note: if you are pregnant, it's always wise to check with your doctor regarding the skincare products you're already using and/or want to start using.

Morning:

Apart from vitmain C, another ingredient to tap is alpha arbutin: "It reduces melanin production in the skin to improve the appearance of various types of hyper pigmentation," explains Dr. Robinson. This concentrated serum combines purified alpha arbutin with hyaluronic acid to reduce the look of spots and hyperpigmentation thereby improving uneven skin tone. Apply a few drops of The Ordinary's Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA ($9) to your face in the morning and remember to use sun protection afterward. Then, apply the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6).

Applying The Ordinary's Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F ($18) high-strength oil solution, containing vitamin F (aka essential fatty acids) in the morning will improve skin's dullness and uneven texture (including visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles).

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate is an oil-soluble and extremely stable derivative of vitamin C, which has been shown to offer enhanced skin brightening benefits.

Evening:

Keep skin bright by applying a bit of Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($13) over the skin every night. Then, to increase skin cell turnover, apply the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion ($12). Since you're using a lot of heavy exfoliants, top it off with a moisturizing face cream to counter dryness.

Twice a Week

To keep skin looking as bright and even-toned as possible, integrate Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% ($9). into your routine two to three times a week, depending on your skin's tolerance. The result will be glowy, radiant skin.

Up Next: The 39 Best The Ordinary Products of 2023

Read the original article on Byrdie.