5 affordable The Ordinary products I've been repeat buying for years (and all are under £10)
Our writer has been buying products from the brand since its 2016 launch. Here, she shares her repeat purchases.
If you're a fan of The Ordinary products now's the perfect time to stock up as the brand has some seriously good discounts on their already-affordable ranges right now.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2016, The Ordinary has been the beauty industry's biggest disruptor, thanks to its affordable formulas, active ingredients and fuss-free packaging. With much of its range costing less than £10, it has since expanded beyond skincare and now also offers haircare and bodycare.
I've been using the brand since it first launched and there's a handful of products that I always re-purchase.
If you're new to The Ordinary this great mini set is a great Black Friday deal worth trying. It includes three of their best-sellers: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (15ml), Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (15ml) and Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (15ml).
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The range spans skincare basics such as cleansers and moisturisers, along with serums and toners that exfoliate and treat specific concerns such as breakouts, dryness, texture and dehydration. At a time when the cost of living is at an all time high, low-cost (yet effective) beauty products are more essential than ever, especially if you struggle with common skincare issues.
I think The Ordinary caters to that need better than most brands so I've handpicked my favourites that are worthy of being in your bathroom cabinet, too.
The 5 best products from The Ordinary
Squalane Cleanser
This is my all-time favourite product from The Ordinary. It's a creamy balm that melts down full-coverage foundation, stubborn lipstick and even waterproof mascara with ease, to leave skin clean, soft and glowing.
To remove make-up, simply massage onto a dry face and take off with a lukewarm flannel, however you can also use this in the morning when applied to damp skin for a refreshing way to start the day. Rich in squalane, an ingredient which strengthens the skin barrier, it's ideal if you have sensitive skin that's prone to redness and irritation like me. Available for just £6 thanks to Black Friday, we're stocking up.
🛍️ Product reviewed: Squalane Cleanser
⏰ Tested for: Three years
⭐ Rating: 5/5
💸 Reasons to buy: It's gentle and ideal for sensitive skin, the 50ml tube is perfect for travel and it effectively removes make-up and SPF
✋ Reasons to avoid: None at all, this is worth every penny and all skin types can use this
💰 Best deal we've found: Buying directly from The Ordinary's website is cheaper than purchasing this product from Cult Beauty, LOOKFANTASTIC and John Lewis.
Shop it now: Squalane Cleanser | £6.16 (was £8) from The Ordinary
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Part of The Ordinary's original line up upon launch was this niacinamide and zinc serum. It's a gel consistency that's a great option for oily skin prone to blemishes. It's a bit of a triple threat, tackling breakouts, minimising pores and decongesting skin, I find it works especially well on reducing blackheads that commonly appear on my nose. Best of all it can be used morning and evening, travels well without leaking and layers nicely under my usual moisturiser. You'll struggle to find anything better for less than a fiver.
🛍️ Product reviewed: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
⏰ Tested for: Three months
⭐ Rating: 4/5
💸 Reasons to buy: Great for oily skin, this serum is fast-absorbing and works to heal a compromised skin barrier and prevent breakouts
✋ Reasons to avoid: No, it's affordable and the combination of niacinamide and zinc is a common couple that can prevent moisture loss, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and fade hyperpigmentation. It's a great multi-tasker
💰 Best deal we've found: The Ordinary is offering 25% its entire website for Black Friday, which brings this product down to £3.85 from £5.
Shop it now: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | £3.85 (was £5) from The Ordinary
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
If an uneven skin tone and blemishes are your skincare bugbear like me, try incorporating azelaic acid into your routine. The creamy formula is fast-acting to reduce skin redness while brightening and is gentle enough to use every day. It has a matte finish too, making it a great base beneath make-up to control shine throughout the day.
🛍️ Product reviewed: Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
⏰ Tested for: Five months
⭐ Rating: 4/5
💸 Reasons to buy:This budget-friendly cream tackles a myriad of skin issues, ranging from reducing redness, brightening dull complexions and smoothing fine lines
✋ Reasons to avoid: Not particularly, it's suitable for all skin types and is also safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
💰 Best deal we've found: The Ordinary is offering 25% its entire website for Black Friday, which brings this product down to £7.62 from £9.90.
Shop it now: Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% | £7.62 (was £9.90) from The Ordinary
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Tackle dark circles with this caffeine-rich solution. It's a thin, watery texture that's fast-absorbing and does a stellar job at improving the appearance of my tired eyes. Like an eight-hour sleep in a jar, it's suitable for all skin types and despite costing less than a tenner and delivers noticeable results on tackling under-eye discolouration. I love how thin the texture is, it's almost watery, and how fast it absorbs too, taking just seconds in my routine but making a big difference.
🛍️ Product reviewed: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
⏰ Tested for: Two months
⭐ Rating: 4/5
💸 Reasons to buy: This is a super lightweight watery texture and treat dark circles in a matter of days, it never disrupts your concealer or foundation either
✋ Reasons to avoid: While brightening and hydrating, it won't be able to improve puffy under-eyes, which can often be a result of genetics or require an invasive treatment to reduce
💰 Best deal we've found: The Ordinary is offering 25% its entire website for Black Friday, which brings this product down to £6.08 from £7.90.
Shop it now: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG | £6.08 (was £7.90) from The Ordinary
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
This is one of the newest launches for 2023 from The Ordinary and comes in a generously sizes 150ml tube that has lasted me months so far. If you've ever over-exfoliated, struggle with inflammation regularly and and damaged your skin barrier, this is a gentle, soothing cleanser that will help get you back on track. Rich enough to remove make-up, with a lightweight gel-cream textures, it works across all skin types and never causes my sensitive skin that's prone to redness and breakouts any issues. It's a great affordable way to start your daily skincare routine.
🛍️ Product reviewed: Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
⏰ Tested for: Two months
⭐ Rating: 5/5
💸 Reasons to buy: If you prefer a cream texture to a traditional cleaning balm, this is ideal and never irritates nor strips my sensitive skin
✋ Reasons to avoid: It's an effective make-up remover, but it doesn't quite manage to melt down every scrap of waterproof mascara off
💰 Best deal we've found: The Ordinary is offering 25% its entire website for Black Friday, which brings this product down to £8.55 from £11.10.
