Brand reviews - BeautyDecoded analysis
The Ordinary.
Tops, flops, incompatibilities and USER GUIDE of the range.
The brand that made cosmetics concentration transparency a reality. Ten flagship products analyzed, INCI deciphered, user opinions compiled, incompatibilities mapped - without marketing.
10
Products analyzed
334
User reviews
4,35
Average score /5
~10€
Average list price
What sets the brand apart
Two standards imposed on cosmetics market.
The Ordinary revolutionized mainstream cosmetology by imposing two rules long considered unthinkable for a mass-market brand.
01
Display actual concentrations
Niacinamide 10 %, Retinol 1 %, Glycolic Acid 7 % - the active ingredient percentages are written on the bottle. A standard now imitated, but a pioneer at the time.
02
Real formulation prices
A niacinamide 10 % serum at €6.80 - this price leaves no margin for marketing. What we buy is the active ingredient, not the sales pitch.
Note from Dr Sylvain David
«The Ordinary is the brand I recommend to patients who want to understand what they're putting on their skin and are on a budget. But it's an insider's brand - used well, a The Ordinary routine can rival 10× price routines. Used badly, a range of pure actives in high concentrations can do more harm than good.»
There are many incompatibilities between assets - respecting them is the key to success. essential. This is the purpose of the table below.
Overview
The 10 products analyzed, at a glance.
Sorted by descending BeautyDecoded rating. Synthetic verdicts guide your choice before going into product-by-product detail.
| Product | Note | Opinions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glycolic Acid 7% Toner | 4,89/5 | 45 | ~€9.80 - TOP gentle exfoliator |
| Retinal 0.2% Emulsion | 4,86/5 | 32 | ~€14.90 - TOP anti-âge 93.5 |
| Multi-Peptides + Copper 1% | 4,85/5 | 40 | ~€16.60 - TOP peptides |
| AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling | 4,57/5 | 30 | ~8.70 € - TOP resistant / FLOP sensitive |
| Soothing & Barrier Serum | 4,56/5 | 18 | ~15 € - Barrier + redness 71.4 |
| Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | 4,43/5 | 82 | ~6.80 € - TOP Q/P ratio |
| Caffeine Solution 5% | 4,13/5 | 4 | ~7 € - Eye contour, variable |
| Multi-Peptide Eye Serum | 3,98/5 | 29 | ~15 € - Anti-aging eye contour |
| Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | 3,88/5 | 44 | ~€7.90 - Correct, without differentiator |
| Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% | 3,30/5 | 10 | ~8 € - FLOP oily skin (fluffing) |
Note on BeautyDecoded reviews. The ratings and review excerpts displayed come from users of the BeautyDecoded application. These reviews are not verified. Dates of publication and details of reviews are available on each product sheet in the app.
Critical point
Incompatibilities - complete mapping.
This is critical to using The Ordinary correctly. Incorrectly combining pure active ingredients can neutralize their effectiveness or cause severe irritation.
| Assets | Do not combine with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) |
Copper peptides, retinol, AHA/BHA at the same time | Oxidizes copper peptides. pH incompatible with retinol and acids. |
| Retinol / Retinal | AHA, BHA, pure vitamin C the same evening | Cumulative irritation. Increased photosensitization. |
| Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) |
Pure vitamin C, exfoliating acids | Vitamin C oxidizes copper and degrades peptides. |
| AHA (glycolic, lactic) |
Retinol, pure vitamin C, BHA the same evening | Multiple exfoliants = severe irritation. |
| BHA (salicylic acid) |
AHA the same evening, retinol | Double exfoliation = over-irritation. |
| Niacinamide | Compatible with everything - no restrictions | The universally compatible cosmetic active ingredient. |
Rule of thumb. Morning active ingredients (vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, HA, SPF) vs. evening active ingredients (retinol/retinal, AHA/BHA). Never combine two exfoliants on the same evening. Niacinamide is the universal exception - compatible with everything.
Family 01
Assets and moisturizing
Universal products for the front line. High tolerance, compatible with all routines, no major restrictions.
Niacinamide
TOP - Q/P ratio
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Niacinamide at 10 % acts on four documented mechanisms regulates sebaceous production, reinforces the skin barrier, has an anti-inflammatory action and inhibits melanosome transfer. Zinc PCA (1 %) amplifies sebum-regulating action. 82 notices - the largest catalog volume analyzed.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
70
Oily skin
70
Sensitive skin
0
Anti-aging
49
Imperfections
80
Stains
15
✅ Sensitivity verdict
Suitable for sensitive skin (score: 0). Formulation nuance: propanediol, present in significant quantities, may cause tingling in highly reactive skin.
«Niacinamide 10% + Zinc is The Ordinary product I recommend first - the best price/effectiveness ratio on niacinamide available on the market. Out of 82 BeautyDecoded reviews, the results on pores and imperfections are confirmed in the long term. For skin highly reactive to propanediol: test on a small area.»
User feedback
«Since 2 years: much less visible pores and smooth skin. For 7 euros, it's unbeatable.»
«Great for oily skin - frankly it's great.»
«More even skin, reduced pores, small pimples virtually gone.»
«No visible effect on my acne after several weeks. Results vary according to profile.»
Verdict - TOP. Reference niacinamide price/effectiveness ratio. Blemish score 80. 82 BeautyDecoded reviews. May irritate (propanediol) - test on small area.
Hydration
Correct - no differentiator
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Three forms of HA with different molecular weights + vitamin B5 (panthenol) + ceramides (recent version). Dry skin score: 90 - excellent. Sensitive skin score: +0.5 - suitable. Moderate rating (3.88/5) despite high volume of reviews - consistent with the polarization of returns: HA is a humectant, capturing available water. Applied to dry skin without occlusion, it can have the opposite effect.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
90
Oily skin
90
Sensitive skin
0,5
Anti-aging
15
Imperfections
0
Redness
43
✅ Sensitivity verdict
Suitable for sensitive skin (score: 0.5).
«AH 2% + B5 Serum is correct for its price, but is not a strong differentiator. Alternatives with more complementary active ingredients are better positioned (SVR Ampoule B3: triple AH + niacinamide 5 %). The rating of 3.88/5 is a sign of overly variable efficacy depending on the application protocol».»
User feedback
«I've been using it for several years, and I'm delighted. Visible results from the second bottle - patience and daily use.»
«Very moisturizing and not sticky. Perfect serum for hydration on a budget.»
«Disappointing hydration, skin feels tight after application. Sensation of alcohol on the skin.»
Verdict - Correct. Moisturizes well but formula lacks a strong differentiator. Apply to damp skin + occlusion mandatory.
Skin barrier
TOP - Retinoid pad
Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
Barrier formula : vitamin B12 (documented anti-pruritic action), ceramides, hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan. Dry skin score: 91 - optimal profile. Redness score: 71.4 - the highest in The Ordinary catalog analyzed. This serum is specifically designed to be combined with irritant active ingredients (retinoids, AHAs): it is applied beforehand to prepare and protect the skin barrier.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
91
Oily skin
77
Sensitive skin
0
Anti-aging
43
Redness
71
Stains
43
✅ Sensitivity verdict
Suitable for sensitive skin (score: 0).
«Soothing & Barrier Support Serum is a must-have for profiles using irritating active ingredients (tretinoin, retinoids, concentrated AHAs). Its redness score of 71.4 is exceptional in the catalog. Apply before retinoids to create a protective buffer.»
User feedback
«I apply it 1 h before my retinol 0.3 % to protect the skin barrier of my rosacea.»
«A must: soothes skin irritated by tretinoin and AHAs. Vitamin B12 relieves itching.»
«Pleasant but leaves me with a sticky feeling.»
Verdict - TOP. Redness score 71 (best in the catalog). Ideal barrier buffer before retinoids and AHAs.
Family 02
Anti-aging retinoids and peptides
Active ingredients documented for collagen synthesis and wrinkle reduction. Variable tolerance - gradual introduction for retinoids.
Retinoids
TOP - Anti-aging 93.5
Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
Retinal (retinaldehyde) requires a single enzymatic conversion step to produce active retinoic acid (as opposed to two for retinol). more powerful at equivalent concentration. Anti-ageing score: 93.5 - the highest in The Ordinary catalog analyzed. Well-balanced formula: bisabolol (soothing), hyaluronic acid (humectant), squalane (occlusive). Airless pump format preserves the unstable molecule.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
91
Oily skin
78
Sensitive skin
-3
Anti-aging
94
Imperfections
77
Stains
88
⛔ Sensitivity verdict
Not suitable for sensitive skin (score: -3). Gradual introduction mandatory (1 evening/week × 4 weeks minimum). SPF 50+ in the morning. Not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.
«Retinal 0.2 % is The Ordinary's best-formulated product - superior humectant/fat balance to Retinol 1% in pure squalane base, airless format preserving the unstable molecule. At this price (€14.90), it's a relevant option for profiles looking to start a retinal protocol. Gradual introduction strictly mandatory.»
User feedback
«For the past 2 weeks, I've been alternating with niacinamide and copper peptide. Very well tolerated. Too bad the bottle is so small.»
«Texture superior to many other products on the market. Finally, an affordable retinal serum.»
«Fluid texture, be careful to go easy on it or it may irritate.»
Verdict - TOP. Anti-ageing 94 (best in catalog). Balanced formula superior to Retinol 1 %. Airless format. Gradual introduction essential.
Peptides
TOP - Peptides
Multi-Peptides + Copper Peptides 1%
Multi-active formula: 9 peptide complexes (Matrixyl 3000, Argireline, SYN-AKE, GHK-Cu) + copper 1 peptides % + multi-weight AH. GHK-Cu copper peptides have been documented since the 1970s for their action on fibroblasts: stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis, wound healing, antioxidant activity.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
81
Oily skin
84
Sensitive skin
0
Anti-aging
88
Redness
55
Stains
9
✅ Sensitivity verdict
Suitable for sensitive skin (score: 0). Critical incompatibility: never combine with pure vitamin C at the same time - copper oxidizes and degrades ascorbic acid.
«Multi-Peptides + Copper Peptides is the most complete anti-aging serum in The Ordinary range. At €16.60, it's one of the best value for money copper peptides available in parapharmacy - users compare it favorably with Nooance Copper Peptides Serum (€55). Universal and with no skin contraindications.»
User feedback
«Very simple but very effective. A real game changer. Essential in my routine.»
«Alternative to Nooance serum (more expensive): excellent quality, good penetration, very good Q/P ratio.»
«Calms irritation and removes redness overnight. Wakes up to beautiful skin.»
Verdict - TOP. Best Q/P copper peptide ratio on the market. Anti-aging 88. Do not combine with pure vitamin C.
Family 03
Scrubs chemical
From the gentlest daily peel to the most intense one-off peel on the consumer market. The rule: never use two exfoliants on the same evening.
AHA Scrub
TOP - Gentle exfoliator
Glycolic Acid 7% Toner
Glycolic acid 7 % light lotion - toner format, applicable with cotton pad or palms. Glycolic acid is the best-documented AHA for cell renewal, radiance and spot reduction. Exceptional quality/volume ratio: 240 ml at €9.80 - triple the volume of the standard size at a price 15 % higher.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
77
Oily skin
91
Sensitive skin
-6
Anti-aging
85
Imperfections
38
Stains
77
⛔ Sensitivity verdict
Not suitable for sensitive skin (score: -5.5). SPF 50+ mandatory the next morning. Do not combine with retinol or other acids on the same evening.
«Glycolic Acid 7% Toner is the benchmark for gentle chemical exfoliation as part of a daily routine for normal to oily skin. User rating 4.89/5 out of 45 reviews - the best-rated exfoliator in the catalog. Reserved for profiles that have already established their tolerance to AHAs.»
User feedback
«I use it in the evening, alternating with my retinol. Nothing to say in particular - perfect.»
«Once a week on face, elbows and knees - much finer skin texture.»
«Perfect for my combination to oily skin. I repurchase it every time.»
Verdict - TOP (normal to oily skin). Exceptional Q/P ratio (240 ml). Anti-ageing 85, spots 77. Avoid sensitive skin.
Spot peeling
TOP resistant / FLOP sensitive
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
30 % AHA + 2 % BHA at pH 3.5 - the highest concentration available without prescription in cosmetics. The AHA + BHA combination simultaneously covers surface exfoliation (AHA) and intrapilar exfoliation (liposoluble BHA). A divisive product: effective in a single application on confirmed resistant skin, risky on sensitive skin.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
81
Oily skin
81
Sensitive skin
-6
Anti-aging
68
Imperfections
77
Stains
77
⛔ Sensitivity verdict
Not suitable for sensitive skin (score: -5.75). Strictly occasional use: 10 minutes maximum, 1 ×/week maximum. Rinse immediately if burned. SPF 50+ mandatory the following days.
«Peeling Solution is the most divisive product in the range - TOP for acid-resistant skin, total FLOP for any other profile. Its Q/P ratio is exceptional for the right profile. Niacinamide 10 % applied before and after the session limits irritation. Strictly for occasional use.»
User feedback
«I've been using it for years. Skin used to acids (Neostrata). No reaction. I'm very careful.»
«Best peel on the market - exceptional Q/P ratio. Truly more beautiful skin.»
«Too strong for my skin. For me it's no.»
Verdict - TOP (resistant skin) / FLOP (sensitive skin). Maximum over-the-counter concentration. Occasional use only.
Azelaic acid
FLOP - Oily skin
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Azelaic acid 10 % is a serious active ingredient - anti-spot, anti-inflammatory, anti-comedonal. Redness score: 93.5 - the best of The Ordinary catalog. But the problem is formulaic: the suspension base uses an emulsion rich in silicones and fats, too heavy for oily skin - precisely the profile that most looks for this active ingredient. Recurrent linting reported.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
63
Oily skin
42
Sensitive skin
0
Imperfections
51
Redness
94
Stains
78
✅ Sensitivity verdict
Suitable for sensitive skin (score: 0).
«The problem with Azelaic Acid Suspension is not the active ingredient but the formulation. For azelaic acid on oily skin: Nooance Soin Clarifiant (15 % AA + BHA, gel texture) or Typology AA 10 % (light milky texture) are much better suited.»
User feedback
«I use it 1 day out of 2 on targeted areas. Very good for my acne spots.»
«Interesting product but too fluffy. I can only use it in the evening.»
«Extremely plush. Can't put it with anything else.»
Verdict - FLOP (oily skin). Correct active ingredient, unsuitable formulation. Recurrent fluffing. Superior alternatives: Nooance or Typology.
Family 04
Contour eyes
Variable efficacy depending on etiology. Expectations for deep dark circles or anatomical bags are beyond the scope of topical active ingredients - to be calibrated.
Caffeine
Correct - variable
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Caffeine 5 % + EGCG (green tea epigallocatechin, antioxidant). Caffeine exerts an vasoconstrictor and draining action on periorbital microcirculation. Genuine efficacy on bags of vascular and edematous origin in the morning. Variable on anatomical or pigmented dark circles, which are beyond the reach of topical active ingredients. Refrigerated storage recommended.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
63
Oily skin
84
Sensitive skin
-1
Anti-aging
64
Imperfections
47
Stains
51
⚠️ Sensitivity verdict
Slight caution recommended (score: -1).
«Caffeine Solution 5 % is suitable for dark circles and puffiness of vascular origin. Keep refrigerated to amplify the vasoconstrictive effect. Variable efficacy depending on the etiology of the bags - calibrate expectations according to profile.»
User feedback
«Very effective on my morning puffiness. I keep it in the fridge - the effect is amplified.»
«Pleasant gel, stored in the refrigerator. After 1 month: no noticeable change.»
«Insufficient for pockets with a mixture of oedema and fat.»
Verdict - Correct. Vascular dark circles and edematous bags. Variable efficacy depending on etiology. Keep refrigerated.
Eye contour peptides
Correct - light anti-aging
Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
Complex multi-peptides targeting fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. Anti-ageing score: 76.5 - relevant for an eye contour care product. Feedback reveals classic disappointed expectations in this category Anatomical puffiness and deep constitutional dark circles are beyond the reach of topical active ingredients. Satisfied profiles: use as a light corrective moisturizer with no marked problems.
Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
84
Oily skin
84
Sensitive skin
-1
Anti-aging
77
Imperfections
26
Stains
57
⚠️ Sensitivity verdict
Slight caution recommended (score: -1).
«Multi-Peptide Eye Serum is a relevant option as a light anti-aging moisturizer for the eye area, with an anti-aging score of 76.5 consistent for this zone. One drop is enough for both eyes - economical despite the 15 ml format.»
User feedback
«Very light, quickly absorbed. One drop is enough for both eyes. Already repurchased.»
«Good value for money. Not sufficient on its own but provides added value in combination with others.»
«Not convinced - a regular moisturizer would do the same job.»
Verdict - Correct. Light anti-aging eye contour moisturizer. Anti-aging 77. Calibrate expectations on deep dark circles.
Putting it into practice
Typical routines by objective.
Five turnkey routines to build with the catalog analyzed above. All respect incompatibility rules.
Beginner
Anti-imperfections
Morning
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc - SPF 50+
Evening
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
If glycolic tolerated: Glycolic Acid 7% 2-3×/week
Beginner
Anti-aging beginner
Morning
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - SPF 50+
Evening
Soothing & Barrier · Retinal 0.2% (2×/week, progressive intro) - cream
Confirmed
Anti-aging confirmed
Morning
Niacinamide 10% - SPF 50+
Evening
Multi-Peptides + Copper · Retinal 0.2% (alternating)
Correction
Anti-stain
Morning
Niacinamide 10% - SPF 50+ (essential)
Evening
Niacinamide 10% · Glycolic Acid 7% (2-3×/week)
Tolerance
Sensitive skin
Morning
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - SPF 50+
Evening
Soothing & Barrier Serum
No irritants in the sensitive phase
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need really know.
Where to start with The Ordinary if you're a beginner?
Two products to get you started: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc (morning and evening, universal, sensitivity score 0) + Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (hydration). This duo is compatible with all skin types, allowing us to observe skin reaction before introducing more powerful active ingredients.
Is Retinal 0.2 % really superior to Retinol 1 %?
For most profiles, yes. Retinal is more potent at equivalent concentration (one conversion step instead of two) and the formula is better balanced in humectants. Retinol 1 % in squalane is interesting only for confirmed profiles who know their tolerance and can compensate for the absence of humectants. Anti-ageing score Retinal 0.2 %: 94 vs Retinol 1 %: 92.
Why is Azelaic Acid Suspension not recommended for oily skin?
Azelaic acid itself is excellent (redness score 94, spots 78). The problem is the formulaic basis in silicone/oily body suspension - too heavy for oily skin, fluffy under other products and unsuitable under make-up. Alternatives: Nooance Soin Clarifiant (15 % AA, gel texture) or Typology AA 10 %.
Is Peeling Solution dangerous?
Not if used correctly on resistant skin: 10 minutes maximum, rinse thoroughly, 1 time per week maximum. Risky if used on sensitive, dry or irritated skin. The rule: if your skin reacts to the usual exfoliants, this product is not for you. Niacinamide 10 % applied before and after the session limits irritation.
Can The Ordinary products be used during pregnancy?
Niacinamide, HA, NMF and peptides (without copper) are generally compatible. Absolutely avoid: any product containing retinol or retinal. AHA/BHA are traditionally avoided as a precaution. Soothing & Barrier Serum is compatible. Consult your doctor or midwife for any routine adjustments.
Can The Ordinary vitamin C be combined with copper peptides?
No, not in the same application. Pure vitamin C directly oxidizes copper ions and degrades copper peptides - the two active ingredients cancel each other out. The rule of thumb: vitamin C in the morning, copper peptides in the evening. This separation allows you to benefit from both without loss of efficacy.
Your personalized diagnosis
Is your product The Ordinary adapted to your skin ?
Scan it into the BeautyDecoded app to get a personalized score out of 100, based on your skin type and issues - no marketing, no compromises.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation. BeautyDecoded is an artificial intelligence analysis application and is not a medical diagnostic tool. The results presented depend on the user's diligence and skin type. This article does not constitute a commercial partnership with The Ordinary brand.
